A local limo driver managed to back into the wingtip of a Falcon jet the
other day, bending the wingtip slightly. The small piece of aluminum,
containing mountings for the wingtip lights, had to be replaced. None of the
lights, the wiring, the light cover, or any other part of the airplane was
damaged.

This little piece of aluminum cost $27,000. It cost $8,000 to install it.
You know, you can buy a pretty nice car for $35,000. Or even an airplane.

When I studied economics in college, I learned about reverse demand curves:
there are some luxury items that the demand increases when the price goes
up, diamonds and perfume being classic examples. Some of these jets look to
me like they are being priced like jewelry. Car & Driver several years ago
reviewed an exotic sports car that had a wing on the back. C&D called it the
"Hyundai wing" because if it was damaged, the cost of replacement was more
than that of a new Hyundai. So, what, we call the Falcon's wingtip the
"Explorer wingtip?"

--
Christopher J. Campbell
World Famous Flight Instructor
Port Orchard, WA


For the Homeland!