Since the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, general aviation has represented a key segment of the aviation community. Thousands of people still fly not only to reach a destination, but also for the sheer love of the experience. Many of these individuals are leisure or hobby pilots engaged in general aviation.

The fastest growing part of the aviation industry, though, is corporate aviation. There is no substitute for person-to-person contact, and many successful businesses rely heavily on air travel to meet with clients, customers and colleagues. Most of that air travel occurs on scheduled, commercial airline flights. Increasingly, though, companies are favoring the convenience of privately owned aircraft.

Time, Money and Convenience

By owning their own aircraft in whole or in part, businesses can send representatives where they need to go when they need to be there. It also increases productivity by reducing downtime waiting at commercial airports and providing a "mobile office" conducive to business operations.

Rather than purchasing new jets outright, at a cost of $15 million to $45 million per aircraft, many companies opt to purchase fractional shares in a jet. Through fractional purchases, companies share the cost of purchasing and maintaining the aircraft with other businesses using the aircraft.

All business jets currently manufactured meet the Federal Aviation Administration's Stage 3 noise requirements. Stage 3 is the most stringent aircraft noise rating, applying only to the quietest planes.