Define the Mission

We don’t actually read the instructions anymore. We remove it from the box, plug it in and figure it as we go along. The decision was made to buy a jet based on what or how? Getting from point A to point B? How big the hangar is? Home much the decision maker can afford? It’s hard to tell, but was it based on a mission? Maybe it was.

The mission is often over looked. And at this critical juncture, the success of the completions outcome or entry-in-to-service or the overall satisfaction of ownership can hang in the balance. Often it’s a city pair that will determine the purchase. When the large cabin class race began some fifteen years ago it was Tokyo to New York or about 5000 miles that set the bench mark.

But there are many other decisions to consider. Planning for that one long range flight taken a few times a year, may mean more aircraft than you need. Is the aircraft weight or required field length adequate for the cities you visit on a regular basis. I have found that most pilots have all the figured out. Where they fall short isn’t with the size or range or avionics at all. The success of the aircraft can be measured on other intangibles or even creature comforts. There are so many that don’t get mentioned because at that critical moment of decision making who thinks of seats, galleys and lavatories.

Most often it is the back of the cabin that takes the proverbial “jump seat” in the decision making process. When defining the mission take the time to think about these areas. After all, they are VIP aircraft for the most part and cabin service should be studied. It should not be overkill, but be adequate amenities to provide the finest service without compromise.