Guide to Aircraft Manufacturers

If you only think of commercial aircraft manufacture when you think of airplane manufacturing, it's time to expand your knowledge. Aircraft manufacture includes everything from small sport-flying airplanes to commercial jumbo jets. Both farmers and CEOs use aircraft to make their businesses run more efficiently.

Whether you need to fly to a meeting across the country on short notice or deliver a shipment quickly, owning your own aircraft can make the task easier. Before you purchase an aircraft, take some time to decide exactly what you need the aircraft to do. Once you know what you need, you can choose an aircraft manufacturer. Consider these things when choosing aircraft manufacturers:

1. Do I need to haul large or heavy cargo?
2. Do I need room for a few or many passengers?
3. Do I want an aircraft mainly for business or for recreation?
4. Do I have special needs such as crop dusting or sea landings?
5. Do I plan to pilot the aircraft myself or hire crew?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider light airplane manufacturers for both recreational and business needs

Amateur pilots looking for an inexpensive aircraft often purchase ultra-light airplanes. Often, you purchase a kit and assemble these single- or 2-seat airplanes yourself. Use an ultra-light for recreation and to fly to business meetings.

I recommend: Become your own aircraft manufacturer with the ZenithAir STOL CH 801. This easily built kit aircraft gives you more flexibility with f4 seats and the ability to land on off-airport fields and at city airports.

Fly farther with heavier payloads with general aviation airplane manufacturers

General aviation includes everything except commercial or military flights and represents the largest sector of the aviation industry. As a result, most aircraft manufacturers target this market. Consider one of these aircraft to fly a small number of passengers, but don't expect to carry much cargo.

I recommend: One of the most well-known general aviation airplane manufacturing companies is the Cessna 182 Skylane which is suitable for business or recreation. Another option is the Piper Mirage which seats 6.

Purchase a business jet for dedicated business use

Business jets give you space for passengers, luggage and light cargo. Unless you fly often, this is not a cost effective purchase, but is often the first-choice of business owners trying to manage companies with multiple locations. Consider buying a pre-owned business jet to save money.

I recommend: Learjet and Embraer manufacture executive jets. Commercial airplane manufacturer Boeing also manufactures jets for the business jet market. Contact a sales rep for each company to compare features and get price quotes.

Add an agricultural aircraft to your farm equipment

Owning an ag aircraft makes crop dusting quicker and more effective. You'll never again delay dusting due to wet soil conditions that prevent heavy equipment from going out into the fields.

I recommend: The leading modern ag aircraft manufacturer is Air Tractor. They manufacture eight models from small to large. Find a dealer near you at their website.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Once you get past the ultra-light aircraft market, the costs reach into the million-dollar-plus category. Purchasing a new general aviation aircraft or business jet requires planning and financing.
• Most general aviation manufacturers and business jet aircraft manufacturers sell pre-owned aircraft.

The official source of Aircraft Manufacturers is
the Aircraft Manufacturers page at Business.com