Thinking of Buying a Jet? Here’s What I Tell Every First-Time Aircraft Owner

When someone says, “I’m thinking about buying a jet,” my first question is always, “What do you want it to do for you?”

Too often, buyers focus on aircraft specs—range, speed, cabin width—before defining their mission. Will you be flying mostly regional trips under two hours? Carrying a team of executives or just you and a briefcase? Do you need nonstop coast-to-coast capability, or are you doing shorter legs out of regional airports?

Your mission determines your ideal aircraft—not the other way around.

For example, if you frequently travel from Greenville to cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, or Nashville, a Cirrus SR22 or Pilatus PC-12 might be a better fit than a midsize jet. If you’re making regular trips to Chicago or Dallas with clients or partners on board, the Citation XLS family may be a more strategic choice.

Bottom line: Know your mission, and the right aircraft will reveal itself.

Owning a jet opens up incredible freedom, but it also brings real responsibility—and a few “what-ifs” you need to be ready for.

These are normal concerns, and they’re manageable with the right team behind you. But too often, I see buyers go into ownership thinking it’s a plug-and-play experience. The reality is, you’re operating a flying asset that requires attention, expertise, and planning—just like any other part of your business.

That’s why I always advise building a support structure before you buy: a management partner, a maintenance plan, and a trusted advisor (hopefully me) to help you make smart decisions before they cost you.

Private aircraft are often misunderstood as “luxury toys,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth for most of my clients.

The majority of first-time buyers I work with aren’t looking for champagne service and gold-plated seatbelts. They’re looking for reliability, speed, privacy, and the ability to take control of their schedule.

Your aircraft is a time machine. It can turn an unproductive travel day into a series of business wins, save you hotel nights, and let you be home for dinner with your family. And if you’re strategic about it, you can even generate revenue by chartering your aircraft when it’s not in use.

But like any business investment, it should serve a clear purpose—and we’ll define that purpose before we ever talk about specific makes or models.

One of the most common surprises for new aircraft owners is how different the operating costs are from the purchase price.

Buying a jet is one thing. Keeping it flying is another. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what to expect:

Depending on the aircraft type and how much you fly, you might be looking at anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million+ per year in total ownership cost.

That’s why I always walk clients through a detailed ownership cost projection before we even look at listings. You deserve to know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Aircraft acquisition isn’t like buying a car or even a yacht. It’s a complex process that involves:

You shouldn’t be expected to become an expert in all of that. That’s where a trusted partner like Special Services Corporation (SSC) comes in.

My role in the process isn’t to sell you an aircraft—it’s to guide you to the right one, with eyes wide open and full transparency. I’ll help you run the numbers, weigh your options, and avoid the landmines I’ve seen too many buyers step on.

And once you own it? We’ll manage the aircraft like our own family is flying in it — because we know how much is riding on every flight.

Many prospective buyers ask, “Is now a good time to buy?” And my answer is always: it depends.

Market conditions do fluctuate. Inventory goes up and down. Pricing trends shift. But unless you’re trying to flip aircraft as an investment (which I don’t recommend), the best time to buy is when:

A well-timed deal is nice. But a well-matched aircraft that fits your mission for the next 5–10 years is better. That’s what we aim for at SSC.

One of the great benefits of working with SSC is that we help you maximize the value of your aircraft even when you’re not flying it.

Through our charter management program, we can market your jet to qualified clients and help offset your ownership costs. We’ll handle the bookings, FAA compliance, crew scheduling, and client experience—while keeping your aircraft ready when you need it.

Some of our owners save tens of thousands a year this way. Others just enjoy the peace of mind knowing their asset is being used efficiently.

Either way, your jet shouldn’t sit idle unless you want it to.

If you’re considering buying your first aircraft, the best next step isn’t calling a broker or browsing listings—it’s having a candid conversation.

Let’s talk about your mission. Let’s walk through your travel patterns, what matters to you most, and what kind of ownership experience you want. I’ll share real-world insights—not theory—based on nearly two decades helping clients navigate this journey.

No pressure. No pitch. Just clarity.

Because that’s how you make smart, confident decisions—and that’s what SSC is all about.

Buying your first aircraft is a big move, and like any smart investment, it should be guided by expertise, not emotion.

At SSC, we’re not just here to help you buy a plane—we’re here to help you fly smarter, travel better, and own with confidence. If you’re ready to explore what aircraft ownership could look like for you, I’d love to start the conversation.

Doug Goldstrom
President of Sales & Marketing
Special Services Corporation
www.flyssc.com