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6 03, 2025

Bombardier Challenger 605

2025-03-06T16:04:35-06:00March 6th, 2025|Aircraft Wiki|

Photo : Matthieu Sontag, Licence CC-BY-SA. Bombardier Canadair developed the Challenger business jet series after a Bill Lear concept, making its first voyage in 1980. But it wasn’t commercially produced until 1986 when Bombardier acquired Canadair to avoid bankruptcy. This acquisition was instrumental in Bombardier’s entry into the aerospace industry – especially in corporate aviation.  By the 1980s, Bombardier established itself as a major player in aviation with the development of the CRJ regional jets and the C Series, launched in [...]

6 03, 2025

Cessna 170 A/B

2025-03-06T14:21:31-06:00March 6th, 2025|Aircraft Wiki|

Cessna by Textron Aviation In June 1911, Clyde Cessna first built and flew a powered aircraft. For aviation, this was monumental as his only relevant aviation experience was improving farm machinery and developing new farming methods.  After attending an aerial exhibition in 1910, Clyde became enamored with aviation, testing his own aircraft designs in Enid, Oklahoma. However, he encountered financial difficulties – leading him back to his home in Wichita, Kansas. At first, he co-founded Travel Air Manufacturing [...]

6 03, 2025

How Will The Global Supply Chain Shift Single-Engine Aircraft Production?

2025-03-06T12:36:08-06:00March 6th, 2025|Educational|

Aircraft manufacturers are stepping up to deliver more aircraft as demand continues to increase. Embraer plans to deliver up to 18% more aircraft this year alone and just made a $7 billion deal with Flexjet to deliver 182 aircraft.  With contracts and orders signed, and money exchanged, the real question is how will aircraft companies navigate global supply chain shifts in aviation? Dive into recent findings to see how these shifts are reshaping the private aircraft market. Make [...]

6 03, 2025

What To Know About Single-Engine Aircraft Performance In Extreme Weather Conditions

2025-03-06T12:31:18-06:00March 6th, 2025|Educational|

Since the start of 2025, the news has seen an uptick in commercial and private aviation incidents and near disasters. While not all of those incidents can be attributed to weather, we do see how weather impacts single-engine aircraft performance regardless of the make and model you choose.  Extreme conditions continue to increase globally, directly correlating to risk when flying a single-engine aircraft. Of all general aviation accidents, an estimated 27% are attributed to adverse weather conditions. Explore [...]

4 02, 2025

Beechcraft Beechjet 400A & Hawker 400XP

2025-02-04T12:37:10-06:00February 4th, 2025|Aircraft Wiki|

Beechcraft Aircraft Founded in 1932 in Wichita, Kansas, Beech Aircraft Corporation was initially led by aviation pioneer Walter Beech until his death in 1950. His wife, Olive Ann Beech, then took the helm as President and Chairman, steering the company until 1982. Beechcraft is renowned for producing iconic aircraft, including the Model 17 Staggerwing and the Bonanza. First flown in 1945, the Bonanza became Beechcraft's most popular model, boasting the longest production run in aviation history, with three [...]

4 02, 2025

Diamond Eclipse DA20 C1

2025-02-04T12:13:11-06:00February 4th, 2025|Aircraft Wiki|

Diamond Aircraft Industries Founded in 1981 by Austrian designer Wolf Hoffmann, Diamond Aircraft Industries started as Hoffmann Flugzeugbau, gaining recognition with the HK36 Dimona motor glider – a leading model in its class in Europe. The company underwent several changes, including a name change to Hoffman Aircraft Limited in 1985 and the certification of the DV20 Katana in North America in 1993. In the early 2000s, it introduced the DA42 Twin Star, a diesel-engine aircraft, and rebranded as [...]

4 02, 2025

How Does Sustainable Aviation Fuel Affect Private Plane Performance?

2025-02-04T11:08:57-06:00February 4th, 2025|Educational|

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. So, what’s the deal with SAF, and why can’t it be used for every aircraft in the skies? Examine the complexities of SAF in aviation and how it can affect private aircraft performance. Explore VREF's aircraft appraisal services. What To Know About Sustainable Aviation Fuel & [...]

4 02, 2025

What Are The Actual Costs Of Owning A Private Plane Versus Chartering?

2025-02-04T10:52:56-06:00February 4th, 2025|Educational|

Don’t be fooled – owning a private plane versus chartering one requires completely different levels of responsibility for passengers, aircraft owners, and charter companies. From incident liability and insurance coverage to conducting routine maintenance and timely inspections, remaining proactive as an aircraft owner is critical to operating an aircraft safely and efficiently.  The best way to answer this question is by going back and asking what you need from a private aircraft. Ask probing questions to get to [...]

2 01, 2025

LearJet 60 & 60XR

2025-01-02T16:23:24-06:00January 2nd, 2025|Aircraft Wiki|

Bombardier Aerospace Before the LearJet 60 took to the skies, its story began with Bill Lear's pioneering vision in business aviation. The original Learjet legacy started in the 1960s, revolutionizing private air travel with the first purpose-built business jet, the Learjet 23. By the late 1980s, Gates Learjet Corporation (which had acquired the company from Bill Lear) wanted to evolve its successful Learjet 55 series into something more powerful and efficient. In 1990, Gates Learjet was acquired by [...]

2 01, 2025

Piper Lance PA32R 300

2025-01-02T16:02:09-06:00January 2nd, 2025|Aircraft Wiki|

Piper Aircraft Founded in 1927 by Clarence and Gordon Taylor on the edge of the Great Depression, Piper started as the Taylor Aircraft Manufacturing Company. Their straightforward goal was to build reliable and innovative aircraft. However, just a year later, Gordon died in an aircraft accident. After this tragedy, businessman William Piper encouraged Clarence to keep the company going in Pennsylvania. The Taylor Brothers designed the Piper Cub, which was found to be successful early on. However, after [...]

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