Mark,

I agree with you and in fact we consider this frequently. I have agencies that are 5-8 hour drives (each way) that can be reached by plane in an hour or two. To go there takes 2 to 3 days with driving whereas we can send someone out and back the same day by airplane. When you consider the time cost, not to mention hotel, per diem, lost productivity and alternate transportation the airplane including contract pilot is cheaper.

But what if you're just buying your first jet? Is there a reason to choose and Encore over a CJ3? Why would I pick one over the other? The CJ3 costs more to acquire I think.

CJ4 is out. I think it costs a lot more to run than a CJ3 but not much more benefit. Even the CJ sales guys tell me this.

Michael:

Don't confuse tax accounting with cost accounting. It sounds like you were discussing what you could deduct for your business flights under IRS rules vs. determining cost per hour for making a choice of which aircraft to acquire. Two totally different issues.

I now have two Aviation CPA's and Attorney's working with me.

Our business has quadrupled in the last six months, and we are on pace to do it again this year.

I offer a FREE 30-60 minute consultation to discuss your particular situation and circumstances, in total confidence, with one of our team.

It is a rarity that we cannot save and/or assist a client with their airplane ownership.

If you would like to setup a meeting, to discuss your individual situation, just drop me a PM.

Rick Galvin

Does the Encore have the old engines? I'm scheduled to fly it but haven't.

Hope that SII works out for you Mark. Looking forward to seeing it!

Yup. Taking good care of me for my second year.

As far as supply, the normal inventory that's been listed for awhile probably isn't what one wants. Many have high engine times and old avionics. You really don't want to overhaul these engines and flying past TBO puts one in a poor position unless on an approved extension program. I'm actually leaning toward dry leasing for several reasons.

Dave,

You've mentioned dry leasing a number of times. I don't know anything about how it works. How do the economics work?

Mark,

Great video. It's easy to get the jet bug (I'm starting to feel it myself). Will be in your neck of the woods on Tuesday (flying in commercial Monday night) to pick up my MU-2 from Executive Aircraft Maintenance (want to get the plane out of there before the Super Bowl traffic plan locks things down... Shoot me a PM if you'd like to get together. I'll likely be at SDL a good chunk of Tuesday...

Dave

I get the jet fever quite regularly myself. But I always end up deciding that the Pilatus is the best option for me.

Dave,

The Encore has PW535A engines and improved trailing-link landing gear with Fadec. So slightly better rannge and cruise numbers. As with most Cessna models incremental improvements in model years and the price your willing to pay for them vary.

That said I would for the same price go for a higher time newer Encore off the NetJet /Citation Shares fleet over a lower time single owner V. If I'm flying more than 400 hrs a year.

Jason,

Plenty of older V/ Encores can be had for the price of a CJ3 for a first jet the only really benefit I see of the CJ line to you in the Single pilot option which would work for you.
Think there is only 3-5 Vs with single pilot authorizations.

Nigel

I've never had "jet fever."

Apparently, it's a virus that is not contagious to those in my income range...

I'm not buying a jet until I can bank the purchase and the OPx for life. Going backwards from a jet would be tough. I'm enjoying my ignorance :)

Your accountant may be confusing the entertainment use taxation rules (which is what you posted) as opposed to the general business expense deductibility question, which requires that the expense be incurred in the course of carrying out your trade and that it be ordinary and necessary.

There's nothing in the tax code to suggest that you need to use the lowest cost means of travel. Surely, riding a bicycle would be cheaper than driving, yet you're allowed to drive. Driving is often cheaper than commercial flying, yet you can fly commercial...