FAQ :: VLJ Flying Club

Benefits

FAQ

How is the program structured?
Our VLJ Flying Club program is typically structured in quarter-share increments, with a maximum of four owners per plane. People who wish to purchase larger shares may do so.

Who will manage the aircraft and supply the professional pilots?
TAG Aviation, which currently manages more than 100 aircraft globally and is generally considered the pre-eminent operator in the field, will be responsible for our VLJ Flying Club program.

What will I get for my one-quarter (1/4) share?
You will have exclusive use of a VLJ Flying Club Eclipse 500 for 50 days annually with unlimited flight hours.

What do you anticipate will be the costs associated with a one-quarter ownership share?
While it’s too early to know precisely, we anticipate the ownership of a quarter share will be less than a half million dollars; the annual management fee under $100,000; and the direct operating costs, including fuel, around $600 per hour.

Why is a quarter share worth only 50 days? With four owners, this only accounts for 200 days of the year, leaving more than five months of time available.
There are two reasons why we designed the VLJ Flying Club this way: cost-efficiency and accessibility.

First, most people find that having a plane available for their exclusive use roughly four days a month, on average, is sufficient. With this in mind, the VLJ Flying Club program was designed so that our owners aren’t paying for more than they are likely to use, such as idle crew time.

Second, building in more free time per Eclipse 500 during the year means far less likelihood of scheduling conflicts among owners. While expanding jet ownership to six people with 50 days of use each would not have much impact on the per day cost, it would greatly increase the probability that an owner’s first choice of travel day might not be available.

How will I be billed for fuel, maintenance costs, etc.?
A single annual fee covers all pilot costs and general overhead. Direct operational expenses, including fuel, are billed monthly on a per usage hour basis.

What happens if two owners want to use the aircraft on the same day?

While VLJ Flying Club primarily operates on a first-come/first-served basis, in the unlikely event of a scheduling conflict owners will have several options:

(1) There will never be more than three other people who might want the aircraft. This means there will always be more than 150 “surplus” days annually to choose from.
(2) An owner can use another VLJ Flying Club aircraft at his/her home base if one is available.
(3) All Club members will have access to a priority system that addresses both the wishes of the long-range planner and the needs of the last-minute scheduler.
(4) If all else fails, our close working relationship with TAG Aviation will facilitate chartering another aircraft at a reasonable cost.

Is it important that I attempt to use the aircraft exactly 50 days a year?

Not really. You will be allowed to carry forward a limited number of unused days at year-end. Conversely, you can borrow days from the next year if needed. Because of our partnership with TAG Aviation, you also will have additional options. You and your co-owners may choose to have TAG charter out surplus time in your aircraft on a revenue-sharing basis. On the other hand, you may request TAG to charter an aircraft for you if you need to exceed your 50-day allotment.

Where will your home bases be located?
We anticipate our first bases will be in California and New York. Since TAG Aviation operates throughout the country, however, we can establish future bases wherever and whenever there are sufficient customers.

Can I take the aircraft wherever I wish?
Yes, subject to reasonable operational restrictions as determined by regulations or by VLJ Flying Club.

When will VLJ Flying Club service begin?
We anticipate VLJ Flying Club will take delivery on the first of its fleet of Eclipse 500 aircraft during the second quarter of 2007.

When can I place my order?

We expect to have purchase agreements in place approximately two months before delivery of our first aircraft. Watch this web site for further announcements.

How can I learn more?
To learn more, please notify us by email of your interest. A representative of VLJ Flying Club will contact you.