Seeks To Educate Businesspeople About GA Advantages

Aero-News has learned of a first-of-its-kind event coming up in the Northeast. The F1 Air "Drive-To-Fly" Aerospace Gala will be held April 22, 2006 at F1 Boston's facilities in Braintree, MA.

The featured speaker for the evening will be Captain Al Haynes (right), the noted pilot and hero who guided striken United Airlines Flight 232 in for landing in Sioux City, IA in 1989, saving the lives of 184 people onboard.

The event aims to educate business travelers about the value of general aviation as an alternative to airlines, as well as high-end GA pilots and owners who are perhaps thinking about moving into VLJs, said author (and F1 Air pilot) Nina Anderson to Aero-News.

R.J. Valentine, President and CEO for F1 Air, F1 Boston, says that now is the time to spread the word about the benefits of general aviation throughout the business community.

"Since 9/11, commercial air travel has become increasingly more diffi cult, annoying and time-consuming," said Valentine. "More and more people have sought an alternative that is faster, easier and more secure than commercial fl ying. To corporations and individuals who consider their time and safety too important to risk, private flying has become the best way to avoid the inconvenience and non-productive down-time endured during commercial flights."

"I personally have found that corporate aviation has become a major asset and time-saver," Valentine added. "New aviation technologies are now being introduced that will reduce the cost of private jet charter, creating a realistic alternative for a wider group of air travelers."

Proceeds from the gala, which will run from 3 pm to about 10 pm, will benefit the New England Air Museum, The New England and Connecticut Chapters of the Ninety-Nines, and The Port Townsend Aero Museum.

Oh, and one more thing: attendees also have the option of trying out F1's high performance kart racing. Those wishing to partipate in this "need-for-speed" are asked to bring a change of clothes, though, as recommened attire for the evening is
business/professional.

FMI: www.f1air.com