Experience with Universal

[capt_zman]

Got a trip planned to Europe (CYQX-EICK-LIPX-EICK-CYQX) and am having Universal quote the trip. Would be interested to hear others experiences in how they would handle this trip. Currently, there's a $9000 quote on the table and I'm fairly new at crossing the pond, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Rick1128]

I have used Universal in the past for Europe. But since I have done it several times I don't any longer, except for eastern europe. There it stills helps to have a local to deal with issues. The less developed aviation wise a country is the more benifical a handler is. Western Europe has been dealing with Bizjets for many years and has an infistructhor to handle them. Many areas do not. Plus western european airports will take USD, credit cards, etc. Many areas want everything in cash. Sometimes only local.

For your first trip or two, it is comfortable to have someone hold your hand. But everything is available off WSI or the internet for western europe.

Have a good trip.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

In my opinion, handleing is the only way to go.

Sure, you can do all the leg work yourself, and hope it all goes 100% smooth - but thats what these folks do for a living. All my dealings with Universal have been just fine - no problems, just what you pay them for.

I would get your boss accustomed to these charges as the cost of operating seamlessly on foreign soil. 9K? they can afford it....so you do it yourself and it costs 6K? thanks, let the pro's do it.

It looks great to save him a few bucks - lets face it 9K is just a small percentage of the trip - but it looks TERRIBLE when something goes amuck and you have nobody to call or to get you a new slot asap etc..... nothing would look worse than having to shut down, get a ride to the tower, try and file,etc......you might have saved a few bucks for the company but you may also be looking for a new job when you finally get home. "but sir I was trying to save you $250..." .....lame.

This is simply NOT the place to save money..you will need to rest, etc...and concentrate on your flying, not be running around trying to do magic between legs.

Just an opinion.