How to Begin Planning a Light Business Airplane Purchase
While companies that rely on business aviation represent many different professions and locations, they all have one thing in common: the need for fast, flexible, safe, secure and cost-effective access to destinations across the country and around the world. In many instances, business aviation is the appropriate and best transportation solution, opening the door to global commerce for small-community and rural populations by linking them directly to population centers and manufacturing facilities.
The benefits of business aviation are clear, but researching an airplane purchase can be daunting. How do companies decide which airplane will best meet their business needs?
NBAA is committed to serving those who rely on light business airplanes (LBAs), as well as those who are considering how to fit these planes into their business models. Updated for 2012, the NBAA Light Business Airplane Buyer’s Guide provides a synopsis of the offerings currently available in the LBA category to assist companies in their purchase planning. The publication is designed to offer not an exhaustive analysis of the LBA fleet, but rather an overview to aid in the LBA selection process.
The guide provides manufacturer specifications for 39 light business aircraft in eight categories. For ease of use, the guide is divided into sections according to aircraft size and type as follows:
- Single-Engine Piston
- Single-Engine Piston Turbocharged
- Multi-Engine Piston
- Multi-Engine Piston Turbocharged
- Single-Engine Turboprop
- Multi-Engine Turboprop
- Very Light Jet
- Light Jet
If you have questions or feedback about the NBAA Light Business Airplane Buyer's Guide or related topics, contact NBAA's Operations Service Group at (202) 783-9250 or info@nbaa.org.
News & Updates
New Edition of NBAA Light Business Airplane Buyer's Guide Now Available
October 12, 2012
The 2012 edition of the NBAA Light Business Airplane (LBA) Buyer's Guide is now available for ordering online. First published in 2009 as an exclusive Member benefit, the guide aids small businesses in selecting an airplane that's right for their needs by providing an overview of all the light business airplanes currently in production. The publication collects the basic specification and performance data for 39 light business airplanes in eight categories, including external and
internal dimensions, weight limits, horsepower, and takeoff and landing distances. Read more about the LBA Buyer's Guide.
Other Resources for Members Considering LBAs
- NBAA Aircraft Transactions Resource
- Review this online reference designed to take potential airplane buyers through the various issues surrounding the acquisition of aircraft, including the purchase process, regulatory considerations, insurance options and financing.
- NBAA On-Demand Education
- View video of presentations on aircraft registration and aircraft transactions from the NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference.
- NBAA Tax Committee
- The Tax Committee's Aircraft Transactions Working Group has expertise in this subject area.
- Cape Town Convention
- Find an overview of the registration requirements for certain purchased aircraft and components.
- Aircraft Operating & Ownership Options
- View various ownership and leasing options available to those seeking to obtain a business aircraft.
- Tax Issues
- See detailed guidance on federal, state and international taxes, as well as on depreciation and non-business use of employer-provided aircraft.
- Insurance & Risk Management
- Learn the various insurance considerations for aircraft owners and operators.



