Plane Conversations

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, Scott McCartney talked about security taking longer than the flight.

Ever since the December 25 bombing attempt, travelers heading to the United States have had to face much tighter security.  The federal government issued new rules which made inbound travelers have to go through a number of screening processes which include some pretty intrusive searches.  And the crazy thing is people adjust.  We have all become indoctrinated to this.  We don’t like it, but we just have to do it.  

I know this because I flew from Brisbane, Australia to Los Angeles a week after the attempted bombing.  I was told that I would have to be at the airport three hours prior to my flight.  I went through a number of searches, pat-downs, emptying out of personal belongings and carry-on luggage.  I removed my shoes about four times.  My teenaged son, who happened to be walking ahead of me alone, with his hands in his pockets, wearing a hoodie over his head, was approached by security to have an explosives test.

The article says:  “If you’re coming inbound to the U.S., it’s going to be a tough summer unless we get some creative change in the security rules,” said Steve Lott, a spokesman for the International Air Transport Association, a Geneva-based group that represents airlines around the world.

Airports, airlines and government agencies around the world have hired more screeners to perform the “enhanced” security that the U.S. now requires for any flight headed to or flying over the 50 states.

Airline officials said that government agencies and airports in North America, Europe and Asia have promised that they will staff up enough to prevent long lines and delays as travel picks up this spring and summer. “All we’ve got at this point is their word and we hope their word is good,” said an official at a U.S. airline. “It’s a concern.”

This affects not only those traveling to the US from overseas, but also domestic flights around the country.  So, what’s the alternative to removing your shoes and standing in long security lines?  You could always get a bunch of buddies, or other business travelers heading your way, to charter a private aircraft.  You’d be surprised at the price of dividing a charter flight by six or eight.  And you’d love the fact that you can drive to the FBO, grab a coffee and board the plane from the ramp 15 minutes before wheels up.  And I haven’t even started on the luxury of the experience yet.

Click on pen to

We at Plane Conversations sometimes pick on the airlines because we hear all too often about the bad experiences people have when flying commercially.  But sometimes we hear stories, like the one below,  which lets us know that the airlines still have some great employees who get it right! 

On a recent flight back to Montreal, a client and friend of ours, Serge Charron, of Pascan Aviation in Canada, had the following airline experience, and wanted us to share it on this site.  This is how one person can make a difference to many.

I want to share an experience I recently had while travelling from the United States to Canada, which demonstrated how the proactive quality of an employee, versus a reactive attitude, can make a significant difference to a customer experience. This is an example where each and every employee – from a cleaner, to pilot, and even a CEO, must be dedicated to customer service to ensure a successful and healthy company.

This particular employee did her best to correct a problematic situation, when the cause was clearly out of her control.  A reactive employee would have done their duty as usual (a normal turnaround within the normal turnaround time).  This would have done nothing to resolve the delay to all subsequent flights.

Her initiative was safe, efficient and cost saving to the company.  Her dedication to customer service is invaluable and she is clearly a person with a strong worth ethic and who is looking out for the company.

This is what happened:

We arrived at the terminal in Nashville for our flight back to Montreal.  After checking the board, we saw that our flight had been announced 45 minutes late. We were concerned about our connecting flight, since this delay led to us having only 5 minutes to catch our connection in Philadelphia. As most people would, we just sat there.  There’s nothing much we can do!

An airline employee came to the small counter at our gate and took the microphone.  She announced the delay and explained that she will do her best to shorten the delay for those who have a connecting flight in Philadelphia.  She then called for all passengers who had a tight connection to visit her; there were about 10 in total.  She upgraded each passenger to the first rows in entrance of the plane, to enable us to exit the plane as quickly as possible in Philadelphia. That was smart!

When the plane arrived, she made another improvement.  She called for boarding and made it per row, commencing with the last row in the back of plane.  This made it so we were not stuck at the door waiting until everybody had finished stuffing their luggage in the overhead compartment, tightening belts etc before others can continue to the next seat.  This was very smart!  It facilitated a very quick turnaround. I wonder why it is not always like this?

 The professionalism the woman demonstrated and her initiative and customer service skills made the situation bearable, and made my day. I said to my colleague “I wish all of my employees were like her”.

The time she saved in this turnaround gave us 20 minutes for a smooth connection in Philadelphia, and on home to Montreal.

Thanks to Serge Charron, President of Pascan Aviaion in Montreal for sharing this story. One person can make a difference!

 www.pascan.com

Click on pen to

There are 77 million of them and, according to an online article on Barron’s website, Baby Boomers are being ignored by marketers.  What’s more, they are being ignored when they are the group who has driven 45% of all consumer spending for the last 60 years.  In the next few years, it is estimated that the number will grow to 52%.

So who are the marketers going after?  They favor the 18- to 49-year-olds, as they are the age group who are forming opinions, forming families, and are making major purchases like homes, cars, etc.  However, they are not the age group with their wallets out ready to spend.  Look at most advertising done today; it is aimed at the younger, hip crowd, in spite of the fact that over half of spending comes from the 45 to 63 year olds.   And this trend is expected to continue for the next 20 years, Barron’s says.

So what about the traveler?  Do we, in the aviation industry, target the Baby Boomers or Gen Xers?  Do we even know?

Travel Marketing Decisions interviewed a series of experts to gather insight into this enormous and potentially lucrative segment.  Below are some truths about Baby Boomers and the marketing implications for the travel industry.

1. Boomers consider travel a necessity, not a luxury. This is good news for the industry on two counts. First, the sheer number of boomers traveling will cause business to grow. Second, since travel is a necessity, Boomers engage in it no matter how scarce their time or money. Their travel behavior, therefore, is less dependent on life stage or the economy.

2. Boomers have traveled more than their predecessors. While their parents first visited Europe when they retired, Boomers criss-crossed the Continent as students.  They’re already seasoned travelers, and know what they like and don’t like.  They also seek out more in-depth ways of experiencing familiar places. 

3. Boomers want to have fun.  It’s not surprising that adult teenagers put a premium on having a good time. Although fun, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, Courtney Day, of a New Jersey research and marketing firm, said companionship, stimulation and the cultural/social experience make travel fun for Boomers. She added, “Part of the enjoyment of the experience is knowing it’s unique - that’s part of the rush.”

4. Boomers demand immediate gratification. Unlike their Depression-era parents, Boomers grew up in times of plenty. Easy gratification bred a desire for still more and quicker rewards. As a result, Boomers don’t wait to take the trips they want.  If they don’t have the money, they just use plastic.

5. Boomers are not passive. They want a measure of control in designing their travel experience, and, once on the road, they want to choose their activities. “If you tell them they’re going to do A, B and C, they might want to do E or F,” noted editor Malott. The challenge for travel marketers is to make it clear their product offers plenty of options.

6. Boomers think they are special. Having always been a force to be reckoned with, they are very demanding consumers.  Whether they go budget or luxury, Boomers tend to want the best.

7. Boomers like creature comforts. This fact, according to Malott, actually keeps Boomers from booking the exotic locales they profess to like. Day puts a slightly different spin on the issue. “A tent is OK,” she said, “but it better have a great view and great food. Even if you’re in the wilderness, luxury is being served a delicious meal without having to lift a finger.”

8. Boomers are time deprived. To get relief from their stressful schedules, Boomers vacation where they can do absolutely nothing but be pampered. Or they may go to the opposite extreme, choosing adventures that are physically or mentally challenging – or both.  When booking travel, Boomers also need time-saving devices.  They like 800 numbers, the Internet, videos and virtual reality because they offer convenience and interactivity.  Internet use is so common among Mature Traveler readers, editor Malott automatically lists website addresses along with phone numbers. Day pointed out that Boomers use the Internet more for information gathering than booking. “It’s human nature to want to feel connected to what you’re about to sign up for,” she said. However, she added, Boomers also like the freedom of not involving other people when they are exploring a subject. Their attitude is, “When I’ve decided, I’ll initiate the next move.”

9. Boomers will pay for luxury, expertise and convenience. ATM fees, nannies and bottled water prove Boomers are willing to pay for what they want.

Seems to me Baby Boomers are the perfect customer for the private aviation industry.  So how do we reach them?  We should concentrate on adding value to the process of buying experiences.  So…a Citation XLS or a Lear 45?

Click on pen to

Even before the deadly 7.0 earthquake, Haiti, one of the world’s poorest countries, was filled with orphans; estimated at 380,000 children living in orphanages or group homes. Now, the number is so huge, officials for the United Nations Fund cannot even give an accurate number, only to say that tens of thousand more children have been left without any family at all.

I recently read a story where a child was outside playing soccer in Port-au-Prince when his home pancaked in the devastating earthquake and killed his parents and five sisters.  He now sleeps with thousands in a Port-au-Prince park and is forced to search for food in rubble, and find anything he may be able to sell so that he can survive. 

There is horrific story after story about these suffering children.  But I have also witnessed the outpouring of aid that people from all over the world have given to the people and country of Haiti.  It is no wonder my heart strings have been tugged at frequently since the disaster struck Haiti.

 I was recently sent a link to a story of a Nashville businessman and aviator (who also happens to be Corporate Flight Management’s Attorney, and friend), Philip North who, along with friend Don Bruce, flew to Haiti to pick up a group of Haitian orphans, to bring them back to their new home in America.  They have all been adopted by American families. 

It was a mission that was unexpected, as Philip and Don had partnered up with Agape Flight to fly doctors and supplies into Port-au-Prince.  But what they ended up doing was flying five unaccompanied, and scared children to south Florida. 

The below link is a video from Channel 5 news which tells the story of these generous aviators giving without asking anything in return.  Helping those in need, because they can.  Just try and not get goose bumps when you hear about Philip singing “Amazing Grace” to the five scared children in the back of that plane!

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/category.asp?C=125220&clipId=4494058&topVideoCatNo=85299&autoStart=true

Bravo to all of the amazing and giving people, working hard to bring relief to the devastation.  God knows these beautiful and helpless children need our help.

To donate to the children of Haiti, visit:  http://hopeforhaitischildren.org/

Click on pen to

I recently had the opportunity to be part of an interview with Fleet Aviation executives Doug Brennan (CEO) and Ellen Sluder (Director of Marketing) about how, in a murky aviation market, they are successfully growing their aircraft charter business.

The business model behind this White Plains, New York, based company is simply offering complete travel solutions to the customer that is price competitive, safe, comfortable, convenient and environmentally friendly.  It’s what all of the aviation industry wish to do.  These guys have a solid history of success since 2005 and are offering a better solution to the business traveler.

So who is Fleet Aviation?  And what is their secret?  Well, it’s not really a secret at all.  Fleet Aviation provides on-demand charter service in small aircraft anywhere within 500 miles of the Greater New York City and Boston areas.   At Plane Conversations, from time to time we like to compare the different experience of riding on a corporate or private jet, with the experience of travelling on the airlines.  It’s our business, and we love to share with the market what a wonderful experience flying private is.  Well, the small aircraft offers the same experience.  Being a student pilot and flying in a two-seat Cessna 152 with less than desirable elbow room, I can fully appreciate the comfort level of flying in a four or six seat aircraft; whether it has one engine or two.  And these aircraft are not only comfortable and modern, but they are also fun, safe, and can get into any of the 5000 small airports in the US.  Only 500 are available to the airlines.  So it’s easy to figure out the time and cost advantage of chartering a single-engine aircraft. 

But what is the experience like?  Ellen Sluder says, “The experience of flying Fleet starts well before you arrive at the airport for your trip. You can either reserve online or call our concierge service. Once you have confirmed, you get a personalized itinerary that includes the name and phone number of your pilot. Should there be any concerns or questions, you can always call us or the pilot directly.  When it is time for the trip, you can drive right out onto the tarmac and your car will be valet parked and washed for your return. You step out of your car, hand your pilot your bags, climb right into the plane and can be taxiing in 5 minutes. Skip the crowds, lines and connections associated with major airlines. And, because you are flying private, we are completely on your schedule – if you arrive a few minutes late, we simply wait for you.”

Fleet Aviation keeps a clear business focus on regional travelers and aiming to attract a new market -those who might not have ever thought about aircraft charter.

Face to face is important for Fleet Aviation, but the social media trend has clearly started to penetrate the aviation industry.  “I fully believe that Social Media should be about getting feedback and creating a discussion.  ”Engaging” in the truest sense of the word”,Ellen says. ”Ultimately, I’d love to get to the point where I’m generating hundreds of hits and interactions – driving people to our website and getting actionable feedback.  But for now, the focus is really twofold: to provide fodder for folks who are doing due-diligence on Fleet Aviation, and use it as a tool for education.  We want to challenge the conventional thinking on regional travel. I read upwards of 30 blogs a day, and sift through to find topics I think would resonate and be relevant to regional travelers and then put the private aviation spin on it. Sometimes it’s about highlighting destinations that are best reached through private flying, sometimes it’s commentary on the current system”. 

To visit the great folks at Fleet Aviation, go to:  www.flyfleet.com

“With Fleet, it’s smooth, simple and straightforward, from booking to landing.”

Click on pen to

With a new year ahead, it seems a majority of us are reflecting on the past year, and perhaps deciding to make some changes in our lives.  Whether the change involves exercising more, quitting a bad habit, or something more life changing, like starting a family or new job, one thing is certain, change can be daunting, and downright scary for some.  What does this have to do with my learning to fly, you ask?

My last blog was about waiting - having patience.  I was not able to fly because of poor weather conditions, my aircraft being in maintenance, and my plans to spent three wonderful weeks on vacation in my homeland of Australia.  This blog is about CHANGE - quite fitting considering it’s the beginning of a new year, and I’m already making some changes in my personal life.  What’s one more, right?

So, the Cessna 152 went down for maintenance – an engine overhaul to be exact.  This left me without an aircraft to fly.  So the questions I have to answer are: do I wait the possible weeks it takes for engine overhaul, or do I change aircraft?  I have the option to change from the Cessna 152 to a Diamond Katana (DA20).  The aircraft are quite different – one high-winged, the other low-winged.  One has a yoke, the other a stick.  The different cockpit, and overall feel of the airplane.  Honestly, I was really disappointed that I was unable to solo in the 152 before I left for my vacation in Australia; but, I’m now quite excited at the prospect of switching aircraft.  Flying a different airplane altogether will be a great challenge.  I’ve never really been afraid of change; so (no surprise), I’m making the chage and I’m really excited about it.

However, this means I will have to learn a new Pilot Operating Handbook, DA20 aircraft speeds, instrument panel, how to land with a completely different view of the runway.  One thing won’t change:I will still have to rub elbows with Kirk.  It’s a tiny trainer!

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful, it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful, it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident, it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.  So, to those reading this blog, I encourage you to embrace change in your life.  Because one thing is certain, change is inevitable.

Click on pen to

As the economy has slowed down,Americans have reduced spending in many areas of their lives.  But one thing that has remained high on the list of priorities is to have at least one vacation each year.

So, for the aviation enthusiast, I have found some great aviation related destinations to visit.  Even if you’re not into all things that fly, these are just “plane” cool places to visit.  Here are my top pick destinations for flights of fancy: 

Hotel Costa Verde’s Boeing 727 Fuselage Suite
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

This suite is a salvaged airframe of a 1965 Boeing 727.  It was transported in pieces from a San Jose aircraft graveyard, to the jungles of Manuel Antonio.  With a breath of fresh life, this aircraft has now been resurrected into a meticulously detailed, two bedroom suite, perched on a 50 foot pedestal to take in the stunning views of the Costa Verde II area in Costa Rica.  But it is nothing like a regular 727 inside the fuselage.  It features teak paneling from the cockpit to the tail, two bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and flat screen TVs.  I think I would most enjoy sipping wine on the wing terrace, while taking in the ocean views and watching the monkeys, toucans and sloths in the lush surrounding treetops. http://www.costaverde.com/727.html

The Museum of Flight

Seattle, Washington

The Museum of Flight showcases a collection of more than 150 historic air and spacecraft and related artifacts in unique and inspiring exhibits. Walk in the footsteps of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon on their presidential 707 jet, see the world’s fastest jetliner - the Concorde, as well as other exhibits such as The Museum of Flight Tower at Boeing Field, Space: Exploring the New Frontier, The Montgolfier Brothers’ Balloon, and World War II Fighters.

Open now and running until May 2010 is the popular exhibit In Search of Amelia Earhart.  The Museum of Flight says it has  brought together resources from around the country for this new exhibit about the remarkable life and times of famous American pilot, Amelia Earhart. It features many of her original personal artifacts, as well as photos and newsreel footage”.

http://www.museumofflight.org/

Fighter Jet Experience at Thunder City

Cape Town, South Africa

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the thrill of a lifetime in a fighter jet (that is, head out to sea at a speed of close to 650 miles per hour just 50 feet above the water: your  limits and sortie profile are determined purely by your ability to handle them, then go vertical), then Thunder City is a destination you must visit. Ok, so it’’s in Cape Town, South Africa!  But this is your one vacation a year, right?  Why not zoom over the point where the Indian and Atlantic points meet?  Fly up the coastline of some of the world’s most stunning beaches.Climb high over Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain.  And do it all in the most exciting and graceful combat jets.  Thunder City’s jets include the world’s only flying English Electric Lightnings, Bae Buccaneers, and Hawker Hunter jets.  Choose from a variety of jet flight profiles; ultra high, supersonic, aerobatic, surface-hugging, formation or a combination of these.  Then spend the rest of your vacation recovering from adrenalin overload by enjoying the diverse and unforgettable offerings of Cape Town.  http://www.thundercity.co.za/

If you’re only going on one vacation this year, why not make it a completely unique experience that you can take with you for life!

Click on pen to

The last two weeks, I’ve been tested.  Tested in what it takes to be a pilot.  Not so much on the “determination” side of things, or the ability to think quickly, having a certain amount of co-ordination, or willingness to study.  No, I am being tested on patience! 

I haven’t flown since before Thanksgiving; so, I’m feeling less “Top Gun” and more “Wagon Train.”  Instead of screaming (okay, buzzing) around the skies, I’m just sitting, watching, waiting.  I guess it comes down to what I have written in a previous blog about weather affecting my ability to fly.  But this time, there are other factors involved.  My Cessna 152 has been in maintenance for its annual inspection.  My instructor, Kirk, has been on vacation during Thanksgiving break (c’mon!), and the dismal weather meant that the cloud ceiling for even pattern work was too low.  So if you’re thinking of learning to fly, be aware that there will probably be a number of factors that may contribute to a dry spell at some point during your training. 

So, what will I talk about, since I haven’t flown in a couple of weeks?  How about what I’ve done so far and what I have yet to accomplish? For those following my journey, here is a comprehensive list of what’s involved, what is in progress, and what is coming!  (And this will even give you some idea of future blogs!)

Whoa….I just realized I still have a long way to go!  But doesn’t that all sound like such fun?  If you are reading this blog, have wanted to fly, and are thinking more seriously about it, I suggest you take to the sky for an introductory flight.  A great website to visit is http://www.pilotjourney.com/.  They will provide you with all of the information needed to get you started, provide you with a free Learn to Fly Kit, can help you buy an introductory flight lesson, and can hook you up with a flight school anywhere in the country.  There are also all sorts of other cool links, and information available on their website.  I recommend that you take the plunge and do it.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say they want to learn to fly, but they never take the first step.  I say, “jump!”  (If you’re in TN go to www.wingsmqy.com and www.jwnwings.com)

So, I know I’ve said it before, my solo IS coming soon.  I’ve been studying like a crazy woman, and that’s the part of this process that is testing my perseverance.  You see, I’m crammer by nature, but I can definitely NOT cram for getting my pilots license.  And as of right now, I think I am ready to take my pre-solo written exam.  Once that is out of the way…look out world, I’ll be taking my first solo flight!  Stay posted!  No really, stay posted….the weather will get better. I promise!

Click on pen to

Destination:  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Destin, Florida

Mode of Transport:  Jetstream 32 (executive configuration)

Closest Airport to Destin:  Destin Fort Walton Airport

Now that the weather has well and truly cooled off, it’s time to head south for some warm sun.  And Destin, Florida, is the perfect getaway to recharge and take in the warmth and natural beauty of Florida’s Emerald Coast.  I knew this trip would be a lot of fun.  Firstly, it is a beach getaway.  Secondly, I was staying in a stunning condo on the edge of a golf course.  And lastly, a group of friends came along with me!

As wonderful as Destin is, the best time I had on the trip was the flight down there.  Huh, you ask?  I know that might seem strange considering the majority of travelers in this country find flying a chore and irritating to say the least, but we were flying down on our own private, executive aircraft; so, the commercial experience of long lines, removing your shoes and sitting in an airport terminal waiting, was thankfully removed.  Instead it consisted of arriving at the FBO 15 minutes before the flight, walking out onto the ramp and stepping into a gorgeous aircraft with large cabin and luxurious seats.  And none of my friends who joined me had ever flown on a private aircraft before; so, to see and share in their excitement was priceless.  For that hour of flying, with wine in hand, we actually did feel like rock stars flying to a resort!  It’s a very cool feeling.        

So the trip started with a long day losing myself at the beach.  Situated along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, Destin’s beaches are among the best in the US.  The sand is like sugar and the water is clear and warm.  It has been said that the best season to visit Destin is in the shoulder season.  Golfers, shoppers and fisherman, in particular, find the shoulder seasons are great times to be at the beach.  The weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists.  And compared to Florida’s other popular beach destinations, such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Destin is less of a party town, and more of a place where you can enjoy the many offerings of the area. 

After a full day at the beach, the next day consisted of hitting the shops.  I could write an entire blog on the shopping in Destin!  And the funny thing is, I didn’t even expect this trip to involve any shopping at all.  But it did, as I discovered that a short drive from the resort is the Silver Sands Factory Stores, the nation’s largest designer outlet mall.  Yes, you read right, the largest in the nation!  It features more than 100 designer and name-brand factory stores, and is the best factory outlet mall I have ever been to.  My wallet can vouch for that.  Sandestin Resort also offers a variety of retail experiences.  Shoppers can choose from the boutiques at The Market Shops, or the specialty retailers at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Now something for the guys – Sandestin features four championship golf courses reputed to be the best in Florida.  Located on 7.5 miles of beach and bayfront property between Pensacola and Panama City, Sandestin’s championship courses have been designed by world-renowned course architects.  Our condo was situated right on the edge of the course, and although I didn’t play this time, I can see how the course has gained the reputation as one of the finest in Florida.  If you golf, you must play one of these four fantastic courses.

By Sunday evening, everyone was worn out.  It really is tough work relaxing on the beach, shopping, swimming, eating at fine restaurants and golfing.  Especially when it has been packed into two days.  So, no doubt, the Sunday evening trip home consisted of the entire group curling up in our luxurious seats, snuggly blankets, and dreaming of our return to beautiful Destin.

www.sandestin.com

Click on pen to

 I still find the lessons to be so much fun.  My last lessons have been learning how to recover from unusual attitudes (you know, when you drop your pen on the cockpit floor, dig around to get it, and then look up to find your airplane is diving toward the ground with severe right bank!)  My pens will all have ropes, and be around my neck.  But it’s fun, and every lesson brings something new.  Some excellent information about stalls, spins and unusual attitude training can be found at http://www.stallspin.com/resources/Resources.htm.   Spins are an aggravated stall wherein the airplane follows a downward corkscrew path. As the airplane rotates around the vertical axis, the rising wing is less stalled than the descending wing creating a rolling, yawing, and pitching motion.  Here is an intentional spin in a Cessna 152 (with full power entry for some excitement):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knct2ChNT5k

So I’m getting through the lesson plans and still enjoying flying immensely.  I am told I will soon solo, and then we move into the cross country training.  Ahhhh, a fresh bout of “new”!  But my blog on my first solo experience is coming soon.  Stay posted.

Click on pen to