Private plane charter offers convenient trips for businesses
Andy Allen, owner and pilot of Alpha Three Aviation in Butler, got his start in the aviation industry when he took his first flying lesson at age 14.
His obsession has taken him to new heights after spending time with American Eagle Airlines as a commercial pilot, but for the past three years he has been the owner of a private air charter company that flies out of Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport in Penn Township.
“I think the motto is affordable, private air travel,” Allen said. “I can’t compete with airline tickets. But there is a whole set of people that think it’s cheap because they were paying private jet prices.”
Alpha Three Aviation was started in 2020 when Allen saw a need that could fit the price points between inexpensive commercial airline tickets and high-end private jet prices.
“I can run you down for an hour meeting, and I’ll run you back so you’re home for dinner,” he said. “It’s something our region hasn’t had for some time. It really bridges the gap between airline traveler and the private jet traveler.”
Allen has two airplanes, a Beechcraft Air King 90 and a Beechcraft Baron 58.
His Air King is the bigger plane and can reach speeds up to 270 mph he said, which can help him get him to places all over the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
“I think the sweet spot is 200 to 800 miles,” Allen said. “I think Harrisburg is a great example. It can be a three-to-four-hour drive, but we can get you there in 40 minutes.”
All of Allen’s flight quotes are custom because they include many factors.
First would be the flight time, but also how long people are going to be staying, or where they will be landing because of landing fees.
“If you fly to New York City or other giant airports, the landing fees are more expensive compared to smaller airports,” Allen said. “They (smaller airports) might not even have a landing fee at all.”
His services often appeal to business people, and depending on their trip plans, flying with Allen could be more efficient as it saves time and money because flying commercial could have added fees and stops such as hotels and connecting flights.
“If you add the value of your time, it’s a no-brainer,” Allen said.
Fuel prices have affected many industries, especially the transportation industry, but Allen has a way to work around those high prices to obtain the best deal he can.
“They affect it, but it’s not making it so cost-prohibited,” Allen said. “If you go to New York City it could be $9 a gallon, if you come to Butler, it’s $6 a gallon. So, I have to plan appropriately.”
He said one of the biggest misconceptions about private air travel is people think it’s not as safe as commercial planes.
He said he and his fleet are under higher scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration than those on the commercial side with more tests and checkups on equipment.
“Every six months, someone from the FAA comes and I sit with them and give them a full ride,” Allen said. “You go through all the procedures. They give you an oral and practical exam.”
Allen said he is in the process to expand his FAA certificate to allow him to welcome in other pilots to expand his fleet, but they also will have to undergo the same tests he goes through.
“It’s a growing business for sure,” Allen said. “All the pilots have to be certified by the FAA and have your Air Operator certificate to make sure they’re trained correctly.”
Allen grew up in and lives in Saxonburg.
He went to Purdue University and studied aeronautical and engineering technology.
Through that course he became a commercial pilot and certified aircraft mechanic and got a job with American Eagle Airlines.
Allen said it is a great time to get into the industry with local opportunities.
“There is a big shortage of pilots right now,” he said. “Our airport here has two flight schools. If you want to get into flying, take a discovery flight at one of the flight schools and see where it takes you.”
Allen said he wishes more people knew about the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport because he believes it is an important resource for the Butler community.
“I would like to see much more of this regional travel out of our airport,” Allen said. “This airport is such an asset to the county.
“I fly to a bunch of airports, and I feel this one is pretty fantastic. The runway is great, it’s got two flight schools that are killing it and we provide options such as LifeFlight to offer to the community. Also Serventi's restaurant is good as well.”
This article was originally published in Butler County Business Matters.
