Why You Might Not Need BJT's 2014 Buyers' Guide (and Why You Probably Do)

When we interviewed entrepreneur Mark Cuban back in 2010, he explained how he purchased a Gulfstream GV online. First, he looked at info about the jet on the manufacturer’s website and sent an e-mail to set up a demo flight for his pilot, who reported back that he loved the airplane. Then, recalled Cuban, “I sent another e-mail saying I wanted to buy it. I got the banking instructions, wired the money, and that was it.”

How could he buy a $40 million airplane sight unseen? Well, consider that according to the latest listing of the Forbes 400, Cuban’s net worth hovers around $2.5 billion. So what’s the worst that could have happened? Say he hated the airplane or the bottom fell out of the market and he wound up selling his GV at a loss of $5 million. He’d be out 0.2 percent of his net worth. That’s like someone with $1 million losing $2,000—almost pocket change.

If your resources are on par with Cuban’s, congratulations: you’re one of the rare individuals who can afford to purchase a jet almost as casually as some people would buy a suit of clothes. Go ahead and order your airplane online—and pass the just-published seventh annual edition of BJT’s Buyers’ Guide on to a friend who needs it more than you do.

Chances are, of course, that you’re not in Cuban’s position. For you or even for your company, a business jet—or fractional share, jet card or charter flight—probably represents a big expense, and you can’t afford mistakes. If that’s the case, you need all the help you can get—starting with our award-winning Buyers’ Guide.

In the 2014 edition, you’ll find data about all the aircraft models you might be considering for purchase or use as well as information on airplanes that are likely to become available in the next few years. You’ll also discover advice about financing and aviation insurance and about charter, jet cards and fractional shares. In addition, we’ve included a look at the world’s top-rated FBOs, and directories of completion and refurbishment centers, cabin-electronics manufacturers and business-aviation caterers. This is your one-stop shop for information about buying bizjets and related products and services.

So consider: Are you, like Mark Cuban, in a position to shrug off a mistake that could run into six or seven figures? If not, I’d suggest you spend some time with your copy of our 2014 Buyers’ Guide and benefit from its wealth of information and expert advice. The magazine costs you nothing and its contents could save you plenty.