GII Was Once Owned By Frank Sinatra

JFI Jets owner and Long Island resident Arik Kislin donated his Gulfstream II business jet to Wilson Technological Center at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York.  The Gulfstream, once owned by Frank Sinatra, will have an active retirement as a training jet for future aviation mechanics in the Western Suffolk BOCES aviation maintenance technology program at Wilson Tech's Republic Airport campus.

The 1968 model Gulfstream accommodates twelve passengers and has a range of over three thousand miles. Its two Rolls Royce engines power the aircraft to a cruise altitude of 45,000 feet and a speed of 520 miles per hour. The aircraft was designed and engineered by Grumman Aircraft in nearby Bethpage, New York.

"This jet will provide both high school and adult students with more opportunities for hand-on learning about jet instrumentation and engines," said Dr. Michael Mensch, chief operating officer for Western Suffolk BOCES.  "BOCES is extremely grateful to have this jet with such a historic past added to our aviation maintenance technology program.

"This donation will certainly help students prepare for their Federal Aviation Administration exams helping them to earn FAA licenses in airframe and power-plant for greater job opportunities," said Karen Bowden, principal of Wilson Tech's Republic airport campus.

Kislin owned the aircraft for seven years and operated it all over the world.  Prior to Kislin, the aircraft was owned for a time by singing icon Frank Sinatra and subsequently by actor Harrison Ford, himself an accomplished aviator.

“I love this airplane and truly hate to see her grounded, but the after 44 years of service her time has come," Kislin said.  "I am pleased to know she will continue to be of service to the Wilson Center and the people of Long Island as an educational tool and a proud reminder of the aviation heritage of this region.”

JFI Jets is a worldwide provider of Aircraft Management and Charter services with fixed base operations and a PART 145 certified repair center.  The company’s main facilities are in Long Beach CA, and Long Island, New York.  Wilson Technological Center is the career and technical education division of Western Suffolk BOCES. F or 50 years, Wilson Tech has helped teenagers and adults enter the labor force with skills for satisfying and successful careers. Programs at all Wilson Technological Centers also provide a foundation for post-secondary education.

(Pictured: Kings Point Long Island, NY businessman Arik Kislin, who owns JFI Jets, donated his Gulfstream II business jet that once belonged to Frank Sinatra to Western Suffolk BOCES. Photo Credit: Western Suffolk BOCES.)

FMI: www.jfijets.com/