Gauntlet Warbirds

Jet Club

Gauntlet Warbirds Jet Club: Own and Fly Your Own Jet Warbird

With the Gauntlet Warbirds Jet Club, you get all the advantages of owning your own jet warbirds plus Gauntlet Warbirds' facilities, equipment, and instructor staff without the hassle or unexpected costs of sole ownership.

There is no limit on how many hours an owner flies. An owner can also let friends, family, and business associates fly the jet, so long as the owner accepts no remuneration for the flight per FAA regulations.

Currently shares are being offered in the L-39 “Albatros.” Gauntlet Warbirds' L-39 was manufactures in 1974 by Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic. After military service in the Eastern Bloc it was imported to the US in the early 2000s and placed on the civilian registry.

Costs

Acquisition Costs- A share is currently $10,000 with a limit of fifteen shareholders per aircraft. The term is unlimited with an automatic buyback guarantee. If you wish to exit the Jet Club, we will buy your share back for 30% of your acquisition costs.

Monthly and Hourly Fees- These fees cover all fixed and variable costs of owning and operating your jet. Shares cost $500 a month to maintain and each hour of engine time on the jet is $750 excluding fuel. Instruction is $100 per hour for flight time only; all of your ground is free. Best of all there are no surprises; you are not responsible for any unexpected costs that come up in the course of normal operation, including engine replacement, tires, brakes, or other maintenance issues.

Fuel – As with any jet warbird, fuel is the main expense in operating the L-39. The L-39 burns between 150 and 170 gallons per hour on a standard training profile. The Jet Club gets a significant discount on fuel at ARR that we pass on to the shareholders.

Compare with Sole Ownership – Buying a share of a Gauntlet Jet Club aircraft is significantly less expensive than owning an L-39 yourself and much more predictable. You don't have to worry about an annual going over budget or any unexpected bills for normal operation. Your monthly and hourly fees are all you will ever pay; Gauntlet picks up the rest.

Operations

Scheduling – All scheduling is done through Gauntlet Warbirds, including free online scheduling for the aircraft and instructor pilots.

Aircraft Management – Gauntlet Warbirds' staff will manage your aircraft for you; you don't have to worry about logbooks, track maintenance, or file for program letter renewals or operating limitation changes. It is all covered. Use of Gauntlet's safety equipment, helmets, oxygen masks, parachutes and flight suits is included.

Training – All shareholders have access to Gauntlet Warbirds' training staff at a rate of $100 per flight hour in their aircraft and can be certain that Gauntlet's high operational standards are being maintained in all aspects of their aircraft's flight operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can my company buy a share in the jet?
Yes, corporations can become shareholders in the aircraft just like individuals. Many companies find that giving unique experiences to their employees and clients build brand loyalty and helps close sales.

Q. Do I need to have a certain number of hours or experience to become a shareholder?
No, you do not. You don't even need to be a pilot.

FAA regulations prohibit experimental aircraft such as the L-39 from being used in commercial operations unless the operator has been issued a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA) by his or her local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Gauntlet Warbirds has a LODA issued by the DuPage FSDO to offer L-39 transition training and jet unusual attitude training to clients who hold an FAA pilot certificate at the Private Pilot level or higher.

Owners of experimental jets can fly in or be trained in their own aircraft with an instructor no matter how many hours they have. Owners don't even need to be pilots as flying an aircraft you own is not a commercial operation and training or rides (which are strictly prohibited by the FAA) are not being offered to the public. An owner can let a friend, family member, or business associate fly in their jet so long as that person does not pay for any portion of the flight.

Q. Is this a fractional ownership program?
The Gauntlet Jet Club combines the best elements of fractional ownership and a flying club to make owning your jet warbird as enjoyable as possible. You get the service, predictability, and support of a fractional ownership program. With your purchase you become a legal owner of the aircraft by becoming a member of the LLC that owns the aircraft, which is similar to many flying clubs. The Gauntlet Jet Club is not considered a fractional ownership program by the FAA as it is not regulated under FAR part 91(k). Additionally Gauntlet Warbirds provides instructors for training purposes, who are paid separately from aircraft acquisition, monthly, and hourly fees whereas fractional programs include flight crews in their fees.

Q. How can I sell my share?
Gauntlet Warbirds will buy back your share for 30% of your acquisition cost, or you can transfer your share to another party with Club approval. When you notify us that you would like to sell your share, your monthly payments stop immediately.

Q. What insurance does the Jet Club carry?
The aircraft is an asset of an LLC that is covered by a one million dollar liability policy. Greater coverage is available for an additional fee.

Q. Can I fly my jet out of another airport?
Yes. If Aurora is not convenient for you we will bring your jet to you; you only have to pay the standard hourly fees to relocate the aircraft.

Q. What equipment do I need?
All pilots must fly with a Nomex flight suit, helmet, flight gloves, parachute, and oxygen mask. While we recommend that all owners purchase their own equipent, you are welcome to use our equipment for as long as you would like for no additional charge.

Q. How is scheduling and dispatch handled?
All scheduling is handled by Gauntlet Warbirds using our online scheduling system or by calling the office and booking your flights. Shareholders can schedule 60 days out while other Gauntlet Warbirds customers can only schedule 30 days out. All shareholders have equal right to the aircraft and all scheduling is handled on a first come, first served basis.

All flights are dispatched from Gauntlet Warbirds' offices.

Q. Can I fly the jet solo?
Depending on your qualifications and insurance approval you may be able to fly the jet solo, contact Gauntlet Warbirds to discuss this.

If you would like more information contact Greg Morris at 312-339-6348 or email greg@gauntletwarbirds.com

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