I Am Going to Say Something Controversial

The idea that Donald Trump is a successful businessman is one largely promoted by him and Warren Buffet has disputed the idea. The idea that Donald Trump would keep us safe is one largely promoted by him and the former CIA Director has disputed the idea. The idea that Donald Trump is a strong leader is one largely promoted by him (and his kids) and his antics during the last several weeks and months are contrary to what any kind of leader is or does.

The idea that Donald Trump is not beholden to anyone because of his self-proclaimed billions is one largely promoted by him and has been debunked by Russia's Putin who (fake) complimented him as the world watches how quickly Donald Trump became enamored while craving more compliments (a common KGB psychological trick to gain confidence of prisoners). And, there is the mounting evidence that Donald Trump really isn't worth nearly as much as he proclaims (while refusing to release his taxes under the flimsy excuse he's being audited while Warren Buffet has agreed to release his tax returns that are also being audited if Donald Trump does).

The idea that Donald Trump is intelligent is one largely promoted by him and seems suspect as he takes the insults Hilary Clinton is tossing at him and simply using the same ones to insult her, middle school style.

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swirlie · 31-35, F

Goralski, I would like to shed some light on your perception of Donald Trump's success which you base on him owning his own jet. He has had two jets in his possession so far, of which I have personal knowledge of both transactions.

His first jet was a Boeing 727 which was acquired by Trump Inc in the early 1990's. The aircraft was sitting in the desert in Nevada at an aircraft 'graveyard' and was delivered there by Eastern Airlines when Eastern declared bankruptcy in the 1980's. It sat in the desert for years and was also up for sale along with hundreds of other aircraft in that same 'graveyard'.

Donald Trump purchased that B727 for $4million in ..about 1990. The aircraft has 3 engines and is considered a 'first-generation' jet which was launched into production at the very beginning of the 'jet age', which began in the 1960's. That thing was a very old turkey when he acquired it, as it was built in the early 1970's.

The 3 engines alone on that B727 are worth $1.5million each, which means the engine value alone on his purchase was $4.5million. So in effect, Donald bought the aircraft fuselage for 'free' and was paid $500,000 to take it away.. i.e., -- Purchase price of $4.0million minus $4.5million in actual engine value = a 'minus' $500,000 which the creditors of Eastern Airlines lost to Donald.

Donald then refurbished the aircraft to Executive Jet standards, flew it for 5 years during his divorce years and then sold the aircraft for $5million as part of his divorce settlement. His net cost for purchase, refurbishing and maintaining was close to zero, because he bought the thing in the first place for peanuts.. chump-change in reality. He then sold it to a worthy gentleman who lived the UAE who then used it as an Executive Jet for another 4 years. It was then sold to a cargo company in the UK, who then converted it into a short-range freighter.

Donald's second acquisition of aircraft was a pre-owned Boeing 757 which was acquired from American Airlines after they used it for many years. He did not purchase that aircraft. He leased it and still leases it today. The lease arrangement is such that he only pays lease 'by-the-hour-flown' by the aircraft. When the aircraft is parked, the pay-meter is not ticking.

Same goes for insurance. His aircraft is insured by Lloyds of London and the flight insurance arrangement only commands insurance premiums during planned flight hours. Therefore, there are no flight insurance premiums paid while the aircraft is parked.

In comparison to owning a typical, small Executive Jet, owning or particularly 'leasing' and old, converted commercial airliner is a very cheap option for transportation in comparison. Additionally, any costs are written off as a business expense annually.

John Travolta's Boeing 707 cost John only $100k, which included 4 engines of the same vintage! The value of the aircraft today has not changed because of it's vintage. That's cheaper than buying a new Mercedes, Audi, or BMW Sport Utility Vehicle, right off the assembly line today.

Therefore, the owning or leasing of jet aircraft by an individual has absolutely no relevance to their sense for business-savviness or personal financial success. Anyone with good credit can own one, but the hard part is finding a parking spot that is handy. It's all smoke and mirrors for Donald and forms part of the 'Grand Illusion' he has created of himself as a competent businessman.

My name is Jennifer, 'Goralski' and I understand what you thought the aircraft meant, but it's actually not true.