Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, What’s It All About?

Mardi Gras, also known as “The Feast Before the Fast” is a celebration of indulgence. although celebrated by a variety of different people, traditionally, it the last day Catholics are allowed to indulge before Ash Wednesday when many begin fasting and giving up their ‘bad habits’ for lent.

In the United States, we like to celebrate Mardi Gras in a big way. It is commemorated by wearing masks and loud colors, indulging in rich foods, enjoying brews and dancing. Where do most of the festivities take place? New Orleans of course! ‘The Big  Easy’ is the place to be on February 21st. Bourbon street will look like a mirage of colorful mayhem filled with non stop celebrations involving fabulous floats, jubilant marching bands, outrageous performers, lavishly crazy costumes, along with copious amounts of beads and king cake.

New Orleans, LA

Surely New Orleans, LA isn’t the only place having all the fun on Mardi Gras…Check out where other famous Mardi Gras celebrations take place!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Mardi Gras is combined with their annual Carnival of Brazil which happens to be their most famous holiday. During the festivities, people can be seen dancing and parading through the streets to a samba beat.

 

Nice, France

The carnival in Nice is a 10 day celebration where parades take place day and night. The city-wide party explodes with fireworks, spectacular floats, and a gorgeous flower parade where flowers are featured on floats, all the beaches, and given to the people.  

 

Cologne, Germany

Here, Mardi Gras is known as the ‘fifth and foolish season’ and during the parade, a carnival queen and king are elected.  

Where will you spend Mardi Gras this year?

          Comment below and let us know!

Starbase Grand Opening Event a Success!

Starbase Aviation hosted their first VIP Grand opening event in Dallas, TX celebrating the newly renovated offices.

Hundreds of guests were invited to experience the star treatment at the gala featuring luxury aircraft, automobiles, upscale cuisine and a cigar bar with a tequila tasting.

The event showcased several of Starbase Aviation’s luxury aircraft, including a Learjet 60 and a Cessna Citation CJ2, which guests intriguingly toured. Another highlight of the evening; an exhibit of luxury automobiles provided by Park Cities Lincoln and Prestige Ford, which premiered a stunning new line up of luxury and highly sought-after vehicles. Catering was hosted by celebrity chef and restaurateur, Kent Rathbun of Abacus and Jaspers, among other popular restaurants. Clay Thompson from the Havana Boys Club provided fine cigars and tequila tastings, and a variety of other elixirs and spirits were also provided. Guests thorougly enjoyed the musical stylings of The Ricki Derek Trio whose tone transported guests back in time to when Frank Sinatra was live on stage.

Many local celebrities were also in attendance including: Gene & Julie from KVIL, Andrea Ridout of the TV show Dig In and national radio show Ask Andrea (heard locally on 1190 am), and the Mayor of Addison, Todd Meier, among many others.

 Check out some pictures from the event!

 

To view the rest of the event photos, visit our Facebook Page at Starbase Jet Charter.

Using iPads in the Cockpit

iPads are moving to the cockpit!

Instead of relying solely on paper charts, many pilots have tested out iPad’s charting and flight plan applications while flying and believe it to be a great tool to have in the cockpit.

What are the Advantages of Using iPads in the Cockpit?

• iPad’s will be safer to use than traditional paper charts while flying
• The touch screen and illumination display will make for easier use and accessibility while flying the plane.
• The lightweight device makes it easier to sort through charts and allows pilots to access a variety of information with ease.
• The iPad helps to track maintenance problems by collecting information at the source.
• The addition of the iPad will also make for a less cluttered cockpit.

Several iPad applications have been developed in favor of pilots in part due to requests for navigating through a more efficient electronic platform. Many pilots already use iPads for personal use so integrating iPads into use for work will not bode much of a learning curve. Pilots will be able to download a number of applications for their pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight routines and they now have the option of saving content for future viewing on the iPad. Currently, there are dozens of iPad applications ready to use in the cockpit including applications for weather, airport information, charts including sectionals, low & high en-route charts, terrain, moving map & optional geo-referenced approach plates map. Furthermore, pilots can log on to a website called www.mygoflight.com so they can easily organize and find all the iPad applications they need.

Many pilots are eager to begin using these devices in the cockpit. The FAA has begun to approve the use of iPads in the cockpit as a secondary tool to complement paper charts. Once air carriers win FAA approval, pilots will be able to navigate electronically, and not have to rely on the traditional pencil-on-paper route.  

Click below to watch a video of Starbase Aviation’s Director of operations, Jeff Curl on KHOU’s Channel 11 discussing the potential benefits of using iPads in the cockpit.

Starbase Aviation’s Director of Operations Jeff Curl Discusses Advantages of the iPad

Which Aircraft Fits Your Needs?

Planning a vacation on a private jet, but you’re not sure which aircraft you should take? In this post you will find out how the aircrafts differ and how to pick the perfect private jet based on your travel requirements!

There are several contributing factors to take into account which will help you choose the aircraft that’s right for you.

Factors:  

How many passengers are traveling with you?

Approximately how many miles do you need to fly?

What do you need to bring on board?

What are your In-flight priorities?

 

Comparison of Light, Mid-Size, & Large Aircraft

Aircraft Size	No. of Passengers	Mileage
Light	Up to 7 passengers	Up to 1,500 miles or 3-4 hours nonstop
Mid-size	Up to 9 passengers	Up 2,000-3,000 miles or 4-5 hours nonstop
Large	Up to 18 passengers	Up to 6,200 miles or 6-12 hours nonstop

 

 Light Jet 

 The light jet is the most economical choice for short to medium range trips for up to 7 passengers and a light baggage load. You can expect a light jet travel up to 1,500 miles or between 3 and 4 hours non-stop. These aircraft come with curtained, partial, or full lavatories and most comfortably accommodate four to seven passengers. Light jets are capable of landing at airports with shorter runways providing you access to the closest airport to your destination. 

 

 Mid-size Jet 

 

The midsize jet offers added range and performance to the light jet class, without incurring the costs of a heavy jet. This aircraft class can accommodate up to 9 passengers, and is optimal for coast to coast travel with a range from 2,000-3,000 miles- allowing for longer trips without the need to refuel. Most mid-size jets provide a stand up cabin and have luxury amenities for your flight.

 

 Large Jet 

The ultimate in private jet travel, the larger cabin aircraft allows luxury amenities, comfort, faster trips, and nonstop travel. With the capability of accommodating ten to eighteen passengers, continuous travel up to 6,200 miles at speeds between 480 and 560 miles per hour, large cabin jets are the way to go for long-distance trips for larger groups. These jets also have external storage compartments to handle larger baggage needs.

 

The right aircraft for your trip is waiting for you! For more information on pricing contact Sales@Starbasejet.com or visit our website at www.Starbasejet.com.

Why Private Jet Travel Is Not Scary

Ok, so all of us have traveled with commercial airlines and know what a nightmare the process is; taking your shoes off, going through scanners, fitting all your liquids in a tiny plastic bag. Not to mention the question of safety. Many business professionals are starting to realize the benefits of flying privately instead of flying commercial. With the Holiday season approaching, travel picks up and it’s the perfect time to talk about why booking a private jet for your next trip could not only minimize your stress and allow you to keep your shoes on while traveling, but it is also the safest option out there. 

So why is flying privately easier than flying commercial?

Listed below are some of the top reasons people choose a private jet service provider.

Convenience

Skip airport crowds and forget about waiting in security and check-in lines. If you choose a private jet service, you can fly on a moment’s notice.

Customizability  

Take control of your trip and plan everything to your liking, including your meals. Ditch airport food, plane meals and snacks. Instead, customize your order from anywhere you desire through gourmet catering.

Perks

Here at Starbase Aviation our motto is “Experience the star treatment,” that is our promise to our customers. We provide concierge services to go above and beyond and make sure all your needs are met.  

Watch your favorite movies and listen to your favorite songs with state of the art entertainment equipment.  

Comfort

Fly in a cabin that has a relaxing environment, with luxurious plush leather seating and an open layout.

Increased security

You book the flight, so you know who you’re flying with. Accordingly, Starbase Aviation has received the highest safety ratings in the industry and is equipped with pilots who have received superior training.  

Efficiency

Private jets offer a quiet, confidential environment to conduct business. Stress-free settings result in greater productivity and produce better quality work.

Why fly commercial when you can “Experience the Star Treatment?” visit http://www.starbasejet.com to book your travel now and find out more information.