If I could afford either a jet or a Bugatti, there isn't even a question in my mind. Not a moment's hesitation. Jet, jet, jet, jet, and more jet. Heck, even if I could afford both, I think I'd just buy two jets.
$3 million is enough money to buy a decent used 8 seater twin engine or an L39 fighter jet and still have $2.5 million left over for thousands and thousands of hours of operations, maintenance, etc.
Hell, it would be enough to buy an F5 supersonic trainer and gun it for a few hundred hours over the ocean
Hmm, if I could afford a $3m car, jet fuel and maintenance would probably not even be on my list of relevant points.
Bizjet? No ta. I could have a lot of fun with a Folland Gnat, Hawker Hunter or L39 Albatross though. My environmental efforts would take a bit of a hit. :)
Same here. I can't see the point in an iPhone Pro Max though.
Although I think even if I had $3b I'd rather have an old mark 1 mr2, or an AE86. Or a modern lotus elise.
Would you be able to fly your own jet? Because you would be able to drive your own bugatti, immediately. No jet license, jet physical, jet training, jet regulation.
I'm sure if you can buy a jet, the cost of a pilot wouldn't be pennies comparatively. That aside, the point being made above is utility.
The difference between getting an iPhone 11 Pro Max and a $3m car is that the former can be objectively beneficial, if you're someone who uses their phone for business all day long, even a 5% improvement in how efficient you are has significant impact on how much money you make.
A super car, especially in the city, has zero benefits, and if anything it's the opposite in some cases. The only use is showing off and making yourself feel good about it. A jet on the other hand can have significant advantages and as in the iPhone example, really increase your efficiency.
"The only use is showing off and making yourself feel good about it."
Do you never buy anything for visual, tactile, or other aesthetics? Or is that what you mean by "making yourself feel good about it"?
I don't think modern Bugattis are attractive. But that's a personal opinion, like what art you like. Nothing to do with "status" or other peoples' opinions.
I have 20/15 vision and I'm sure I could pass the physical. Training and licensing doesn't seem like a big deal; there are lots of pilots and they somehow made it through.
Regulation is definitely heavier than cars — nobody makes you file a flight plan before you drive to the store — but there are tons of private pilots who seem to find it worth enduring in exchange for the fun and freedom of flight.
Besides, I can _already_ drive my own car. A faster car isn't actually much of an upgrade in capabilities.
I think most people require a license and training to drive a car and there are definitely regulations. A PPL (there's no such thing as a jet license in the US, at least) can be knocked out in a month if you're dedicated.
You know, for when one's in the shop.