A review of the features, benefits, and value offered by Hourly Cost Maintenance Programs, and the Pratt & Whitney Eagle Servic Plan, commonly referred to as ESP. Points discussed with Delray Dobbins include:

• An explanation of engine Hourly Cost Maintenance Programs, and the Eagle Service Plan offered by Pratt & Whitney Canada.
• How OEM engine programs have evolved over the last 20 years.
• The biggest improvements in OEM engine programs.
• The current popularity of OEM engine programs.
• What is on the horizon for Pratt & Whitney's ESP maintenance program?
• The PT6E, P&WC's engine powering the Pilatus PC-12NGX: why some are viewing it as a game-changer.
• OEM responsibility to support operators, and the industry as a whole, in a time of crisis.

David Mayer, a Partner with the law firm of Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, discusses some of the business and legal issues one should consider when acquiring a new or pre-owned aircraft. Topics covered include:

• The kinds of business professionals a buyer should engage for an aircraft purchase.
• The terms a Letter of Intent (LOI) should include when it comes to the acquisition process.
• Why use an LOI rather than enter into an Aircraft Purchase Agreement immediately?
• Should the LOI state the purchase be contingent on securing financing?
• Drafting the Aircraft Purchase Agreement.
• Issues that are important to address in the Aircraft Purchase Agreement.
• How Federal Air Regulations can affect aircraft purchases and structuring.
• The benefit of establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Trust to own an aircraft.
• Tax planning and bonus depreciation.
• The "fly-away" sales tax exemption.
• How aviation insurance protects an owner or lessee.
• The importance of Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), FAA and International Registry filings.

David Wyndham joined the firm of Conklin & de Decker and helped the consulting company become an industry authority on Business & General Aviation aircraft operating costs. Now working with Par Avion, David discusses Aircraft Operating Costs with Asset Insight, including:

• Identifying the different types of operating costs, and how an operator should view them.
• Identifying Variable, Fixed, and Other Costs an operator should keep in mind.
• The reasons for tracking aircraft-related expenses on a Cost per Hour and a Cost per Mile basis.
• Understanding the cyclical nature of maintenance.
• The items to consider when operating under a "low utilization" environment.
• What owners and operators are most likely to misunderstand when it comes to operating costs.
• Improving understanding and communication when it comes to costing.
• Structuring an operating budget.

Brad Harris, President and CEO of Dallas Jet International, discusses how the firm he founded helps aircraft purchasers and sellers meet their private transportation needs through market knowledge and active participation during every step of a proven, streamlined process structured to ensure a successful outcome for the client. Topics covered include:

• Determining the optimum aircraft to meet a client's requirements.
• Factors to consider in determining whether to purchase a new or an in-service aircraft.
• The benefits of using an experienced acquisition consultant.
• Determining and justifying an aircraft purchase price.
• The process for establishing and overseeing a successful pre-purchase inspection.
• Determining the correct State to close an aircraft transaction.
• The optimum ownership period to replace an aircraft.
• Strategies an owner can use to optimize the value of their asset.
• The criteria that make one in-service aircraft more marketable over other similar assets.
• The value an aircraft broker brings to the table when selling an aircraft.

Ryan Waguespack, Senior Vice President, National Air Transportation Association, discusses the NATA's focus and services designed to empower its members to be safe and successful aviation businesses. Topics covered include:

• An understanding of the NATA and what it does.
• The NATA's focus in education and outreach.
• Changes in focus at the NATA in view of the COVID-19 crisis
• What operators must do to legally offer charter services using their aircraft
• Resources available online at NATA.aero

Par Avion Ltd. was established in 1997 by Janine Iannarelli, an industry veteran, who saw a need to provide more personalized service within the business aircraft acquisition and sale arena. Janine discusses aircraft acquisitions and sales, as well as the topics:

• Determining the optimum aircraft model for the client's mission.
• The benefits of utilizing a Consultant to acquire or sell an aircraft, and the overarching role a broker can play.
• The factors to consider in determining whether to acquire a New versus a Used aircraft.
• Using a team approach to complete an aircraft transaction, adding specific expertise to address legal and tax implications, along with technical oversight.
• The benefits gained through the use of a Professional Aircraft Management Company.
• Is it financially prudent to charter your aircraft?
• Deriving and justifying an Offer Price, in an acquisition, or an Ask Price, in the case of a sale.
• The appropriate level of due-diligence associated with the Pre-Purchase Inspection.
• Optimizing the value and marketability of your asset when it is time to sell.
• Thoughts on prevailing trends as the industry approaches the second half of 2020.

René Bangelsdorf discusses aircraft acquisition and disposition strategies, and her firm's comprehensive suite of business aviation services: In Depth Research, Marketing & Sales, Acquisitions, and Advisory Services. Topics covered include:

• Determining the best aircraft to meet a first-time buyer's private air transportation requirements.
• Points to ponder in determining whether to acquire a new versus a pre-owned aircraft.
• The benefits one can secure by utilizing an aircraft Acquisition Consultant and/or a Sales Broker.
• Factors to consider when deriving the Offer Price for an aircraft.
• The challenges of refurbishing or upgrading an in-service aircraft prior to its acquisition.
• The pre-purchase inspection – how much scrutiny is enough.
• The costs and benefits associated with Professional Aircraft Management.
• Chartering your aircraft – does it really reduce your operating cost?
• Determining the optimum time to replace your aircraft.
• Optimizing the value, and marketability, of the asset at time of sale.

Jim Simpson discusses aircraft financing provided by First Republic Bank to the Business Aircraft community. Areas covered include:

• The types of transactions structured by First Republic Bank.
• The typical characteristics of an aircraft loan.
• What should a prospective borrower expect in the market today. Some of the changes in financing as aircraft size increases.
• Unique financing considerations that people should keep in mind?

Lee Rohde discusses how the consulting company he founded advises aviation-related entities on a wide range of aircraft acquisition, strategic planning, financial, operational and management matters. Specifically, Lee covers:

• Private Air Transportation options – what should prospective users consider in reviewing their options for meeting their travel requirements?
• In the event an entity determines they want to acquire an aircraft, how should they go about identifying the best model to meet their travel requirements?
• What factors have the greatest influence on the decision to acquire a new vs. a pre-owned aircraft?
• The issues and complexities associated with refurbishing or upgrading a pre-owned aircraft.
• The expertise an entity should secure if they are planning an aircraft acquisition.
• The factors to be considered when determining an Offer Price for an aircraft.
• What a pre-purchase inspection entails and why it is such an important part of acquisition process.

A discussion with Shelly Svoren about Portfolio Management, and overseeing the sizable portfolio of financed aircraft at First Republic Bank – a well-respected company within the Business Aircraft finance community. Areas covered include:

• Defining Portfolio Management as it relates to Private Aircraft assets financed by First Republic.
• Portfolio Management requirements to expect in the market today, especially as they relate to the impact of COVID-19?
• Small business owners, many of whom are owner/pilots, and what is unique to Portfolio Management when it comes to aircraft financed by these individuals.
• What are some of the changes to Portfolio Management as collateral size increases from a turboprop and to a jet?
• Considerations people should keep in mind with respect to what a Portfolio Manager when the deal is initiated, or as the completed transaction progresses through its life.
• What people should know about First Republic Bank's services within the Business and General Aviation community.

Shelley also discusses the International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA), including:

• The group's global aviation & aerospace network representing women of achievement across the aviation industry.
• IAWA's educational efforts and next generation development within the aviation industry.