For people in our main market area - central and northern Alabama - we already provide referrals to other carefully chosen air charter companies when we can't meet your needs.

But what about when you are not in central or northern Alabama? We want to help people who reside in our main market area but who want air charter services when they are in another location, such as when on vacation. Also, we want to extend this type of service to people throughout the continental U.S.

Here's how it will work. Simply contact us when you want to find a good air charter firm and the right aircraft for a trip. We will refer a company to you that is FAA certified. FAA certification is important and not only for the obvious reason of identifying a reputable company. If you fly with someone else, your various insurance plans may not cover you in the unlikely event of an accident.

If one is available, we will find the best aircraft for your trip in keeping with your specifications of flight length and cost, for example. If we have the time - notify us a couple of days in advance of your trip if at all possible - we will provide you with a price quote or two.

We will not charge you for this assistance.

Yes, you can have that business aircraft you have been thinking about forever.

You can also waste a lot of money.

The difference between the two alternatives is competent advice. Don't think buying an airplane is the same as buying a car. It isn't. Don't think your pilot friend can advise you on the business aspects of purchasing and operating a business aircraft. He can't.

APPROPRIATE ADVICE

• Use legal and accounting advice of people who are familiar with aviation. You will be glad you did, and you will be sorry if you do not.


• Use a business aviation advisor. This should be someone who is familiar with the business aspects of aviation, not your pilot cousin or friend. Your business aviation advisor should be capable of recommending specialists - lawyers, accountants, and aircraft brokers. Alabama Air Shuttle is qualified to serve as your business aviation advisor.

More information on this topic, including valuable tax discussions related to air charter, is available in our blog.

Paul is our new operations manager. Those of you who know Paul know that he is a competent pilot, de facto partner in our company, and, most importantly, friend to all of our customers.

Want to learn more? We have comprehensive discussion on issues related to air charter on our
blog.