Business Travel Tips

Increasingly business travelers are piloting their own planes. USA Today reports how “the added hassles of business travel from tightened security and airline cost-cutting since the Sept. 11 terrorism has helped fuel an increase in the business use of personal aircraft.”

Encouraged by a growing economy and a generally favorable business climate, many business people — particularly those who live far from a big-city hub — are realizing that piloting their own planes saves time and, in some cases, money.

- Not only corporate jets or very light jets.
These days they’re using single-engine piston planes that cost about $400,000 new, or less if they’re bought used.
The Federal Aviation Administration estimates about two-thirds of the hours flown by private planes are for business reasons. According to the agency’s most recent numbers, hours flown in private planes for business reasons in 2005 were up 12.5% from 2001.
Contributing to the increase: more business trips taken by individuals or small groups in small, piston-driven airplanes. (Source)