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Founder & CEO

Israel Slodowitz

56 articles on the CRAFT blog.

Israel Slodowitz

Israel founded CRAFT in Miami in 2020 with a single Challenger 300 and has built it into an all-Challenger Part 135 operator. He writes about what private aviation really costs and how the ownership and access models compare.

Articles by Israel Slodowitz

Statistics

How much is a private jet?

How much is a private jet? New prices from $3.5M (Cirrus Vision Jet) to $85M (Global 8000), used prices by build year and yearly running costs for 90 models.

October 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Charter

Part 91 vs 121 vs 135: FAA Rules and Safety Ratings

Part 91 vs 121 vs 135: who each FAA rule set covers, pilot, rest and maintenance rules side by side, how to check an operator, and ARGUS, Wyvern and IS-BAO.

October 5, 2026 · 6 min read

Statistics

Empty Leg Flight Statistics: Availability, Savings & Booking Trends

Empty leg flights have long been a fairly invisible instrument of private travel. Really, they represent logistical necessity.

October 5, 2026 · 6 min read

Statistics

First Class vs. Private Jet: Cost and Time Comparison Statistics

Many people assume that private aviation is only for the richest families or the biggest businesses.

October 5, 2026 · 6 min read

Statistics

Fractional Jet Ownership vs. Charter: Cost Comparison Statistics

Fractional jet ownership and chartering are two of the most popular options for private travelers who don’t want the cost or logistical overhead of full plane…

October 5, 2026 · 5 min read

Statistics

Private Aviation Depreciation Rates: What Your Aircraft Will Be Worth

A private plane purchased for $80 million will be worth approximately $70 million just 12 months later.

October 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Statistics

Private Jet Ownership Statistics: Costs, Growth & Market Trends in 2026

Private aviation is on the move. In 2026, the global fleet stands at 24,270 aircraft, the market is valued at more than $26 billion, and flight activity has…

October 5, 2026 · 5 min read

Statistics

Private Jet Passenger Demographics: Income, Age & Usage Patterns

What was once the exclusive privilege of the top 1% of the 1% has become slightly more democratized since the pandemic. Slightly is the important word.

October 5, 2026 · 4 min read

Statistics

Private Jet Usage Statistics: Who’s Flying Private and How Often

Once perceived as an indulgence, private aviation has evolved into a legitimate strategic tool for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

October 5, 2026 · 5 min read

Jet Cards

Jet Card vs Fractional Ownership: Cost, Commitment and Equity

Jet card vs fractional jet ownership: how each is priced, what you commit to, what you own at the end, and which fits 25, 50 or 100+ hours a year.

October 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Charter

Private Jet Charter Broker vs Operator: Who You Are Really Booking

What a private jet charter broker does, what an operator does, and what the difference means for who controls the aircraft, the crew, safety and the price.

October 4, 2026 · 6 min read

Ownership Cost

Flexjet Alternatives: The 5 Best Options in 2026 (Compared)

Flexjet alternatives compared: NetJets, VistaJet, Wheels Up, Sentient Jet and the CRAFT Fleet Jet Card, with published terms, approximate share costs and who each one fits.

October 4, 2026 · 7 min read

Ownership Cost

Fractional Jet Ownership Companies Compared

The main fractional jet ownership companies, how their shares, monthly fees and hourly rates work, what each one publishes about its jet cards, and how to compare them.

October 4, 2026 · 9 min read

Ownership Cost

NetJets vs VistaJet: Pricing, Fleet and Service Compared (2026)

NetJets vs VistaJet: fractional ownership against a global membership. How each is priced, what each publishes about its programs, the fleets, and who each one fits.

October 4, 2026 · 4 min read

Ownership Cost

VistaJet Alternative: The 5 Best Options in 2026 (Compared)

VistaJet alternatives compared: NetJets, Flexjet, Sentient Jet, Wheels Up and the CRAFT Fleet Jet Card, with published terms and who each one fits if you fly mostly at home.

October 4, 2026 · 6 min read

Ownership Cost

Wheels Up vs CRAFT: Membership, Jet Card and Availability

Wheels Up vs CRAFT: how a Wheels Up Signature Membership and the CRAFT Fleet Jet Card are priced, what each guarantees, and how to compare them like for like.

October 4, 2026 · 3 min read

Jet Cards

Jet Card Prices 2026: Published Rates From 19 Companies, and the True Cost per Hour

Published jet card rates from 19 companies side by side, ten ways to buy private flying compared, and a calculator for the true cost per hour: taxi time, minimums, fuel, peak days and the 7.5% tax.

October 2, 2026 · 2 min read

Jet Cards

Best Jet Cards of 2026: Jet Card Prices and Programs Compared

Jet card prices from 19 companies by cabin size, and NetJets, Flexjet, VistaJet, Sentient Jet, Wheels Up and CRAFT compared on callout, peak days and fees.

September 29, 2026 · 10 min read

Exchange Funds

721 exchange vs 1031 exchange: what’s the difference?

721 exchange vs 1031 exchange: see how they differ by asset type, deferral mechanism, and who each one is actually built for.

September 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Exchange Funds

How to eliminate single stock risk without the tax hit

Selling a concentrated position triggers capital gains tax. Here's how to eliminate single stock risk without the tax hit, using an exchange fund.

September 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Exchange Funds

Low cost exchange funds help you diversify without a huge bill

Compare low cost exchange funds by minimum investment, eligibility, and fees, and see how some providers now charge little or nothing at all.

September 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

How to diversify your portfolio (even if it’s a concentrated one)

Learn how to diversify your portfolio, from standard methods to exchange funds for a concentrated stock position too large to sell without a tax hit.

September 22, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

How to report RSUs on your tax return

How to report RSUs on your tax return, the Form 8949 cost-basis mistake that causes double taxation, and how to avoid it.

September 16, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

What is portfolio diversification?

What is portfolio diversification, why concentration is risky, and how to diversify a large position without triggering a steep tax bill.

September 8, 2026 · 3 min read

Exchange Funds

How to find the right exchange fund provider for you

A list of exchange fund providers and how they compare on minimum investment, fees, and holding period, so you can pick the right fund.

September 3, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

Why are RSUs taxed so high?

Why does it feel like RSUs taxed high? Because they're taxed as ordinary income at vesting, not capital gains. Here's how it works.

September 3, 2026 · 3 min read

Exchange Funds

Exchange fund vs. selling stock: which is better for you?

See how an exchange fund vs. selling stock compares on taxes, liquidity, and control, so you know which fits your position.

August 26, 2026 · 3 min read

Exchange Funds

How can you avoid capital gains tax on stocks?

You can't avoid capital gains tax on stocks. But here are the real strategies for reducing or deferring capital gains tax on stocks.

August 25, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

The pros and cons of exchange funds for people with concentrated stock positions

Weighing the pros and cons of exchange funds? See the real tax deferral and diversification benefits against the lock-up, eligibility, and fee tradeoffs.

August 25, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

What is the exchange fund 7-year holding period?

What is the exchange fund 7-year holding period? Learn why it exists, what happens if you exit early, and what redemption looks like at year 7.

August 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Exchange Funds

Should you sell you RSUs immediately?

Should you sell RSUs immediately after they vest? Weigh the tax and risk tradeoffs of selling, holding, and diversifying before you decide.

August 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

What happens to RSUs when you leave a company?

What happens to RSUs when you leave a company: unvested shares are forfeited, vested shares are yours to keep and decide on.

August 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Exchange Funds

How are RSUs taxed? A complete guide to vesting, selling, and diversifying

How are RSUs taxed? See the two tax events (vesting and sale), cost basis rules, and mistakes that cost tech employees money at tax time.

August 23, 2026 · 5 min read

Exchange Funds

The Tax Benefits You Get From Contributing to an Exchange Fund

Three exchange fund tax benefits. You can defer capital gains under Section 721 with cost-basis carryover, plus a $0 management fee.

August 23, 2026 · 5 min read

Routes & Range

Private Jet Range Statistics: How Far Can Different Aircraft Fly?

A very light jet tops out around 1,500 miles. A heavy ultra-long-range jet can cover 7,700 miles nonstop.

April 27, 2026 · 5 min read

Jet Cards

Jet Card vs. Charter: Which Private Aviation Model Is Right for You?

Jet cards and on-demand charter are the two most accessible entry points to private aviation. But accessible doesn’t mean equivalent.

April 15, 2026 · 5 min read

Basics

Private Jets: Speed and Efficiency

Private jets are built not just for convenience, but for efficiency and speed.

April 13, 2026 · 6 min read

Ownership Cost

NetJets vs Wheels Up vs Craft: Which Model Fits

Compare NetJets vs Wheels Up costs, fleet size, availability, and membership models side-by-side.

April 10, 2026 · 5 min read

Ownership Cost

NetJets Fractional Ownership: Costs, Fleet, Pros & Cons (2026 Guide)

Complete guide to NetJets fractional ownership — pricing from 1/16 shares to jet cards, fleet details, management fees, hourly rates, and how it compares to…

April 10, 2026 · 5 min read

Ownership Cost

NetJets vs FlexJet: Cost, Service & Ownership Comparison (2026)

Compare NetJets vs FlexJet costs, fleet size, management fees, and ownership models.

April 10, 2026 · 6 min read

Jet Cards

Jet Cards vs. Empty Leg Flights: What’s the Difference?

In the world of private aviation, there are several methods of securing access, comfort, and convenience.

March 4, 2026 · 7 min read

Ownership Cost

Fractional Ownership vs. Whole Plane Ownership: Which Offers the Most Control?

When it comes to private aviation, there are several options: jet cards, chartering opportunities, fractional ownership, and complete jet ownership.

February 18, 2026 · 6 min read

Jet Cards

Flexjet vs Craft: Fractional Shares vs a Fixed-Rate Card

Between FlexJet and Craft, both private aviation services, there are actually three distinct models of transportation.

February 3, 2026 · 5 min read

Ownership Cost

What is Fractional Jet Ownership?

Fractional Jet Ownership is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable ways to explore private aviation.

February 3, 2026 · 6 min read

Ownership Cost

Fractional Shares Explained: Choosing the Right Shares for Your Annual Flight Hours

Fractional jet ownership programs are an elegant solution to the travel requirements of a certain class of flyer—people who prioritize access, convenience…

February 3, 2026 · 4 min read

Ownership Cost

The Investment Value of Fractional Jet Ownership

Fractional jet ownership allows you to buy a piece of an actual plane.

February 3, 2026 · 4 min read

Ownership Cost

The Ultimate Private Aviation Comparison: Fractional, Charter, Jet Card, and Whole Ownership

There are lots of ways to fly privately. All of them come at different price points while also providing different levels of access, convenience, and required…

February 3, 2026 · 6 min read

Ownership Cost

Fractional Ownership vs. Long-Term Leasing: Comparing Commitment and Financial Risk

Fractional ownership and long-term leasing are two competing but ultimately similar options for travelers who want access, convenience, and luxury without the…

February 2, 2026 · 5 min read

Jet Cards

Jet Card versus Charter: The Best Choice for Occasional Versus Frequent Flyers

Private jet cards and charter flight services are closely related. To own a jet card is essentially to have purchased prepaid access to private jet charter…

February 1, 2026 · 4 min read

Jet Cards

VistaJet vs Craft: Global Access and Hourly Rates

VistaJet and Craft are, at the surface, comparable. Both companies specialize in supplying wealthy travelers with access to private aviation.

February 1, 2026 · 4 min read

Ownership Cost

Fractional Jet Ownership Cost: A Detailed Breakdown

Explore the true costs of fractional jet ownership with our comprehensive guide. Make informed decisions about your aviation investment—read more now!

February 1, 2026 · 8 min read

Ownership Cost

Fractional Jet Ownership Costs

Private jet ownership comes with an eight-figure price tag, but for the comparatively low cost of approximately $400,000 a year (plus buy-in costs), you can…

February 1, 2026 · 7 min read

Ownership Cost

Cheapest Fractional Jet Ownership

The cost of fractional jet ownership can vary dramatically, from around $400,000 a year to a few million.

February 1, 2026 · 6 min read

Jet Cards

Fixed Rate Versus Dynamic Pricing Jet Cards: Which Model Saves You More Money?

Jet cards provide high levels of access and convenience for private aviation.

January 16, 2026 · 5 min read

Jet Cards

How a Jet Card Works: Predictable Costs and Guaranteed Private Jet Access

Chartering a plane is convenient, at least compared to public commercial airfare, but when you do it often enough, there are so many headaches that the…

January 12, 2026 · 4 min read

Ownership

What is a Private Jet Card? Your Ultimate Guide to Fixed-Rate Flying

Jet cards cater to a very particular kind of customer: private travelers who fly too often to fully benefit from chartering their planes, but who also don’t…

December 26, 2025 · 6 min read

Charter Sales

Tell us the trip. We'll tell you the number.

Route, dates, rough timing, how many people. That is enough to start, and you get a firm price for that specific trip rather than a range.

Text us and you'll get a reply within 60 seconds, any hour.