Greg Linton
Greg Linton, Manager of the Echo and Large Aircraft Team, is known as a solutions-oriented problem solver. He’s also known as an expert on operations around the globe, particularly to Europe, Africa and China. Since joining Universal in 2000, Greg has facilitated more than 9,100 trip legs. He has represented Universal at numerous industry tradeshows and conventions including the European Business Aviation Association Conference & Exhibition and the National Business Aviation Association Conference. Greg has also been interviewed for and contributed articles to many industry publications. Prior to joining Universal, Greg served as an aircraft maintenance administration supervisor in the United States Marine Corps. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in aviation management. He can be reached at greglinton@univ-wea.com.
Archive for Greg Linton
Operating Requirements: Part 4 – Best Practice Tips
An international check list is always an effective tool when planning an international trip. Ensure you have all required overflight and landing permits, consider aircraft parking and security at destination and be sure you have all required documentation onboard in the event of a ramp…
Operating Requirements: Part 3 – Particular Restrictions
It’s always important to do your due diligence in terms of pre-trip planning. Consequences of missing a procedural step or documentation requirement may trigger issues with your permit application and/or operating flexibility day of operation…
Operating Requirements: Part 2 – Unique Procedures
Many unique operating requirements, here and there around the world, are location specific while others depend on the type of flight you’re operating. Some requirements, such as age restrictions, only apply to charter operations while others apply to all flight activity. It’s…
Operating Requirements: Part 1 – Unique Airport and Country Considerations
Business aviation remains the best way to move around the world. There are, however, a myriad of assorted operating requirements that must be complied with when dealing with worldwide operations. Certain countries have unique operating requirements and/or particular…
Tips for Selecting a Business Aviation Tech Stop – Part 2: Permits, Airport Slots & PPRs
When planning international tech stops issues such as permits, airport slots, prior permissions required (PPRs), visa requirements and customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) procedures/hours are always top considerations. If you’re missing one or more of the above…
Tips for Selecting a Business Aviation Tech Stop – Part 1: Key Considerations
Choosing the best tech stops for your long-haul international trip is always an important planning item. Considerations include route of flight, time of operation, runway information, airport and handling infrastructure, and fuel availability. Choices may also be impacted by your…
BizJet Travel to Dubai for MEBAA 2016 – Part 2: Permits, CIQ & Visas
While permit requirements and associated lead times are not onerous for Dubai and Dubai-area airports, it’s important to be mindful of differing requirements between the various Emirates. Also, customs, immigration, and quarantine (CIQ) processes should be reviewed in advance due…
BizJet Travel to Dubai for MEBAA 2016 – Part 1: Airports, Parking & Services
The Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) airshow is the leading business aviation exhibition in the Middle East for business aviation professionals. For general aviation (GA) operators planning to attend MEBAA 2016 December 6-8, there are a number of planning…
Ground Operations at Remote General Aviation Destinations – Part 3: Special Considerations
When planning a mission in your business aircraft to a remote destination, additional steps need to be taken. Always consider the geopolitical situation at your destination. You always want to have back up plans ready in case you need to divert from/to a particular location…
Ground Operations at Remote General Aviation Destinations – Part 2: Services and Credit
When operating your business aircraft to a remote location, there will likely be cases where you will be handled by agents unfamiliar with the specific needs of general aviation (GA). Often service standards can be minimal, or at least of a lower standard than you’re accustomed to…
Ground Operations at Remote General Aviation Destinations – Part 1: Airport Considerations
Additional considerations are needed when operating to remote international locations and airports not frequented by general aviation (GA). For many of these locations it’s recommended to begin the pre-planning process three to four weeks in advance, due to logistical issues…
BizAv Trip Planning: EBACE 2016 in Geneva – Part 2: Permits & Slots
Charter operators need to consider permit lead times as this may complicate short notice trips to Geneva (LSGG)—especially during the busy EBACE2016 period (May 24-26).Having required documentation and information ready will help accelerate the permit acquisition process. Also, be aware of the airport slot process and availability during this event…
BizAv Trip Planning: EBACE 2016 in Geneva – Part 1: Airport Options
EBACE 2016 runs May 24-26 at Geneva (LSGG), and this is a location that’s becoming more and more congested with general aviation (GA) activity. For those planning to attend this business aviation event or travel here during this time frame, we recommend beginning the trip planning process as early as possible…
Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Requirements: Part 2 of 2 – Planning Tips
It’s important for business aircraft operators to assess support equipment and services needs at each international destination. In some cases, it’s best to research these requirements, with your 3rd-party provider and local ground handler, at least two weeks ahead of day of operation.
Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Requirements: Part 1of 2 – Top Considerations
Aircraft support equipment and supply considerations for destination airports are important pre-trip planning issues. Particularly when operating to remote or secondary/domestic airports this is a checklist item that should not be neglected.
Hazmat Flights: How-to for Business Aviation Operations
“Hazmat” is anything capable of posing significant risk to health/safety when transported. Hazmat materials may be biological, chemical, or physical. Having undeclared materials that are considered “hazmat” on board has potential to complicate an international flight operation […]
12 Ways Your BizAv Trip Can Go Wrong – Part 2
Last week, we discussed six out of 12 critical areas where a bizav trip can go wrong . Many of these are avoidable with proper preplanning. Today, we’ll discuss six more areas to round out our list of 12. This list by no means covers everything, but it does provide common pitfalls for […]
12 Ways Your Bizav Trip Can Go Wrong – Part 1
While most international operations go smoothly, there’s always potential from time to time for things to go sideways. One or two mistakes in the trip planning or execution process may be all it takes to initiate a ripple effect of issues, which may lead to operational delays or inability to […]
Private Jet Ops to the U.S.: Part 2 – Procedural Considerations
When conducting operations to the U.S. in a non-U.S.-registered business aircraft, it’s always important to consider any local restrictions and/or operating procedures that may impact your flight. Be aware that charter (non-scheduled commercial) operators face additional procedural requirements […]
Private Jet Ops to the U.S.: Part 1 – Documentation Requirements
A number of documentation and procedural requirements are essential to keep in mind when operating a business aircraft to the U.S. Mistakes in this area can lead to fines, delays, detention, and/or restrictions on future travel arrangements. It’s always best to double-check and confirm […]
Last-Minute Trip Changes: Knowing Your Options
In the business aviation world, last-minute schedule changes are many times inevitable. While schedule revisions can be more challenging in certain parts of the world, solutions are always possible with adequate planning and connections. Before submitting change requests […]
Last Minute Trip Changes: How They Can Affect Your Business Aviation Trip
When considering last-minute schedule changes, be aware of limitations and/or downstream consequences with your arrangements. Before submitting change requests, know how they will affect not only where you’re going, but also any down-line schedules. You’ll often have a small window […]
Business Aviation Trip Planning: Farnborough International Airshow 2014
This year the Farnborough International Airshow occurs July 14-20. While overnight parking is not anticipated to be an issue at Farnborough (EGLF), there are assorted operating restrictions and curfews that must be considered for travel during this period. The following is an overview of what operating considerations you need to know: 1. Farnborough (EGLF) is […]
Business Aviation Trip Planning Tips: Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix
The Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix returns to the Shanghai International Circuit April 18-20, 2014. This popular Grand Prix event takes place just southwest of the Shanghai city limits – near the town of Anting. Planning early for this event will help ensure preferred aircraft parking, services, and hotel accommodation options for General Aviation (GA) […]
Business Aviation Trip Planning Tips: Bahrain Grand Prix 2014
The 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix takes place April 4-6 at the Bahrain International Circuit.The Bahrain International Circuit, which uses a 15-corner configuration, made history back in 2004 as the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East. If you’re planning to attend, or even fly into Bahrain […]
Business Aviation Trip Planning Tips: Malaysia Grand Prix 2014
The 2014 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix will be held March 28-30 at the Sepang International Circuit. This race circuit is located closer to Kuala Lumpur Intl (WMKK) and about 60 km south of central Kuala Lumpur. If you’re heading to this part of the world during this time period, it’s recommended to begin setting up […]
Planning Tips for the 2014 Business Airport World Expo at Farnborough
The Farnborough Business Airport World Expo is Central Europe’s exhibition focused on showcasing Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs); Maintenance, Repair, and Overhauls (MROs); ground handling agents; and fuel companies to an audience of executive jet owners, operators, chief pilots, schedulers/dispatchers, and brokers. This event takes place at Farnborough (EGLF) March 26-27, 2014, and it’s anticipated that over […]
Business Aviation Trip Planning Tips: Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix
This year’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place March 14-16 at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit – just a few kilometers south of central Melbourne. Always a popular event in the F1 circuit, the Australian Grand Prix is expected to draw over 300,000 visitors this year. Likewise, general aviation traffic is expected to be elevated. […]
Brazil Grand Prix 2013: Tips for Bizav Operators
The Brazil Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place November 22-24 at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace Interlagos circuit located on the outskirts of Sao Paulo. The 4.3-kilometer, counterclockwise circuit features a very unique layout: tight infields, long straights and the infamous "Curva do Laranjinha." Due to the popularity of this Grand Prix event and the […]
Business Aviation Ops to Austin, Texas, for the 2013 US Grand Prix
US Formula One Grand Prix 2013 takes place November 15-17 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The Circuit of the Americas track is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the US. For many business aircraft operators, the chance to visit Austin is always a welcome opportunity, and this upcoming racing event […]
