Tag: BlackBird Uber of private flights

FAA investigation of Uber for private flights Blackbird highlights serious problems

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Fly BlackBird affordable private flights

In March, Private Jet Card Comparisons published an extensive report detailing potential legal risks for users

“Despite BlackBird’s assertion that the pilots are not transporting persons or property, it is clear that they are being hired for that very purpose.” – Federal Aviation Administration

BlackBird CEO Rudd Davis says the company “will pause” activity under FAA scrutiny. Calls it “a minority of our business.”

Read the full letter from the FAA to BlackBird

In a letter dated Dec. 17, 2019, obtained by Private Jet Card Comparisons, the Federal Aviation Administration tells Uber for private flight digital platform Blackbird it plans to continue an investigation into the company.

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How not to get burned when you buy a private jet membership

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Lawsuits, closures, bankruptcies and lack of transparency show the challenges consumers face

In the two years since I launched Private Jet Card Comparisons, I’ve been surprised by the number of bankruptcies, closures, lawsuits, and lack of transparency in private aviation. In Europe, Wijet liquidated its UK subsidiary while Surf Air closed its entire operation there. Zetta Jet filed for Chapter 11 and then Chapter 7, leaving bills estimated at between $50 million and $100 million. ImagineAir just closed shop without notice. Both JetSmarter and Ascension Air find themselves facing unhappy customers, including lawsuits. Of course, there have been other failures before, including Avantair and Blackjet to name just two fairly recent ones.

How not to lose on your private jet membership

To help you avoid the same pitfalls, here are some tips I put together. While they may not be foolproof, I think they are helpful to keep in mind:

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BlackBird just raised $10 million to be the Uber of private flying…Here’s what I learned from reading the fine print with an aviation attorney

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Fly BlackBird affordable private flights

Blackbird promises to “defy gravity” with inexpensive private flights on private jets, turboprops and piston aircraft. Takeoff with the knowledge that this isn’t a traditional air charter

“We bring you the freedom of flight…No matter who you are, no matter what you do, we all face challenges, obstacles, rules, limitations and frustrations—this daily struggle is gravity that pulls us down and tries to keep us from reaching our potential. Together we will defy gravity.” – BlackBird website

I leased a private aircraft and hired a pilot in less than 10 minutes. Was it legal?

On March 12, 2019, I received a press release from BlackBird CEO and founder Rudd Davis. It was titled, “We just raised $10 million to bring you more freedom.”

It read, “We started BlackBird to make personal aviation as accessible and affordable as driving.  Today, I’m excited to announce, we’ve taken another huge step toward making this a reality with the close of a $10 million Series A.”

Continue reading “BlackBird just raised $10 million to be the Uber of private flying…Here’s what I learned from reading the fine print with an aviation attorney”

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