For real estate developer and attorney Eric Guster, the biggest challenge in expanding his business across multiple states wasn't capital or logistics—it was time. With a young family at home, the prospect of constant overnight travel was a non-starter. His solution was unconventional for someone new to aviation: he learned to fly and purchased a Cirrus SR22T, an aircraft he now calls his "time machine."
The single-engine plane has fundamentally changed how Guster operates his business and manages his family life. It allows him to visit multiple job sites in different cities and return to his Birmingham home in time for dinner with his three children, a routine he was determined to protect.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate developer Eric Guster uses a Cirrus SR22T to manage a multi-state business without sacrificing family time.
- The aircraft enables same-day travel to distant work sites, effectively acting as a "time machine" for business efficiency.
- Advanced safety features, like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and an auto-leveling button, were critical in his decision.
- Private aviation has improved his family life, turning long car journeys into quick flights for leisure trips.
The Business Case for a Private Aircraft
Before owning his aircraft, expanding his real estate development business meant a grueling schedule of long drives, airport waits, and nights away from home. Guster saw how a friend leveraged a private plane to manage a national business footprint while maintaining a home base, which sparked his interest.
"I wanted to expand my business but didn’t want to be away from my small children and expecting wife," Guster explained. The investment in an aircraft was a direct investment in efficiency and family preservation.
The impact was immediate. A multi-day trip by car or commercial airline could be condensed into a single workday. "In business, it’s a time machine," Guster said. "I can leave Birmingham and go to two sites in different cities and be home for dinner." This capability allows him to maintain direct oversight on projects spread across a wide geographic area without the associated time cost.
Redefining the Workday
The aircraft transforms travel time into productive work time. Instead of navigating traffic or airport security, Guster is in control of his schedule. This flexibility is crucial in the fast-paced world of real estate development, where site visits and in-person meetings can make or break a deal.
The ability to bypass traditional travel hassles not only saves hours but also reduces the fatigue that often accompanies frequent business trips. Arriving refreshed and ready for meetings provides a competitive edge that is difficult to quantify but invaluable in practice.
Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Requirement
As someone without a prior background in aviation, Guster’s primary concern was safety. His research led him to Cirrus, a manufacturer known for integrating advanced safety systems as standard equipment across its fleet.
"Cirrus is a very safe aircraft, first of all," Guster noted, emphasizing that this was the foundation of his decision.
Two features stood out: the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and the "Blue Level Button." CAPS is a whole-airframe parachute that can be deployed in a catastrophic emergency, bringing the entire aircraft safely to the ground. This system has been credited with saving numerous lives and provides a level of security unique in personal aviation.
The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) is standard on all Cirrus aircraft. It is the only system of its kind offered by a manufacturer as standard equipment.
The Blue Level Button is another critical safety tool. If a pilot becomes disoriented, a single press of the button engages the autopilot to return the aircraft to straight-and-level flight. "Those features in the background are invaluable because they offer redundancies if something unexpected were to occur," Guster said.
Building Confidence for the Whole Family
These technological safeguards were also instrumental in getting his family comfortable with the idea of flying in a small plane. Guster explained that his wife is now familiar with the basic safety protocols.
"My wife could almost land the aircraft at this point since she knows how to slow us down, autolevel, contact ATC, and use CAPS if necessary," he added. This shared knowledge provides peace of mind for everyone on board and turns what could be an intimidating experience into a shared family adventure.
More Than Business: A Tool for Family Life
While the Cirrus SR22T has revolutionized Guster's professional life, its impact on his family has been equally profound. The plane has shrunk the map, turning daunting road trips into short, enjoyable flights.
"For my children, this is their taxi to Disney," Guster said. A trip that would take 12 hours by car is now a manageable three-hour flight. This accessibility has opened up new opportunities for spontaneous weekend getaways and quality time together.
The Growth of Personal Aviation
The concept of using personal aircraft for business and leisure is not new, but advancements in avionics, safety systems, and more efficient engines have made it more accessible. For busy professionals like Guster, the time saved often justifies the significant cost of ownership and training, representing a shift in how high-value individuals approach work-life integration.
Guster's wife was initially hesitant about flying. "My wife was a little nervous," he admitted. "Once we did our first flight from Birmingham to KRYY for brunch, she was hooked. Now we’re flying twice a month as a family. It makes the world so much smaller."
The aircraft's comfort is another key factor. Guster likens the experience to riding in the family's SUV, a stark contrast to the cramped and noisy environment of older small planes. "The kids fit well, and you don’t feel tired when you land like you do with other planes," he said.
The Commitment to Proficiency
Guster is clear that flying is a serious undertaking that demands continuous training and dedication. Despite the user-friendly technology in his aircraft, he remains a diligent pilot, flying once or twice a week to maintain his skills.
"Flying is a tough thing to learn how to do and is a highly skilled endeavor," he stated. The journey from a complete novice to an instrument-rated pilot required significant effort, but it was a challenge he embraced for the freedom it offered.
His story demonstrates that with the right technology and a commitment to training, personal aviation is an attainable goal for professionals seeking to optimize their time. The combination of advanced safety features and intuitive flight systems helps mitigate the inherent complexities of flying.
Ultimately, for Eric Guster, the aircraft is more than just a machine. It is an integrated tool that allows him to build a business empire without dismantling his family life. "I enjoy my time with my Cirrus and don’t regret one part of it," he concluded.
