My wife and I recently welcomed our second child to the family; a nine-pound little monster with a 15-inch noggin. Literally off the charts head circumference, which I assume means he’s a genius….and must explain why I’m dictating and he’s the one typing this right now. Our first is three (3), so with a newborn came the need to dig out of storage or repurchase all the various accoutrements required to care for an infant. Through this exercise, the realization of just how much stuff they require sank in along with the realization that most of those things have a specific purpose. Baby products sometimes go a bit overboard on the hyper-specialization, but the general theme of “problem/product” fit very much applies.
I’m sure you’re reading all of this and wondering what baby things have to do with Silverhawk’s fleet, how (or if) it affects you, or why it even really matters. Much like baby products, our fleet is built to meet client needs and is built around “mission/product” fit; and our approach to growing the fleet is based around a philosophy of “greatest impact to greatest number of clients” (i.e. what is our most frequently flown mission(s) and what can most comfortably and economically complete it). As it stands today, our fleet consists of options ranging from Turbo Propellor aircraft to Super Mid-size and everything in between.
Turbo Propeller – I always refer to these as “rugged practicality”. Not to imply there’s no luxury in the category but, to put it bluntly, they’re not really designed to be the epitome of private aviation. I most often see these used by individuals who travel within about 1000 miles of the aircraft’s base and typically to more remote (or difficult to land larger aircraft) areas; think…..skiing in Colorado or fishing in Minnesota. Similarly, companies that often make use of these solutions also have frequent travel to more restricted areas. Construction, Agriculture, Manufacturing, etc. are all perfect examples of industries that often make use.
Jets – There’s different categories of jets, three of which we currently have in the fleet. Jets typically enjoy better range, faster cruising speeds, higher cruising altitudes, and more luggage space than (a lot of) turbo prop solutions. They also typically require more runway and cost more to operate and maintain. They’re faster and more comfortable and, in our case, come loaded with amenities you don’t often find in prop planes (Wi-FI, cellular service, etc.). I often see these used by individuals for longer distance trips of a lengthier duration; think……winter trip to Naples. Commercial use, on the other hand, seems to largely oppose the personal use in the case of jets. They often seem to be quicker trips of a medium range, and often seek to maximize efficiency and comfort.
There’s also “Large” and “Heavy” aircraft. These are typically the “flat floor” with headroom, couches, etc. you often see depicting private jets in movies and on TV and can handle international travel with much improved ease. I don’t have one in the fleet yet, but I will sooner than later. Frankly, I’m hopeful someone who owns one will be unhappy with their current management, happen across this, and think “Man, I really need those guys to take care of me”. And you know what? We will.
Cheers,
Mark
P.S. I’m super serious about the management thing. If you know anyone with a jet that’s any of the following, make the introduction. If it gets to the closing table, I’ll make it worth your while 😉. Extra special bonus if they’re in Des Moines.
- Citation Encore
- Citation Jet (1, 2, 3, or 4)
- Citation Excel/XLS (+)
- Citation Sovereign (+)
- Falcon 900 or 2000 (ex)
- (Most) Gulfstreams