![\"\"](\"http:\/\/sustainableskies.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Cirrus-SR22.png\")
<\/a>Cirrus SR22 currently flown by BlackBird uses 10-12.5 gallons per hour, produces 95 dBa inside the airplane<\/p><\/div>\n
Those jumping on scheduled flights can pay as little as $99 for a trip of similar length.\u00a0 BlackBird calculates this as being similar to, or less than, the cost of driving the same distance, coupled with the benefit of not spending hours behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
BlackBird\u2019s SR22s and their Pilatus PC12s burn fossil fuels and require expensive maintenance.\u00a0 The SR22 consumes 10 to 12.5 gallons of 100-octane low-lead fuel every hour, and the PC12 burns 70 gallons per hour of Jet A.\u00a0 Current prices in the bay area set the costs at about $55 to $60 per hour for the Cirrus and around $350 per hour for the Pilatus.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Sunflyer 4 (now eFlyer 4) in artist’s view. Once it jumps certification, logistics, and other hurdles, this and other electric aircraft could offer quiet, affordable aerial travel<\/p><\/div>\n
The arrival of electric eFlyers should reduce energy costs for equivalent flights considerably.\u00a0 \u201cAs engineer and entrepreneur Paul Touw told the Chronicle last year, based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy and Uber, an electric airplane could make a 50-mile trip at a\u00a010 percent lower price per passenger than a standard bus<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 and in a third of the time.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2019This partnership will provide more flight options for cheaper,\u2019 [CEO Rudd] Davis said of the Bye Aerospace deal.<\/a> \u2018If you could be in Tahoe in 45 minutes for $25, why would you ever choose to drive?\u2019\u201d\u00a0 All of this seems quite wonderful, and might become more so with the level of quietness brought by the coming electric aircraft.\u00a0 $25 would be just the operating cost, obviously.\u00a0 Passengers would pay a low fare, though, for the privilege of flying in such an efficient machine.<\/p>\n Being Uber-like means that as it now stands, BlackBird and many other airplane rental operations do not necessarily own the aircraft they make available to the flying public.\u00a0 Uber’s “app” allows passengers to make deals with drivers for the use of the driver-owned vehicle.\u00a0 With BlackBird purchasing 100 eFlyer 4s, this relationship may change.\u00a0 One might review this interesting and probably controversial write-up by\u00a0 Doug Gollan.<\/a> He describes himself thus, and wrote the article with the help of an aviation attorney.\u00a0 “I am Founder and Editor of Private Jet Card Comparisons, the only independent buyer’s guide to jet card membership programs, and DG Amazing Experiences, a weekly luxury travel e-newsletter for private jet owners. I am also a contributor to Forbes.com.”<\/p>\n For now, BlackBird Air, Inc. limits its liabilities with this statement: “BlackBird Air Inc. is not a direct air carrier or air operator and does not provide air transportation. BlackBird Air Inc. is an online marketplace and may act as an agent when facilitating flights. Please refer to our\u00a0Terms of Use <\/strong><\/a>and\u00a0Privacy Policy<\/strong><\/a> for details.”<\/p>\n Students at nearby Carlmont High School in Belmont have reported on the noise complaints emanating from SurfAir\u2019s use of the PC12s in particular.\u00a0 Andrew Shao headlined an article about San Carlos Airport\u2019s noise pollution problem with \u201cSurf Air noisily returns to San Carlos Airport.\u201d<\/a>\u00a0 Camille Dunning wrote, \u201cNoise concerns at San Carlos Airport causes complaints,\u201d<\/a> detailing meetings by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors\u00a0to legislate restrictions on flight times to counter residents\u2019 complaints.<\/p>\nA Devil’s Advocate<\/h4>\n
A Noisy Business<\/strong><\/h4>\n