In May 2026, a federal court of appeals handed Flight Options (now an affiliate of fractional operator Flexjet) a victory in a long-running dispute over federal excise tax on fractional-program fees. The IRS sought payment of $39 million (which included interest and penalties) for Flight Options’ failure to collect 7.5% federal excise tax (FET) on fractional program monthly management fees (and membership fees for a now-defunct jet-club program). It’s important […]
Sometimes the most valuable innovations on the ramp aren’t about making equipment bigger—they’re about making it smarter, easier to use, and more adaptable to the job at hand. That’s exactly what makes the new TLD NBT-ER electric belt loader such an exciting addition to the AERO Specialties lineup. Designed for business aviation, regional airline operations, and narrow-body aircraft, the NBT-ER combines the functionality operators expect from a full-featured belt loader […]
Safety Promotion is one of the four (4) components of a strong Safety Management System (SMS). While promoting safety may seem obvious, doing it right can have a profound impact on your operational readiness and your workforce culture. Safety promotion starts with training. Every organization should strive to structure both onboarding training and recurrent training for each functional job description of the operation. Training not only sets safety expectations […]
We’re excited to share the seventh issue of The Strategic Connection for 2026—bringing you the latest updates, partner highlights, and important developments from across the Paragon Network®. In this edition, discover the latest network news, industry insights, member updates, and initiatives driving continued collaboration and growth across Paragon. From recent achievements to upcoming opportunities, this issue keeps you connected with the people, partnerships, and events shaping our community. Stay informed and […]
Los Angeles County is a popular destination for private aircraft. A hub for the entertainment and aerospace industries, the county counts nearly 10 million people as residents. LAX, Van Nuys, Long Beach, Burbank, Hawthorne, Torrance and Santa Monica are the primary airports used by private aviation. Many (most?) aircraft that are available part-time for Part 135 charter to the public end up visiting L.A. County. In March 2026, the L.A. […]
The culture of an operation is vital to its success. Safety culture is a subset of the overall culture and can have a profound impact, good and bad. A mature operation will want to take the pulse of its personnel routinely to make sure that what it believes ‘to be’ is actually ‘what it is’, and if there are simmering problem areas, be proactive to address them before they become […]
In the aviation industry, customer service goes far beyond providing a service or completing a task. It is about creating an unforgettable human experience. For many passengers, an FBO becomes a recurring touchpoint in their lives. If someone flies once, chances are they will fly again. That is why it is so important to identify repeat customers and build genuine relationships with them. The strongest service experiences happen when customers […]
We’re excited to share the sixth issue of The Strategic Connection for 2026—bringing you the latest updates, partner highlights, and key developments across the Paragon Network®. In this edition, explore recent milestones, industry engagement, and ongoing initiatives shaping the network. From global events to strategic partnerships, this issue keeps you informed, connected, and engaged with what’s happening across Paragon. Stay informed and connected—click below to read the latest issue. Happy […]