If financing an aircraft is on your horizon, now is the time to secure your loan. The end of the year is fast approaching, and that means many individuals and businesses will be looking to finalize large purchases for tax offset purposes.

Getting preapproved in August or September is the smart move if you want to miss the hassle of buying during the holidays. As with any financial decision, timing is key.

Why Is There a Time Crunch?

According to Keller Laseter, Chief Commercial Officer at FLYING Finance, the answer is simple: holidays.

“The holidays are the biggest factor to our time crunch,” Laseter said. 

There are multiple bank holidays in the fourth quarter, and that significantly bottlenecks the process.

“When the banks are closed, we lose a lot of valuable time and your loan does not move forward,” Laseter said. 

While some salespeople and lenders may still be eager to close with you no matter the season, it’s an unavoidable fact that many banking and financial professionals will be planning vacations and focusing on family from October to early January—which means they won’t prioritize getting your loan closed. 

“The best way to avoid the busy season is to beat the crowd that’s late to the game,” said Laseter. “Being responsive, communicative, and having your ducks in a row will put you very high on the list.”

Why Start Shopping in August and September?

Waiting until Q4 can lead to delayed closings, aircraft being sold to cash buyers, and worse options and terms.

Typically, clients buying an aircraft for business reasons have complex financial documentation, meaning it takes time for lenders to underwrite them. The savvier and more prepared a client is, the more questions banks and lenders need to clarify. 

With many buyers going through this process at the same time, it can take longer for loans to be completed and can push some finalizations into the next year, which may not be ideal. 

Likewise, inventory is much more limited at the end of the year, with fewer options available for late buyers. The earlier you decide to take to the skies in a new plane, the more variety you’ll find and the more sellers and brokers will be willing to negotiate on terms in order to make those sales.

Can Both Corporate and Personal Aircraft Owners Benefit?

 Absolutely! Actually, securing your aircraft loan early is the surest way to reap the benefits of depreciation and minimize your tax burden. 

“There’s always a rush of clients who approach the finance team in mid-December looking to complete a loan on a large purchase before the end of the year,” Laseter said. “That’s our busiest time, so while we do our best to satisfy this request, it can be difficult.” 

Both corporate and personal buyers can get ahead by submitting the necessary documents as early as possible. Once approved, it’s simple to get reapproved if any time lapses.

Why Have Financing Preapproved in the Fall?

Two of the biggest factors that prolong the financing process are submitting all financial documents in a timely and accurate manner and finding the right deal on the aircraft that suits your needs. Completing the financing side of the equation means you can focus on shopping with confidence in your financial situation. 

The bigger and more complex the airplane, the more in depth the process has to be. Pre-buy inspections, appraisals, logbook review, and other factors mean you’ll want to line up your loan as early as possible so you can be satisfied with a thoroughly vetted aircraft. 

Without preapproval, the time, energy, and money spent on choosing and inspecting the right aircraft can be wasted.

“Just like with buying a house, someone who has an approval in hand when making an offer on an aircraft will be taken more seriously than someone without,” said Laseter. “If you have an approval and the aircraft of your dreams pops up for sale, you can move quickly on the sale and have less risk of the seller going with a cash buyer.”

How to Get Started 

Depending on how your finances are arranged, it’s a good idea to reach out to any investment brokers, accountants, or wealth management firms you work with to get a complete picture of your assets and liquidity. Likewise, make sure you know the details on any existing loans or liabilities so you can go into the pre-approval process with realistic goals. 

If you aren’t sure what documents you’ll need, the FLYING Finance team is here to help you with any questions. Getting started today will get you into your dream aircraft sooner. 

Instead of spending the holidays struggling to finalize details, you can be flying and enjoying the skies.

The post Beat the Holiday Time Crunch: Get Preapproved for an Aircraft Loan Now appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

I worked on Christmas Day during my stint handling line maintenance for the airlines in the early 1990s. Because I worked the second shift, I did get some time with the family in the morning before heading to the airport.

These days, I make my living with the laptop and not a wrench, which means I am not walking the line or stuck at the hangar swinging gear on holidays. There are plenty of my fellow brothers and sisters who are, however, and hopefully this little ditty will bring a smile to their faces.

By now, you have most likely heard about a dozen or more renditions of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song. What you may not have known is that the origin of the song refers to a series of religious feast days celebrated as part of the Roman Catholic religion in medieval and Tudor England. This is news to me! As luck would have it, we should be feasting as opposed to singing. Bravo.

At any rate, you wanted a song, and a song ye shall have. I give to you on this day the 12 Days of an Aircraft Mechanics’ Christmas. Sing along with me.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a high-wing with tailwheel steering.

Are you team tricycle gear or taildragger? I prefer tailwheels, and I suppose that makes me a bit nostalgic. So be it. There is nothing quite like seeing a taildragger taxi out.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two Mechanix gloves.

Have you ever busted a knuckle trying to break free an internal cylinder hold-down nut? Trust me, it is not a pretty sight. I am also not to be held liable for language uttered when my hand is throbbing. A true love would get you the gloves.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three Space Pens.

Everyone knows aircraft mechanics have to do a mountain of paperwork. Why not accomplish this task with a pen that is out of this world? Matte black will not stain after oil changes.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four Thunderbirds.

Do I need to explain? As a Navy veteran, I am partial to the Blue Angels, but that does not rhyme with four calling birds. My hope is that kids will see these aerobatic demonstrations and become inspired to join the aviation ranks.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five piston rings.

Setting an aircraft cylinder ring gap can be tricky. Often, owners would order new cylinders from a discount online warehouse but would have them shipped to our shop so we could set the ring gap and install it correctly for a nominal fee.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six nozzles spraying.

Fuel nozzle health is not something we have touched on yet in Maintaining Your Airplane. The link is a sneak peek.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven rudders trimming.

Trimming flight controls can range from simple, fixed tabs like the above link all the way up to larger, complex systems deploying rudder trim actuators and all points in between.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight gyros tilting.

I am not a gyro expert; that would be my brother, David. But as any good A&P knows, it is less what you know and more where you go. I always refer to technical data, especially if I am not strong in that field. Check out page 18 of the linked PDF to learn all about the tilt.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine throttles advancing.

Did you know that advancing the throttle rapidly might cause an engine to falter? Now you do.

On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 10 oil pans weeping.

Is there anything worse than oil spots on your pristine hangar floor? OK, maybe there is, but they are ugly nonetheless. Drop the oil pan, clean it thoroughly, grab a new gasket, and slather on Permatex. Problem solved.

On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 11 wipers wiping.

Cars are easy. If you need a new windshield wiper blade, head down to NAPA and pick one out from the rows of options. Aircraft are a little different. You can go OEM or PMA. Yes, even windshield wiper blades have to be FAA approved.

On the 12 day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 12 engines humming.

All right, you have waited out those long months grounded while the shop overhauled your engine. Now, it’s time to hang it and get back in the air. What do you need to break in the engine and get it humming again? We will cover this in detail in 2024, but the link provides a little ground school to get you in the know.

There you have it, folks. Thanks for following my column and all the shows of support you’ve given me in 2023. I truly hope you find time to relax and celebrate your holidays in style. As always, you can drop me a note to offer a suggestion, tell me I missed the mark, or just say hello. I appreciate it. Cheers.

The post 12 Days of an A&P Mechanic’s Christmas appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The touchdown is scheduled for 11 a.m. right outside the museum. One can only assume the reindeer are resting up in anticipation of their most intense workday of the year later this month.

Families eager to witness Santa’s unique arrival are encouraged to arrive by 10:45 a.m. and head to the landing observation area. After his arrival, Santa will be inside the museum to meet with children one-on-one until 1 p.m. From there, Santa will embark on an airport fire truck, courtesy of the Manchester Airport Fire Department, to his next appearance.

Children interacting with Santa will receive goodie bags from Santa’s helpers, and the Common Man Roadside elves will be present, offering complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, and other treats for Santa’s fans. The museum store will also be open, featuring unique gift ideas for aviation enthusiasts.

The event, rain or shine, promises a memorable experience for all attendees. In case of inclement weather preventing the helicopter’s flight, Santa will arrive by fire truck.

Jeff Rapsis, the Aviation Museum’s executive director, expressed excitement about continuing the annual tradition. “It’s become an annual tradition for Santa to visit us by helicopter, and we’re pleased to continue it this year,” Rapsis said.

As a special treat, the Aviation Museum will be open free to visitors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 9. Following Santa’s departure, regular admission prices will apply from 1 to 4 p.m.

In conjunction with Santa’s arrival, the museum will debut the “Home of the Holidays” exhibit. The exhibit will feature vintage World War II uniforms and posters on loan from the Wright Museum of World War II, also located in New Hampshire. The exhibit will run until Sunday, January 14, and showcase trees adorned with more than 1,000 aviation-related toys, vintage Barbie dolls, and hands-on toys for young children.

The museum, located at 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, New Hampshire, is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Regular admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 6-12, seniors 65 and over, and veterans/active military, with children 5 and under admitted free.

For more information, call (603) 669-4820. Follow the Aviation Museum on social media at www.facebook.com/nhahs.

The post Festive Fun: Santa Lands by Helicopter at Museum appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Welcome to FLYING’s Black Friday drone discount guide, your source for the best uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology available at cut price. We rounded up the biggest and best deals from manufacturers such as DJI, Autel, and Holy Stone to help match you with the perfect drone for your price point and preferred activity, as well as a few drone pilot training courses available at a discount.

Without further ado, let’s dig into the deals. But before you make your purchase: Make sure the drone is ready for the FAA’s Remote ID rule, which takes effect in March, by visiting the agency’s Declaration of Compliance website.

Deals on DJI Drones

No company produces more consumer drones than China’s DJI. Unsurprisingly, the manufacturer is getting in on the Black Friday action with several major discounts on flagship products. We’ll start with deals on the company’s website, which run through Monday.

Best Value: DJI Avata Pro-View Combo ($999)

The Avata is a relatively new arrival to DJI’s catalog, and at a 30 percent discount off its usual $1,428 price tag, now is as good a time as any to try it out.

Considered one of the top camera drones on the market, the first-person view (FPV) UAV comes with intuitive motion control and video stabilization for shooting 4K super-wide footage. Weighing just less than 1 pound, the model is lightweight and portable for filming on the go.

Users can watch the flight live from the drone’s perspective—allowing them to get a better vantage point for video or photography—through a pair of goggles with dual 1080p micro-OLED screens, which are included in the Pro-View Combo. Video is transmitted to the pilot in 100 frames per second (fps) quality.

The bundle comes with the drone, pair of goggles, joystick controller, batteries, power adapter, and more. DJI is also offering the Avata Explorer Combo, which comes with an upgraded version of the Pro-View bundle’s goggles, for 30 percent off ($889).

Best for New Flyers: DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo ($699)

Now available at an 18 percent discount for $699, the Mini 3 Fly More Combo is perfect for beginners. 

The Mini 3 is one of DJI’s most popular and user-friendly models, ideal for hobbyists still getting used to flying. As its name implies, the drone is small—it weighs just more than half a pound, making it one of the most portable models out there.

But it packs a punch: The Mini 3 is DJI’s longest lasting camera drone, with a flight time of 51 minutes. It also transmits video over distances as far as 6 miles and can fly in winds up to 20 knots.

The Fly More Combo includes the drone, remote controller, batteries, chargers, and other accessories and spare parts. Customers can use the UAV to shoot 4K high dynamic range (HDR) video, which appears live on the remote controller’s 5.5-inch high-definition display.

For a slightly cheaper alternative, shoppers can instead opt for DJI’s regular Mini 3 bundle for $609, normally $699. It comes with the drone and controller but fewer accessories. The Fly More Combo is also being offered for the Mini 2 SE, on sale for $449 at a 12 percent discount. That model has a shorter flight time and lower video quality but otherwise returns many of the same features as the Mini 3.

Best for Sport: DJI FPV Combo ($899)

Like the Avata, DJI’s FPV drone gives users an immersive experience, providing them with goggles to wear while they fly. But this model is geared more toward recreational flyers than photographers and cinematographers. At $899, it’s on sale for 10 percent off its usual price.

Experienced pilots are the target market for the FPV Combo—skilled flyers can race the drone or take it out for a joyride. While the UAV is in the sky, they view the action through a 150-degree field of vision, transmitted to the goggles in 4K video from as far as 6 miles away.

Recently, DJI introduced a hybrid flight mode for the FPV drone called S Mode. Switching to this configuration allows the user to combine manual flight with simplified controls from previous DJI models. The model also comes with an emergency brake and hover system, which allows it to stop it in its tracks with the push of a button. Other safety features include return-to-home capability and auxiliary bottom light.

Similar to the Avata and Mini 3, the FPV Combo comes with an assortment of accessories and parts, including goggles and a remote controller.

Other DJI Deals

Beyond drones and drone bundles, DJI is offering deals on accessories and other products. 

The company’s second-generation goggles, for example, are 20 percent off, while the Osmo Action 3 camera standard combo is available at a 15 percent discount. The manufacturer’s Air 2S Fly More Combo is also 20 percent off, though the bundle is listed as out of stock on its website.

In addition, savvy shoppers can find a plethora of DJI deals on other retailers’ sites. Bundles and individual drones can be bought at a discount from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and other familiar big box brands.

Non-DJI Deals

DJI dominates the consumer UAV market. But it’s not the only manufacturer producing acclaimed drone technology—or offering it at a discount. Here are a few more companies getting in the Black Friday spirit.

Best Value: Autel Robotics Evo Lite Premium Bundle ($949)

DJI’s largest Chinese rival, Autel Robotics, is hosting its own Black Friday sale, slashing some prices by as much as 40 percent through November 30. The best deal of the bunch might be on the Evo Lite Premium Bundle, which normally sells for $1,499 but is available for just $949, around a one-third reduction in price.

The Evo Lite is a four-axis gimbal design built for vertical video shooting, with a 50-megapixel camera, 0.8-inch image sensor, and the ability to capture 4K HDR or 60 fps footage, even at night. It can fly for as long as 40 minutes and transmit clear video up to 7.4 miles away.

For photographers on the go, the Evo Lite is a solid choice. The drone’s arms and propellers fold into a tight package for easy travel. And in rugged or challenging environments, the model uses three-way obstacle avoidance to dodge obstructions in front of, behind, and below it.

If that doesn’t suit your fancy, Autel is also offering deals on several Evo II, Evo Nano, and Evo Max models.

Best for Beginners: Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone ($180)

Holy Stone is best known for designing drones for novice flyers, and the company has several models available at a discount on Amazon Prime. 

The best deal, though, is arguably on its HS720E GPS Drone—shoppers can save $220 using an on-page coupon. The user-friendly design comes with an electronic image stabilization camera that shoots in 4K, with a 130-degree field of view. 

The HS720E can fly for up to 46 minutes, and pilots have a range of simple commands at their disposal, such as Follow Me, Point of Interest, and Smart Return to Home. In addition, features such as Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and Optical Flow simplify the flying experience.

Other Holy Stone models on sale for the holidays include the HS280, HS430, and HS710, as well as the H260, which is designed to be simple enough for a child to fly.

Best Value Per Pound: HoverAir X1 ($329)

Manufacturer Zero Zero’s HoverAir X1 is lighter than most smartphones and even tinier than the DJI Mini series—and it’s on sale for $329 through Nov. 28.

The pocket-sized drone takes off from the palm of the user’s hand with the push of a button, flying entirely on its own. There is no controller—instead, the user can select from an array of intelligent flight commands, including hover, follow, orbit, zoom out, and bird’s eye.

In addition to being incredibly portable, the fully enclosed design is durable and elastic. That helps it avoid damage to the frame or injuries to onlookers below in the case of a crash.

The X1 shoots 2.7K video at 30 fps, as well as 1080p HDR video. Three layers of stabilizing technology and an onboard positioning system prevent shaky footage and allow the drone to fly indoors.

While customers can receive the X1 at a 15 percent discount on the official HoverAir store, Amazon Prime members can get $100 off the normal list price.

Here are a few other deals that caught our eye:

• Exo Drones Blackhawk 3 Pro: $100 off at Best Buy
• Potensic Atom 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Drone: $80 off on Amazon
• Sanrock U52 with 1080p HD camera: 31 percent off on Amazon

Drone Pilot Courses and Workshops

This season’s Black Friday deals cover more than just drone hardware.

Pilots don’t need FAA approval to fly recreationally, so long as they follow the agency’s guidelines for recreational flyers and community-based organizations. But to fly commercially, for business or otherwise, a Part 107 remote pilot certificate is required.

The process is relatively straightforward: According to the FAA, less than 1 percent of the 4,500 applicants seeking Part 107 remote pilot permissions every month are rejected. 

But for those who want to ensure they pass with flying colors the first time around—or stay knowledgeable about the rules years later—there are several training courses available at a discount.

Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA), for example, is offering several remote pilot guidebooks at a discount for the holidays, including the second edition of The Complete Remote Pilot. Here are a few Black Friday-specific offers:

Pilot Institute Drone Courses

The Pilot Institute has rolled out its annual Black Friday discounts, and there are a few courses being offered for less than half the typical price.

The big ones are its Part 107 commercial license training and Drone Business Made Easy course, available at discounts of 57 percent and more than 80 percent, respectively. Shoppers can save even more by bundling the two for $139 rather than the usual $449—that’s close to 70 percent off.

And for those still learning the ropes of drone piloting, the institute’s Drone Flying 101 guide is on sale for just $19—it typically costs $100.

Interested in getting the most out of one of the camera drones above? The Pilot Institute has you covered there too with its drone photo and video master class and real estate photo and video course, each 60 percent off. And for those looking to make a career out of flying drones, a guide to Part 107 waivers is available for $50, one-third the usual price.

Drone Launch Academy Courses

Looking for an alternative Part 107 course at a discount? Through Cyber Monday (November 27), Drone Launch Academy is offering its test prep program for $99.50. The course was already a great value at $199, but now it’s half off—and comes with four free months of a Drone Launch Connect Membership.

For an even lower price point, the academy is also offering 50 percent off Part 107 test prep gifts. These include flashcards or a study guide ebook for $19.50 each, and a study guide audiobook for $24.50.

Beyond those deals, all of the academy’s non-Part 107 courses and workshops are also available at half price. These cover topics such as mapping and modeling, aerial videography, real estate, and building a drone business from scratch.

Drone Pilot Ground School Part 107 Test Prep

Time is running out for this one—the Drone Pilot Ground School’s “Fly-Day” sale ends Friday, so now is the time to take advantage of the school’s discounted Part 107 test prep courses, which are considered some of the best out there.

The academy is offering three different levels, each $107 off in a nod to the FAA regulation. Its self-study program is now available for $192, while a guided study costs $232. A guided study with flight training runs for $418.

And the best part about all this? Drone Pilot Ground School has a “pass-or-don’t-pay” policy, so customers don’t need to break the bank on a program that doesn’t work for them—even if it’s at a discount.

That just about covers the biggest Black Friday deals and discounts on drone technology and resources, but if you’ve read this far, you’re probably new to flying drones. So, we’ll leave you with a few models aimed at new flyers and children:

• Potensic A20 Mini Drone: 29 percent off on Amazon
• Contixo F19 with 1080p camera: 42 percent off at Walmart
• DEERC D20 Mini Drone: 50 percent off on Amazon

With that, happy shopping—and don’t forget to check on that pesky Remote ID compliance!

Like this story? We think you’ll also like the Future of FLYING newsletter sent every Thursday afternoon. Sign up now.

The post Our Guide to Black Friday Drone Deals appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“Christmas epaulets,” they’re called, because they replace the regular colored-stripe epaulets worn by airline pilots with alternating red and green.

The holiday drive raises funds for the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Snowball Express program and the Chetek-Weyerhauser Scholarship Foundation and honors former Northwest Airlines captain and U.S. Army veteran John Knutson. 

Knutson was a graduate of Chetek-Weyerhauser High School in northwest Wisconsin. He died from stomach cancer in 1997 at the age of 56, and his widow, Mary, launched the idea of creating the festive epaulets in his memory. 

Though at first all of the proceeds from the sale of the epaulets went to the Chetek fund, it was determined a couple of years ago that in honor of Knutson’s military service, the proceeds would be split  50-50 with the Snowball Express program. 

The Snowball Express is dedicated to aiding the surviving spouse or guardian and children (ages 5 to 13) of deceased military veterans through its 501(c)3 organization. Though the name ties its charitable efforts to the winter holiday season, its programming now runs year-round. But each December the foundation hosts a special event for roughly 1,750 children and spouses/guardians at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. American Airlines sponsors the event as well, providing a lift to those who need to travel by air to make the five-day experience.

How to Buy

Pilots (or those who wish to gift them to pilots) can purchase the epaulets through the Christmas Epaulets website. They come in traditional and Velcro-style attachments and in three- or four-stripe versions. There is also a flight attendant/flight engineer version with two stripes.

The epaulets cost $20 a pair, plus $5.50 shipping and handling for one to four pairs, $7 for five to 12 pairs, and free shipping for orders over 12. To ship internationally costs $15.

All told, more than $130,000 have been donated to date through the program. To keep up with demand, Mary Knutson no longer does all of the crafting of the epaulets but is joined by local Chetek friends Lois and Bob Hartman and the extended Knutson family.

For more information, email Tim Knutson at: info@christmasepaulets.com.

The post Christmas Epaulets Raise Funds for the Snowball Express, Other Charities appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

When a person tests positive for the virus, they are required to quarantine for 10 days. That number comes from guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This 10-day quarantine, combined with passenger loads at pre-pandemic levels, is resulting in hundreds of canceled flights a day. 

On Christmas Eve, CNN reported 2,000 flights had been canceled across the world, approximately 455 of them domestically. Both Delta and United Airlines reported having to cancel hundreds of flights, despite the fact that 90 percent of their workforce is fully vaccinated.

This week, representatives from Airlines for America, an organization that represents several major airlines, including Delta and United and several others, asked the CDC to modify the quarantine guidelines for fully vaccinated people from 10 days to five days.

Earlier this week, the CDC adopted this reduced quarantine time for healthcare workers.

Jet Blue CEO Robin Hayes sent an open letter to the CDC asking that the quarantine for the air travel industry also be reduced to five days, noting that when the 10-day quarantine was adopted it was early in the pandemic, when very little was known about the virus. Hayes noted that both a vaccine and treatment for the virus have since been developed.

In the meantime, airlines are working to notify customers about flight disruptions well before they arrive at the airport.

The post Airlines Cancel Christmas Eve Flights, Citing COVID Spread appeared first on FLYING Magazine.