February 15, 2007

Getting Smart with Upgrades

When it comes to weighing the pros and cons of buying a new business jet, sometimes the smartest move is to upgrade and invest in the tried and true performance of aircraft that have stood the test of time.

The exterior paint scheme has been updated, shifting to corporate colors with white body and blue and silver stripes.

The familiar adage that "they don't make 'em like they used to" is often as true with business jets as it is with anything else. Sabreliners, for example, are widely acclaimed for their legendary strength, stability and superior handling characteristics. "When you add the broad range of upgrades and modifications available through Sabreliner Corp., an operator can have an up-to-date aircraft that outshines many new bizjets with comparable features and capabilities," said Ron Herman, senior vice president, operations for Sabreliner. "What's more, they can have it at a fraction of the cost."

Even the earliest model 40s can look and feel like new. Sabreliner recently performed a major upgrade on its own "Sabre One" - the first Sabre business jet ever produced. The aircraft's latest refurb includes the following items:

• Updated exterior paint scheme, shifting to use of corporate colors
• Revitalized interior design with new color scheme in upholstery, accent fabrics and carpet
• Refurbished cabin seats and aft divan, including re-webbing of seat belts and replacement of foam
• Re-covered cockpit seats with new Aero Lamb Sheepskin
• Re-plated interior hardware from previous gold to satin nickel

The interior design has been revitalized with new color scheme in upholstery, accent fabrics and carpet.	The cabin seats and aft divan have been refurbished, including re-webbing of seat belts and replacement of foam.

Over time, Sabre One has benefited from numerous additional upgrades. "We've equipped the aircraft with the latest technology, making it a classic example of the timeless quality and value of a Sabreliner," explained Herman. Other selected upgrades installed in recent years on Sabre One include:

• Dual Collins ADS-80K Air Data System, which makes the aircraft compliant to FAA mandates for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in 2005, allowing aircraft to fly in smoother, more fuel-efficient air space above 29,000 feet.
• Honeywell CAS-67A Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which provides audio warning for other air traffic in the vicinity and/or flight path of the aircraft.
• Honeywell KGP-860 Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), which exceeds the FAA compliance mandate of March, 2005 for providing advanced warning of potentially hazardous terrain.
• Avidyne EX 500 Multi-Function Display, which displays the radar, TCAS, EGPWS, and a moving map with FMS flight plan and XM weather radar overlay. This system increases situational awareness and provides for a safer, smoother flight.
• Iridium antennae installation for handheld phone use in flight.
• Composite side panels that provide nearly 8 inches of additional shoulder room and 2.5 inches more head room - at 103 pounds less weight.

An Avidyne EX 500 Multi-Function Display has been installed, which displays the radar, TCAS, EGPWS, and a moving map with FMS flight plan and XM weather radar overlay.

Other Sabreliner owners are following the lead of Sabre One. A West Coast-based electronics company currently has its Sabre 60 in the Sabreliner shop at Perryville, MO for a $1.6 million upgrade that covers virtually everything from top to bottom and front to back. Along with exterior paint and complete interior refurbishment, the aircraft is being equipped with all-new avionics. In addition, the owner is putting in Freon air conditioning to keep the interior cool while sitting on the runway, installing a new sounding dampening blanket to reduce engine noise in the cabin, and replacing fluorescent lights and ballast with brighter, lighter LED upwash lighting.

Sabreliner Corp. offers other modifications and programs that extend service life up to 30,000 hours/landings. According to Herman, "those programs will keep anyone's Sabreliner flying for decades. With our combination of upgrades and support, this proven aircraft can deliver remarkable performance and longevity - all for a relatively small investment that makes smart business sense compared to the cost of buying new."