Executive Style

I had an unusual day today that I thought I should share. At work, I'm starting a new project with John Deere's commercial and consumer equipment (C&CE) division (they're the one's that make the lawnmowers, golf and turf equipment, small utility tractors, and gators). C&CE is based in Raleigh, NC so we usually conduct our meetings with them via teleconference or videoconference. It just so happened that one of the John Deere corporate jets was flying to Raleigh today to pick up some executives and had a few open seats.

So, this morning, I caught a 6 am flight out of Moline on a corporate jet, went to North Carolina, had a 5 hour meeting with our C&CE partners, and was home again by 4:15! Pretty much just a normal days work - only in another part of the country.

Traveling on an executive jet is definitely different than traveling commercially. First, we only had to be at the airport 5 minutes before takeoff, just long enough to climb aboard - no tickets, no i.d. required, no security - just hop on and sit down. The plane was significantly more luxurious than any I had ever ridden on. There were 8 seats on the plane and all were first class style - very very comfortable, wide, fully adjustable - it would even lay down into a bed if you wanted.

One of the more interesting things was the height and speeds at which we flew. The corporate jet airspace is higher altitude than commercial jets fly. Our cruising altitude was about 49,000 feet. At that height, there isn't much atmosphere - I could look out the window above us at mid-afternoon and it was almost black! We weren't high enough to see stars, but it was still quite an interesting view.

Upon arrival in Raleigh, we walked into the private (and very luxurious) airport terminal, were pointed immediately to our car (which literally had the trunk open and engine running) and were on our way. The return trip was just as quick and easy.

Just when I was starting to feel "executivish" I got put right back in my place. Right before takeoff on the return flight, the pilot went to the rear of the plane where the executives were sitting and offered them food and beverages and was generally concerned about their comfort. On his way back up the aisle he leaned over to me (and the other three lower-class folks) and said, "If any of you want some
water or peanuts or something - wait 'til we take off, then you can fetch it out of that drawer." Not quite the same level of service!

This part was kind of funny, so I'm going to throw it in here. Before takeoff, they play the prerecorded safety instructions like they do in commercial jets. One part of it said this, "If any of you are on the belted toilet, please belt yourself down, open the door, and put your feet in the retractable stirrups outside the lavatory door." It didn't just say, "Finish up and return to your seat". Maybe I heard it wrong, but this is what I thought I heard. The announcement made for an interesting mental picture.

All-in-all, it was a fun workday for me. I got to visit a new state (by the way, I really liked North Carolina - for the little bit I saw at least), tour one of our facilities, and ride in the corporate jet. The meeting was kind of long and boring, but the rest made up for it. If any of you ever get filthy rich, I highly recommend getting a private jet - it was really a nice way to travel!