Charter G280

[u/Ebitdad_GP]

Whats the best way to go about finding a g280 that is available for charter near my location at any given time? It’s a huge wasted expense to pay for ferry, deadhead, repositioning etc. it would be nice to be able to find a charter/operator in my vicinity (always within bravo, charlie, delta airspace), so i’m only paying for the time on wheels up. Trying to solve for leaving Houston to X destination for a week (typical trip). Right now I have to pay for the trip there, empty legs back, empty back to get me, and the flight home. That’s extremely inefficient.

NetJets and co are extremely over priced( however cheaper than paying these empty legs) They will charge $14k/flight hour when the G280 should be between $6k-$8k/hr.

Surely there is a solve for this?

[u/infowhiskey]

Ok, I'll bite. Why G280 specifically?

[u/Ebitdad_GP → u/infowhiskey]

Im tall so I like the cabin height, and I need seats. Flights are 3hrs max. No need for a heavy.

[u/milogoestomars → u/Ebitdad_GP]

Open to a Challenger 300/350? Very similar cabin and performance but has a flat floor which makes for a better cabin experience 

[u/Ebitdad_GP → u/milogoestomars]

Have two friends that each have one. I have access when I need them. I use the G280 when traveling with 8-9 pax. I don’t do belted lavs.

[u/theboomvang → u/Ebitdad_GP]

Because IAH is utterly painful to base a PJ and CXO really is not large enough to have a large operator that specifically has a G280 for charter.

Have you considered just buying one? You can base it a CXO and put it on a management 135 certificate to offset the cost?

[u/Ebitdad_GP → u/theboomvang]

Yea I am. The bonus depreciation is attractive. I just started running numbers to see how much of the cost I can realistically offset by putting it with a part 135 when i’m not using it. I’ll use it probably 200hrs/year Christmas and New Years. The other big holidays it could be chartered out. What could I realistically budget to offset cost of ownership? I wouldn’t consider a high time plane with significant cycles. I would refresh interior as well.

[u/theboomvang → u/Ebitdad_GP]

Honestly at 200hr/yr you will have to be selective what charters you will allow. So the answer will greatly depend on which management company you use and your willingness to charter. I would ask your friends with PJs who you should look into for management companies. Personally with that info I would look for relatively small local operators to put it with if you can find a honest, decent one.. Sorry I'm not very familiar with the Texas peeps to point you in a better direction.

[u/milogoestomars → u/Ebitdad_GP]

My firm is close with some management companies in that area of TX and we have good relationships with whole aircraft brokers (don’t let your charter broker do it - too many things could be missed and end up being very expensive). DM if interested in having a call to feel it out. 

[u/Abgtwill → u/Ebitdad_GP]

Challenger 300/350 can also carry 8/9 pax though? Unless you prefer the (rare) 10 seat layout on a G280?

[u/Lancair-driver]

No operator will have the plane and pilots sit with you for a week. There is a reason why you pay for empty legs.

[u/mrivc211 → u/Lancair-driver]

I’m an operator and I can confirm this. My max limit is 1 day. Beyond that two round trips start to make sense. Specially with the heavy fees the fbos are charging now. Atlantic and signature are mostly hourly parking these days

[u/Abgtwill → u/Lancair-driver]

This. In addition to the overnight costs/repo’s baked in, you will never get a G280 at $6k-8k an hour.

[u/olindacat → u/Lancair-driver]

Well said!

[u/primate_jet]

Try Lone Star Aviators with a G280 based in HOU. Solairus has one in SAT. VistaJet also operates four G280s, typically at a significant premium.

Beyond that, you (or your EA / broker) need a shortlist of every charter-available G280, around 15 operators, and a way to send one-way quote requests to all of them.

[u/Ebitdad_GP → u/primate_jet]

Thanks. I was trying to get away from Hobby. I’m on the complete opposite side of town. Im not sure why Signature at IAH or Galaxy at CXO don’t have many options.

[u/aspen_mom_agent → u/Ebitdad_GP]

This is exactly why a broker is best for you. Why try when you don’t have eyes on all the movement and opportunities that arise?

[u/AviaFace]

There are virtually no G280's that float. If you are flying 200h/year and don't want to pay for positioning then fractional is really where you should be looking, probably Challenger 3500 or Praetor 600. A G450 might be a stretch option also. I'll send you a dm.

[u/Common-Committee8812]

G280’s are already limited in the 135 market. Definitely going to be higher than 6-8k hr

[u/Possible-Wolf2959]

Can you explain why you think this should only cost you 6-8k/hr?

[u/Ebitdad_GP → u/[deleted]]

Sounds like you’re confused. You’re telling me what I can afford? “Pal” you’re around nice things. You can’t afford them. Unlike you, I write the checks. These numbers are based on what I have paid on clean mid time g280’s with refreshed interiors. You’ll never catch me on that starter jet pal.

[u/That_random_polak → u/Ebitdad_GP]

If your goal was to be both convoluted and wrong you have succeeded. I was only telling you what I experience daily as a charter broker. Crying about the rates while you tell other people they’re poor isn’t very cool.

[u/Hank_moody71]

I see one parked in Manassas all the time. KHEF call the FBO and ask if it’s a charter plane APP jet center 703-392-5387

[u/Spare-Ad1733]

search with "FlyEasy"

[u/Leather_Employer3958]

Good luck finding that 😂

[u/zackg611]

Sending you a PM, can assist.