Version 4.80 Still Based On MS Excel

Conklin & de Decker has just released the latest version of its Life Cycle Cost software. The Microsoft Excel based software accounts for the various aspects of owning and operating an aircraft – acquisition cost, operating costs, taxes, the final aircraft residual value and revenues if it is in commercial operations. It also analyzes different methods of acquisition (lease, purchase, shared & fractional ownership), different ways to operate (corporate, commercial and managed). Users can select from eight different tax-depreciation schedules, including the latest bonus depreciation and a user-defined schedule.

The Conklin & de Decker Life Cycle Cost software provides information about the effects of differing assumptions regarding aircraft ownership and operation. Based upon user selections such as the type of aircraft, form of ownership, and method of acquisition, the spreadsheet populates with preloaded operating costs as researched by Conklin & de Decker. The preloaded data alone saves the user many hours of research. The user then enters details for the specific aircraft model, sets the program length and annual utilization, and then can edit any of the pre-loaded costs. It shows a summarized list of the costs, and any revenues, pre and after-tax cost, and will calculate the “Net Present Value” which accounts for the time-value of capital.

The major change to Version 4.80 the software is that an input/edit table to review and edit the maintenance data was added. This allows easier changing and updating of maintenance inspections and overhauls. To accompany that change, new report pages: “Maintenance Budget for Inspections and Overhauls” and “Maintenance Budget for Life Limited Parts and Engines” were added. These show when and what maintenance expenses are occurring. The updated software also allows the user more flexibility when adding property taxes to the equation. This tool is powerful in its application, but easy to use for anyone who has a passing acquaintance with spreadsheets.

Running Life Cycle Cost requires a Windows PC or Mac with Microsoft Excel 97 or later. There are databases for Jets, Turboprops, Helicopters and the major US-based Fractional Ownership programs. Prices for the software (delivered in the US/Canada) are $695 for the jets database, $450 for the turboprop or helicopter database. The Fractional database is free with the purchase of any other Life Cycle Cost database. A Single Aircraft version is also available. Users can specify from one to five aircraft and pay for only those aircraft that they need – pricing is $200 for the first aircraft plus $100 for each additional aircraft up to five.

FMI: www.conklindd.com