# Rich people that own planes/jets **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 9, 2013, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039 "2013-07-09T13:00:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/41 "2013-07-10T05:29:53Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > They rich aren’t just like everybody else, they get laws written in their favor. There’s no law that says “people flying on private planes don’t have to get their luggage searched.” There _is_ a law that says “people flying on scheduled commercial airlines must have their luggage searched.” The purpose of that law was to eliminate the epidemic of nuisance hijackings (“take me to Cuba”) that occurred in the 1970s. Those people weren’t targeting small corporate jets. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/42 "2013-07-10T05:44:26Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > They own it, that’s why they say ‘this is my private jet’. It gives them the ability to deck it out however they want and fly at a moments notice. As for the pilot, I’m sure some hire a pilot to keep on hand all the time and just pay his entire yearly wage. Some probably pay a portion of their yearly wage, but expect them to be able to fly with in X hours notice (say, 72, but maybe they try to schedule things out in advance whenever possible) and I’d guess plenty of others contract with the flight support place that they park the plane at and just use their pilots that they keep on call. So, Beyonce or Jay-Z can call a place like [Signature](https://www.signatureflight.com/Pages/Default.aspx) and say she’ll be there in 2 hours and they’ll call one of their pilots to come down, do a pre-flight check while the rest of the staff stocks the plane with whatever she wants in it for her flight. By the time she gets there, it’s ready for take off. > > Also, now that I think about it, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s like a car where some own and some lease. But, I believe a lot of people do own corporate/private jets. Owning is by far not the norm. Leasing or ownership shares makes way more sense. Of course a company is involved when they want to make a last minute trip. Their planes don’t follow them always. > [@brickbacon](#): > > Many also have fractional ownership via companies like [Netjets](http://www.netjets.com/). Even if one is rich enough to have their _own_ plane, it doesn’t make sense for a lot of wealthy people to do so. My friend used to fly for them and had a few really high profile clients (Tiger Woods, Mariah Carey, Chris Berman). Now he flies for a different place and his client list is as stunning as you can imagine. I have pics of a few, but can’t really share. His last flight with a “New Kid” netted him several thousand unwanted followers on Twitter. > [@boytyperanma](#): > > The cost of paying a pilot to be on call is pretty insignificant to the cost of owning and maintaining a jet. The pilots end up with a pretty sweet gig, with lots of down time but it puts some limitations on their personal life. They also get tasked with the logistics of repairing and maintaining the jet and grocery shopping to keep the jet stocked. The company pays the pilots to do their legs and yes it has an impact on family life. They don’t repair, maintain, or stock shit. Not at anything approaching elite level service. They fly jets, not stock coolers or fix light bulbs. Seriously, these people fly THOUSANDS of miles every day they’re on duty, they don’t stock the damn coolers. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/43 "2013-07-10T07:04:31Z")
> [@dnooman](#): > > The company pays the pilots to do their legs and yes it has an impact on family life. They don’t repair, maintain, or stock shit. Not at anything approaching elite level service. They fly jets, not stock coolers or fix light bulbs. Seriously, these people fly THOUSANDS of miles every day they’re on duty, they don’t stock the damn coolers. If they are working for a company. The OP asked about private jets owned by individuals. I have a small number of customers who own private jets. In one case their pilot is also their gardener in another the pilot is also the chauffeur who lives in the gate house and is always on call. Not every private jet gets that many miles put on it. Some people own them for the sole purpose of having them around just in case they need them. ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/44 "2013-07-10T09:20:06Z")
[Peter Jackson has a Gulfstream G650](http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/8728148/Jackson-takes-to-skies-in-80m-style) - given that his home is in Wellington, NZ and is business activities are carried out in LA, I guess it makes sense. ---
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2013, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/45 "2013-07-10T13:11:15Z")
Not to be outdone by those rock stars and Hollywood types, many televangelists have their own jets, or, I should say the church owns it, covers all of the expenses, while they fly around in it. To name a few off the top of my head: Hagee, Hinn, Crouch, Copeland, the late Falwell. Many don’t settle for just one. > [@the\_diego](#): > > Is Elvis’ jet liner, the one with a swimming pool, still flying around? Elvis’ jet is on the Graceland estates, and I believe the jet engines have been removed. As far as he or any jet or plane having a swimming pool in it; I just don’t see how that is possible. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/46 "2013-07-11T04:10:02Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > If they are working for a company. The OP asked about private jets owned by individuals. I have a small number of customers who own private jets. In one case their pilot is also their gardener in another the pilot is also the chauffeur who lives in the gate house and is always on call. Not every private jet gets that many miles put on it. Some people own them for the sole purpose of having them around just in case they need them. If they aren’t full time pilots, then they’re moonlighting pilots or freelancers? I suppose that happens, but who wants a pilot that’s also their gardener? If my life is literally in someone else’s hands, I want what they’re doing to be ALL that they do. The vast majority of the rich people the OP is talking about have full time pilots flying their planes. Full time pilot almost always means they work for a company, or are just that in demand (like bush pilots). The amount of hours put on a plane isn’t really relevant until it gets old or sold. It still costs a ton to keep it in shape per FAA regs even if it just sits. The OP is maybe under the impression that many more wealthy people actually own private planes than actually do. Tons of celebrities and wealthy people can use the phrase “let’s take my jet”. It’s not really a lie, they can use it as they choose when they are in a share situation, but they often don’t own it outright. It makes little sense for most celebs to actually own a plane (Travolta excluded). You can’t paint any of this with a super wide brush though. Chad Kroeger (singer for Nickleback) and Avril Lavigne were in the market to buy a jet. Why? Who knows. People who at one point have opted to take part in a share program instead of buying their own jet: Shaq Tiger Woods Ben Rothlisberger Chris Berman Mariah Carey Donnie Wahlberg Terry “Hulk” Hogan More country singers than I can recall or give a shit about. MMA fighters Lots of random pro golfers Tipper Gore Arnold Schwarzenegger Numerous NBA players Many more that I can’t recall I’ll be really conflicted if my friend has to fly Bieber. Seems it may happen in the rotation. I really want my friend to not ever crash a plane but… ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/47 "2013-07-11T10:46:12Z")
> [@dnooman](#): > > If they aren’t full time pilots, then they’re moonlighting pilots or freelancers? I suppose that happens, but who wants a pilot that’s also their gardener? If my life is literally in someone else’s hands, I want what they’re doing to be ALL that they do. Commercial pilots are limited to no more than 100 flight hours per month and 1,000 flight hours per year. That works out to 25 flight hours per week. Now, there are additional things a full time pilot needs to do that aren’t actual flying that also takes up some time, but being a full time pilot does allow time for other things, including a part-time job doing something else besides flying. It’s entirely possible to be a full time pilot and a part time gardener without adversely affecting either. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2013, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/48 "2013-07-13T03:34:54Z")
Ok, when you put it like that, the guy scrubbing the toilets at the truck stop _could_ be a certified and fully current pilot. If I were wealthy enough to have my own plane, a) I wouldn’t buy one, seems silly even with enough money, b) if I did, I’d hire a pilot that was free often, and was current, most likely my friend who I would probably pay to be “off” most of the time ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2013, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/49 "2013-07-13T04:00:35Z")
> [@dnooman](#): > > If I were wealthy enough to have my own plane, a) I wouldn’t buy one, seems silly even with enough money, b) if I did, I’d hire a pilot that was free often, and was current, most likely my friend who I would probably pay to be “off” most of the time You don’t have to buy a jet. You can get a 40-year-old Cessna 172 for $40,000 or so. If you are ‘wealthy enough’ you can get something that can do 200-300 mph, and that you can fly yourself. No need to hire a pilot. And it’s fun to be your own pilot. ---
**Author:** ![ticker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2013, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/50 "2013-07-13T07:09:22Z")
I read somewhere that Lewis Hamilton’s plane is available for charter when he is not using it (i.e. most of the time). ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2013, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/51 "2013-07-13T08:20:11Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > You don’t have to buy a jet. You can get a 40-year-old Cessna 172 for $40,000 or so. If you are ‘wealthy enough’ you can get something that can do 200-300 mph, and that you can fly yourself. No need to hire a pilot. And it’s fun to be your own pilot. If I wanted a single-pilot capable serious travel airplane I’d probably opt for a Mooney. That aside, I remember a couple conversations I’ve had in real life along these lines where I’ve mentioned that if I was filthy rich I’d like to fly my own plane and the reaction was “why would you want to fly your own plane?”. Well, why would you want to drive your own car? Sure, rich people might want to be chauffeured about but it’s not _that_ difficult to learn to fly an airplane. There’s probably a certain sub-set of the rich-enough-to-own-airplanes crowd that actually want to and learn to fly, and another sub-set that would rather be flown around by someone else. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2013, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/52 "2013-07-13T13:48:26Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > There’s probably a certain sub-set of the rich-enough-to-own-airplanes crowd that actually want to and learn to fly, and another sub-set that would rather be flown around by someone else. I met Michael Dorn (‘Worf’) at an air show. He was sitting in a folding lawn chair next to his F-86. He’s definitely one who would rather fly himself (and has the wherewithal to do it). > [@Broomstick](#): > > If I wanted a single-pilot capable serious travel airplane I’d probably opt for a Mooney. I’ve only been in a Mooney once, when I was a pre-adolescent. Got to ride in the right seat. My impression nowadays is that while Mooneys are fast and efficient, they don’t have a lot of excess capacity for luggage and such. I think If I were going to get a fast(-ish) ride that could carry people in comfort, I might go for a Bonanza A36. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2013, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/53 "2013-07-13T14:03:57Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I met Michael Dorn (‘Worf’) at an air show. He was sitting in a folding lawn chair next to his F-86. He’s definitely one who would rather fly himself (and has the wherewithal to do it). > > I’ve only been in a Mooney once, when I was a pre-adolescent. Got to ride in the right seat. My impression nowadays is that while Mooneys are fast and efficient, they don’t have a lot of excess capacity for luggage and such. [Mooney Ovation 2 GX](http://www.mooney.com/ovation2-gx/specifications-performance.html) Useful Load: 1,107 pounds. Max Fuel: (with optional tank) 128 gallons (768 pounds) Leaving… 339 pounds for you and your luggage and, um, ‘passengers’. Of course, that’s a 2400nm range, or damn near coast to coast. But it isn’t going to be anyone but you unless you and your passenger are small and fly light. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2013, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/54 "2013-07-13T21:05:52Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > There’s probably a certain sub-set of the rich-enough-to-own-airplanes crowd that actually want to and learn to fly… Indeed. I know three different [TBM-850](http://www.tbm850.com/) owners, which is my idea of the perfect own-it-and-fly-it airplane. I’ve mooched a couple of rides and this really is as good as it looks to be. Much cheaper than a jet, but scarcely cheap. I think they cost around $3M new, and something like $600/hr to operate. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2013, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039/55 "2013-07-14T00:36:15Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > [Mooney Ovation 2 GX](http://www.mooney.com/ovation2-gx/specifications-performance.html) > > Useful Load: 1,107 pounds. > Max Fuel: (with optional tank) 128 gallons (768 pounds) > > Leaving… 339 pounds for you and your luggage and, um, ‘passengers’. > > Of course, that’s a 2400nm range, or damn near coast to coast. But it isn’t going to be anyone but you unless you and your passenger are small and fly light. Few people need that range on a routine basis. All you have to do is fill the tanks to half-way and then you can take 1 or more people with you. That is the thing with small planes. Weight is almost always an issue but you can also trade off fuel, passengers, and cargo to hit the sweet spot of what you are trying to achieve. For example, with the Mooney Ovation question, you could take another passenger or two and then make landings at one of literally thousands of airports along the way to get fuel. That isn’t as much of an issue as it sounds like because max range is putting you into the air much longer than your bladder can stand even at 200 mph for a coast to coast flight. You have to land along the way anyway. Smaller private planes are best for hops of a few hundred miles tops but you can repeat them if you really need to for longer journeys if you really want to. The cost/benefit curve rises exponentially for longer range aircraft. It is so insanely expensive that only the top .001% of the people in the world can afford it because that is the realm of jets and all that they require. It only takes a rather small jump in door to door performance time to push the price of aircraft capability from the mere hundreds of dollars an hour to several thousand dollars an hour. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-people-that-own-planes-jets/663039.md?page=2)