✈️ The VIP Seat Weekly

Your business aviation hot takes, served fresh

January 27th, 2026 | Season 3 Episode 3 Companion

Welcome back to The VIP Seat. This week we cover the tragic Challenger 600 crash in Bangor, the settlement between Flexjet and Honeywell, FAA funding concerns, Wheels Up layoffs, and a wild story about a fake pilot scoring free flights. Let's dive in.

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Tragedy in Bangor: Challenger 650 Crash Claims Six Lives

A Bombardier Challenger 650 crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport on Sunday evening, killing all six people on board. The aircraft, which was making a fuel stop en route from Houston to Paris, veered off the runway and came to rest inverted before catching fire.

The FAA has confirmed that four passengers and two flight crew members died in the crash. The jet was registered to a corporation sharing the same Houston address as personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin. Three victims have been publicly identified: pilot Jacob Hosmer, Houston-based event planner Shawna Collins, and Tara Arnold, wife of the firm's founding partner Kurt Arnold.

Weather conditions at the time included heavy snow and freezing fog, with visibility reduced to three-quarters of a mile. Airport officials confirmed the aircraft received de-icing services, though the exact timing relative to takeoff remains unclear.

While the investigation is ongoing and we will not speculate on the cause, this tragedy highlights the importance of understanding winter weather operations in private aviation. The Challenger 600 series has a documented history of cold-weather sensitivity. The FAA issued a directive in 2008 requiring specific warnings in the flight manual after three incidents in Canada, noting that even small amounts of ice, frost, or slush on the wings could cause loss of control during takeoff.

The key difference between Part 121 airline operations and Part 91/135 private aviation is the use of Holdover Time (HOT) tables. Airlines are required to follow these scientifically developed tables that dictate how long de-icing fluid remains effective under various conditions. In private aviation, most operators do not have formal HOT programs, and the legal requirement is for crews to visually inspect the aircraft before takeoff.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost. For brokers, operators, and clients alike, this is a sobering reminder to trust your crews, allow adequate time for winter weather procedures, and resist the pressure of "get-there-itis" that can sometimes accompany private aviation.

Read more: WMTW News Coverage

Flexjet and Honeywell Settle Billion-Dollar Lawsuit

The long-running legal battle between Flexjet and Honeywell has come to an end. Honeywell announced that the two companies have reached a comprehensive agreement to resolve their pending litigation and will work to rebuild their commercial partnership.

Flexjet had been seeking over $1 billion in damages, claiming that Honeywell's failure to repair or provide replacement engines promptly caused a significant portion of its fleet to be grounded. At the peak of the crisis in late 2024 and early 2025, Flexjet reported that 91 engines were off-wing and nearly 40 aircraft were parked, with some engines out of service for nearly three years.

As part of the settlement, Honeywell booked $470 million on their books to resolve the litigation. However, Flexjet claims the total value exceeds $1 billion when accounting for cash considerations and service credits. The companies have also agreed to extend their aircraft engine maintenance agreement through 2035.

The settlement also resolved related litigation involving Duncan Aviation and StandardAero, which had been caught in the middle when Honeywell pushed overhaul responsibilities down to these providers without corresponding payments.

A Flexjet spokesperson stated that this agreement places supplier accountability at center stage and sets a precedent for businesses seeking to address similar supplier issues. The hope is that this case serves as a reminder of the importance of supplier relationships built on authentic commitment and consistent delivery.

In case you missed it, catch up on our interview with Kenn Ricci on this issue. Watch now on Youtube.

Read more: Private Jet Card Comparisons

FAA Funding Hangs in the Balance as Shutdown Looms

The House unveiled a comprehensive government spending package last week that would boost the FAA's budget to $22.2 billion for fiscal year 2026, representing a $1.2 billion increase over current levels. The proposal includes funding to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers to address ongoing staffing shortages.

However, with a potential government shutdown deadline of January 30th, the fate of this funding remains uncertain. Aviation trade groups had initially celebrated what appeared to be bipartisan support for bills that would maintain FAA funding even during a shutdown, including the Aviation Funding, Stability and Solvency Act and the Keep America Flying Act.

Political dynamics have shifted following recent events, and the FAA funding package may become a bargaining chip in broader budget negotiations. The core issue remains unresolved: until the FAA can be separated from broader government shutdown politics, air travel and air traffic control staffing will continue to be vulnerable to political leverage.

When controllers work extended periods without pay, they may need secondary employment, which could lead to fatigue issues that compound existing staffing challenges. This is not just an inconvenience but a public safety concern that affects everyone who flies.

Read more: AVweb Coverage

Wheels Up Conducts Sales Team Layoffs Amid Restructuring

Delta Air Lines-backed Wheels Up has laid off approximately 20 or more positions, primarily impacting the sales team, according to industry sources. The move appears to be part of the company's previously announced cost savings plan, which has been increased from an initial target of $50 million to $70 million.

This marks another step in the company's ongoing restructuring under CEO George Mattson. Wheels Up has been transitioning away from its leisure-focused fleet of King Air turboprops and aging Citation Xs toward a more premium offering built around Phenom 300s and Challenger 300s, targeting Delta's extensive corporate accounts.

Last month, Wheels Up raised $105 million through a sale-leaseback deal on 10 aircraft (three Challengers and seven Phenoms). While this provides liquidity, sale-leaseback transactions typically carry costs of around 1% per month of asset value, representing expensive capital that will impact ongoing expenses.

The company also made news by issuing a press release celebrating 14 consecutive days without cancellations. Industry observers noted that this language seems more aligned with airline operations than private aviation, where flights typically are not cancelled but rather recovered with substitute aircraft. The terminology raised questions about whether this reflects airline-style thinking from the Delta-backed leadership or simply a messaging misstep.

Read more: Private Jet Card Comparisons

Canadian Man Indicted for Posing as Pilot to Score Free Flights

Dallas Pokornik, a 33-year-old Canadian who previously worked as a flight attendant from 2017 to 2019, has been indicted for allegedly defrauding multiple airlines by posing as a commercial pilot to obtain hundreds of free flights over a four-year period.

According to court records, Pokornik used fake credentials to access flights on three carriers based in Honolulu, Chicago, and Fort Worth. During the scheme, he even requested jump seats in the cockpit despite not holding an airman certificate or any pilot qualifications.

Pokornik was arrested in Panama and extradited to the United States. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case highlights potential security gaps in the Known Crew Member program. While credentials typically include identification features, the practical reality of busy airport operations may allow individuals with convincing uniforms and badges to slip through checks. This is not the first such case; a Florida man was found guilty last June of similar impersonation after taking over 120 free flights between 2018 and 2024.

Read more: AVweb Coverage

✈️ Mile High Madness

Jessie's Pick: Private Jet Pilates A group in Fort Lauderdale is now offering "Planes and Pilates," billing it as a luxury elevated wellness experience. While hangar events can be great, combining fitness with jet fuel fumes and potential mechanic walk-throughs raises some questions about the target market and practical execution. This appears to be primarily a social media play aimed at influencer content rather than a genuine wellness offering. We're curious to see if this trend takes off or stays grounded.

Preston's Pick: Grant Cardone Goes Global After years of being a vocal Gulfstream enthusiast (and occasionally threatening to switch manufacturers on social media), Grant Cardone has officially gone Global. The 10X guru has taken delivery of a Bombardier Global 7500 and sold his G650 after reportedly receiving an offer he couldn't refuse. The new aircraft features his distinctive "GC" livery on the tail. Cardone also maintains a Falcon 900 that can often be spotted at Opa-locka Executive Airport.

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The VIP Seat Weekly is the companion newsletter to The VIP Seat podcast. We give you the business aviation hot takes for your commute.

Jessie’s Links:
Private Aviation Safety Alliance
FlyVizor
LinkedIn

Preston’s Links:
Prestige Aircraft Finance
Private Jet Insider (Newsletter)
LinkedIn
X (Formerly Known as Twitter)
FastJets