Whenever we go to airport in order to travel in airplane, we see the cabin crew members and pilots and admire about their career and life in the aircraft. But do we ever think about how the aircraft and airport are maintained. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft? The person who is responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft is Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME). They play the most important and crucial role for aircraft to fly.  They help in providing safe and secure journey for both passengers and cargo. The person must have a valid license in order to become an AME. The license is issued by the local aviation authority.

The AME is one who is responsible to issue a certificate whether the aircraft is healthy to fly or carry the passengers or even carry cargos from source to destination. Not only aircraft need its maintenance but its individual parts need to be tested and repaired or assembled or even replaced, if required. The different parts of the aircraft which needs to be inspected on regular basis are engines, base of aircraft, airframe, fuel system, control system, communication system etc.

All the different parts of the aircraft need to be inspected and maintained but there are some parts in the aircraft which need little more attention as compared to others. For example the engine of the aircraft as it is responsible for taking off from source to land on the destination. There are some parts in the engine which are visible to human eyes i.e. some parts of the engine cannot be inspected by the human eyes. For this a device called borescopes is used. Borescope is one of the types of optical device used for visual inspection. It is a device by which the visual inspection of the aircraft engines. There are different types of borescopes which are available. All the distinct parts of the aircraft engine can be inspected visually. So that if is there any kind of fault can be inspected and the necessary steps can be taken to overcome the fault.

In this way borescope play an important role in the inspection of different parts of engines which are inaccessible by any other means. Thus borescope is one of the important devices which are used for aircraft maintenance. As the engine of the aircraft is inspected and maintained, so the other parts of the aircraft can be inspected and maintained by different means. For the inspection of the communication or control system this device is optional.

Keeping in mind the security of the passengers and the cargos, the aircraft maintenance cannot be considered as an ordinary task. It is so vital and crucial task and must be governed and done either by the experts or under the supervision of experts.

They are the predators in the skies and they guard us against enemies. We tend to feel awe and admire these giants and go to sleep knowing full well that they are there to protect us. Let us then read on to know about their costs:

• The F/A – 18 Hornet first entered service in 1980’s. A twin engine aircraft it was America’s first strike fighter which was capable of hitting both the ground and aerial threats. It is a veteran of the Gulf War and is hugely popular with the air forces of Canada, Australia, Finland, Kuwait etc. It costs $ 94 million apiece.
• The EA – 18 G Growler is a sibling of the F/A – 18 and is lightly armed for use with the navy. Fitted with electronic warfare systems it is used in jamming enemy communications and evade anti-aircraft radars. This costs about $ 102 million.
•  The tilt rotor V 22 Osprey costs about $ 22 million and it has the advantage of being used as a helicopter and also as an aircraft. Though there are problems it is still used because it is very versatile. This costs $ 118 million.
• The Lockheed Martin built F 35 costs about $ 122 million. They were intended to replace ageing fighters and modernize the fleet. It is formed as a part of the Joint Strike Fighter concept.
• Costing at $ 232 million apiece, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is used for surveillance and can increase the range of the eye in the sky. It has powerful radars and so is extremely useful in the time of warfare.
• The P-8A Poseidon by Boeing is used for anti-submarine warfare by the Navy and also to gather intelligence. It carries an impressive arsenal of torpedoes, depth charges and deadly missiles. It is based on the 737 version and costs $ 290 million.
• The C17 A Globemaster III is a transport aircraft and is powered by four turbofan engines. It is based on the model of the Boeing 757 and costs a cool $ 328 million.
• The F 22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin and is generally considered to be the best overall fighter aircraft in the world. It has the capability of shooting down enemy cruise missiles and fly very long distances and supersonic speeds. This most expensive fighter jet costs about $ 350 million.
• And now the best for the last. Looking like a spacecraft from outer space, the B-2 Spirit costs a whopping $ 2 billion. But the all the money definitely does some justice as this behemoth can remain undetected by radar, visual or electromagnetic signals. The stealth capability is what gives this aircraft it USP.

These are some of the toys of the boys. The rich and the ever busy executives too have toys of their own as they hire private jets and make use of helicopter charter to move from one place to another.

It is a real fun to fly an Airplane. And it will be even better if you are getting paid to do this. It is an ideal job for some people because of its constantly changing views and the exciting challenges. It is like an office that travels. In a large team of highly trained professionals, Pilots are the focal point and the end operators. To become a commercial pilot you have to get a License for flying.

There are three types of license which you must get in the following order:

• SPL or Student Pilot License
• PPL or Private Pilot License
• CPL or Commercial Pilot License

To get the Student Pilot License or SPL you have to give a theory exam which is taken by the flying clubs in every State. The papers of this exam are Aviation Meteorology, Air Technical, Air Regulations and Air Navigation. The eligibility criteria for this exam are minimum age of 16 years and pass in class X and other requirements are security clearance, a medical certificate of fitness and a bank guarantee. There is a fixed day in every month for the SPL candidates on which they have to give an oral examination. Then the selected candidates have to go through a medical test. The final authorities for medical fitness are Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM), Bangalore and Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi. The candidates who pass the medical test and the pilot aptitude test get the Student Pilot License (SPL).

Now after getting the SPL the candidates must proceed for the initial flying training. It is a dual flight where there is a trainer or instructor with the learner to teach him the practical phases of flying. To get the Pilot Training License or PPL the candidates have to fly at least for 60 hours in which minimum 20 hours should be solo and 5 hours should be cross country. The PPL training is for 6 months. There is also a theory exam covering the subjects Aviation meteorology, Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Seamanship and Aircraft Engines. The Eligibility criteria are minimum age of 17 and 10+2 Pass with medical fitness certificate from IAM or AFCME. The cost for a flying training is approximately 3 to 4 Lakhs.

After getting the PPL, a student can get his Commercial Pilot License or CPL by doing 250 Hours of flying. Duration for this training is 15 months. The SPL holders can directly go for CPL if they are 18 years old and passed class XII with physics, chemistry and mathematics. The training facilities for CPL are available in Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, UP, Flying clubs or Private academies in India and Flying Schools in USA, Gulf, Australia etc. To get the CPL the candidate must show his current PPL with flying experience in the last three years and the medical fitness certificate from IAM or AFCME. The theory exam for CPL covers the subjects Aviation meteorology, Air Regulations, Air Navigation, Planning and Technical.

A pilot training is a never ending process. The highest category of license in this training is Air Transport Pilot License or ATPL. This license allows the pilot to fly all types of aircrafts. By upgrading the flying hours and passing through the medical and other tests in every 6 months, a commercial pilot can become a senior commercial pilot.

If you want to get professional flight training then there are various institutions that provide Pilot training courses. For more details visit www.atsne.com   

As the growing importance of private jet charter business the employment opportunity has been increased. There are different numbers of vacancy now available but for that you need to be eligible. Among this different kind of service one of the services known as flight attendant is much demanding and challenging job. This is because you have to pass all the examination in order to be a good flight attendant. Some private aircraft company offers the training facility or may use the facility offered by other airlines. The training period is for 3 to 4 months and one must need to pass in order to be a successful flight attendant.

For being a flight attendant the minimum educational qualification required is graduation. But some private airlines preferred degree form specialized college or university. Although training received from colleges or university is not sufficient enough as compared with airliners training. Some of this flight attendant receives specialized training too. The job of the flight attendant is highly prestigious and after such terrorist incidents the responsibilities of this job is increasing in greater rate. As I said before, some of the flight attendant received special training like first aid in case of emergency. They are also taught how to manage a rude passenger or any kind of unnatural situations if arise.

After passing the examination successfully you would receive the license and now you would be eligible for carrying out your duty as a flight attendant. But before you get the job they would have physical examination. Also you need to be free from any kind of criminal activity or records. After they fulfill all these conditions you still not allowed being flight attendant if you don’t have international passport. So, it is recommended better you make it and carry it with you.

If you have experienced in the field then you’re a treasure of such business jet charter company. But that is not the requirement if you’re hard working and know how to manage all these things properly then this job is for you. Sometimes, some excellent skill has great advantage to the part of your job suppose if you know which wine to offer after meal or know how to decorate plates then these would be a exciting job for you in addition  with some great salary packages.

If you have been wondering about the business the utility of a chartered aircraft but have still not got the answers, then read on. Below are some of the questions that many wannabe business jet hirers want to ask:

1.      What is the need of hiring a private aircraft?

There are many reasons that you may find useful to hire an aircraft of your own:

·         Firstly, it saves time. Being the most important reason this can help people get to airports on his own time and reach the destination at his own time too. Waiting at the lines is over, lost baggage are over.

·         It is very convenient as you can get closer to your destination instead of having to land at a place further away.

·         The service being much higher, it will leave you relaxed and happy instead of complaining during commercial flying.

·         If you are high profile person or wish to keep your privacy, hiring an aircraft is the thing for you.

·         It produces an image of success.

2.      How safe is it to hire a private aircraft?

Travelling in a private aircraft enables you to travel with a handful of people with whom you are comfortable and feel safe about. The pilots are all ARGUS gold or platinum rated and are completely reliable and the crew too are reliable. So, rest assured you do not have to worry about the safety features.

3.      What is the cost of hiring a private aircraft?

In general, a turboprop charters for about $ 1500-2500, light jets about $ 2500-3500, mid size jets for about $ 3500-5000 and heavy jets for about $ 5000-9000. However, the price also depends on a number of factors like the age of the aircraft, length of stay, landing costs etc.

4.      What is the general capacity of a hired jet?

This depends upon the type of aircraft you are choosing. Below is a table for the number of seats available in a hired aircraft:

Type of aircraft                               Crew                                        Seats

Light jets                                                  2                                            6-8

Midsized jets                                          2-3                                        8-11

Heavy jets                                                2-3                                       9-16

Twin engine turbo props                      2                                             6-9

Single engine turbo prop                       2                                    7-9

Based on this, a single person to about 15-16 persons can travel in a private jet.

5.      How fast can a private jet fly?

A private jet can fly at speeds of about 600 miles/hour.

6.      What is the general range of a private jet?

This depends upon the type of aircraft but in general smaller jets are capable of flying 1500 miles and large jets can fly for 6500 miles.

Having answered most of the questions that arise in the minds of people, it can be observed that private aircraft charter and business jet charter are of much more utility than commercial aircraft.

You are a busy business house and is probably earning a lot of profit through sales. If you are wondering whether you should avail of the services of a private airline but is unsure about some of the facts, you need to learn about some of the things to clear the air. There are some points that might arise in your mind and those need to be cleared.

The most basic points that you need to ask are:

·         The amount of time you travel by air. It is the most important question that need to be known and for which your decision of buying an aircraft depends. Normally, if about 25-35 hrs is spent traveling around then it might warrant going for a private aircraft. If it is to be used in by some other employees too then it is worthwhile to buy a private jet. This would in the long run save you more money than normally.

·         The amount spent normally on commercial air travel around the year is also an important factor. Executives need to travel a lot for securing contracts and it might prove to be a damper if the deadline is missed purely due to travel problems. A private jet might be able to take persons from one location to another and cover three and sometimes even four spots in a single day. For this a private jet comes in handy whereas normal commercial travel would fail.

·         If your company has healthy financial gains and you need to expand then buying a private jet might be a very good option. A private jet would project the image of success and increase the respect among the people and other competitors.

·         There is absolutely no reason to buy a private aircraft. If one needs to get one, then one might look for alternatives. They should check for lease or chartering an aircraft that would save a lot of money and yet do the job. There are more such options and one need to look out for better bargains.

·         One also needs to consider the right kind of model that would suit one’s requirements. Some businesses need a small aircraft, some medium and some even require a large one. Depending upon the requirement, one should make the purchase. A catalog of models is available online.

·         Having done your research work about the model and the price, you need to check with a broker for getting help.

After all the research and buying you will realize the benefits of private aircraft charter and will be pleased to know the good effects of business jet charter.