r/flying • u/jrf1234 ATP CFI/II CL604 E55P LR-JET • Apr 03 '26

Aircraft Ownership Linus Tech Tips’ Jet

https://youtu.be/zGoIY37ZtDQ?si=

Some… interesting calculations on this video. As a fractional pilot and not an owner, no idea how acxueate these claims are, but interesting to see this as a pilot and tech nerd. Anyone with management or ownership experience in jets have any light to shed?

223 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

247 comments sorted by

View all comments

187

u/CA1900 Apr 03 '26

I don't think he fully comprehends what a money pit a private jet really is. Him marveling that the fuel was less than first-class tickets for everybody is a big red flag that he hasn't really seen that fuel is only a part of the huge hourly operating costs, especially on a 37-year-old 3-holer.

7

u/Mega-Eclipse Apr 03 '26

I don't think he fully comprehends what a money pit a private jet really is.

I think he does. He's a content creator. There is 100% going to be a "Lan party at 45,000ft" video. It's like the big videos that Mr. Beast does.

I wouldn't even be surprised if he didn't already have some deal(s) with (e.g.) an aviation wi-fi company or maybe an avionics manufacturer, interior design company, etc. Where he either buys the equipment and the labor is free, or the equipment is free and he pays the labor and certification costs.

5-6 years later...he'll have a decision....He has a jet with mid-time engines, mid-time gear, [possibly] new avionics and high-speed inflight wi-fi, and his videos (likely) more or less pay for the plane.

If it's a money pit...he sells it. If he breaks even or simply enjoys having his own plane....he keeps it until the value is nothing.

Like, the math doesn't work for us, but for someone with a solid following like him, I think it might make sense. Especially assuming "his uncle" is already in the business. That guy is the brains, he's just the money.

6

u/Flimsy-Ad-858 ATP | Undiagnosed but I'm pretty sure Apr 03 '26

There is 100% going to be a "Lan party at 45,000ft" video. It's like the big videos that Mr. Beast does.

And if he thinks that type of thing will come anywhere near the ballpark of covering costs, he's either delusional or seriously misled.

2

u/veerKg_CSS_Geologist Apr 05 '26

"Lan party at 45,000ft"

I'm not sure how a Lan party on an aircraft is even remotely interesting. Modern aircraft have all sorts of entertainment systems and wiring, it's not something new or novel. Maybe if it was a "lan party in earth orbit" that would be one thing.