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How To Keep a ‘Bargain Jet’ Flying

John and Martha King have learned many lessons while owning and flying their older Falcon 10 twinjet. Courtesy King School
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Old, out-of-production jets are initially attractive due to their significantly lower capital costs compared to new models and the thrill of jet performance.
  • However, these "bargain" jets incur substantially higher operating costs, driven by complex, multi-inspection maintenance programs, expensive parts, and recurrent government mandates, leading to a rapid decline in value.
  • Successful ownership demands considerable personal management effort from the owner, including diligent tracking of maintenance requirements and securing specialized, flexible repair shops.
  • Despite increased management complexity, more downtime for maintenance, and higher hourly operating expenses, the lower upfront investment can make owning an older jet a worthwhile endeavor for dedicated enthusiasts willing to put in the work.
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There are plenty of reasons to want to own and fly a jet. Jets are made for capable, reliable transportation. They come equipped ready to do the job with pressurization, anti-icing and deicing, and substantial turbine-style cockpit displays and avionics. Most important, they come with jet engines.

John and Martha King

Martha King and John King take turns writing Sky Kings. They have shared flying and teaching aviation for more than 50 years.

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