January 14, 2011 in Aircraft, Florida, Governor, Miscellaneous, Rick Scott, Scott by Jerry H. Trachtman

Florida Governor Scott’s Plan to Dump the State’s Aircraft Will Cost Florida Dearly

Newly elected Governor Rick Scott has no prior political history, only a history as a very successful businessman who made a ton of money. But he sure knows how to get votes. Obviously playing on the negative public sentiment created when the CEO's of the Big Three automakers traveled to DC by company aircraft to request government bailout money, Mr. Scott promised at every campaign stop that if elected, he would get rid of Florida's 2 aircraft, a Beech KingAir twin engine turboprop and a Cessna Citation business jet. What a guy, he'll save taxpayers money by divesting Florida of such rich man's toys. Now in his first days of office, he is carrying out his promise. But there is a catch. Mr. Scott will require the high level state employees who were previously using the state's aircraft for state business travel to fly the airlines, but he will not. You see, Mr. Scott has had his own personal business jet for a long time, and he will continue to use it as Governor. What's wrong with this picture? I'll tell you exactly what's wrong. I believe Mr. Scott, if asked, would acknowledge that the ability to travel to places not served by the airlines, and on his own schedule, had a lot to do with his business success. He would also have to acknowledge that a multi-city business itinerary, impossible to do on an airline's schedule (if the airlines even serviced the destinations), could be easily completed in a day and have him back home in time for dinner using his own aircraft. So the question becomes, is getting rid of Florida's two airplanes going to cost Florida more than continuing to use the aircraft? I would submit that the answer is yes, in both money and efficiency. Florida taxpayers are going to pay dearly for this politically motivated decision. Throw in the economically distressed used aircraft market, and whatever penalties will be incurred by an early termination of the leased, not owned Citation (assuming the lease provides for early termination) and you have an economic disaster, not a money saving move.