Posted by giveMeABreak, a resident of another community, on Sep 25, 2010 at 9:13 pm

It blows my mind what incredibly frivolous behavior goes on at this place. Sorry for the sour grapes but given what I know about Google I just can't stand by any more.

Their flight operation at NASA Ames, besides being the most grotesque carbon footprint joke ever, is also seriously sticking it to the tax payer.

When Google struck a deal with NASA to use the airfield, they agreed to host research flights on their aircraft and pay $1M rent per year in exchange for the use of a VERY large hangar, refurbished of course, and takeoff/landing rights. At this point they now have a 767 (with two master suites including plasma screens and spa tubs), a 757, three Gulfstream 5s, an Alpha Jet, and a Jet Ranger helicopter. Here's the kicker--- they are allowed to buy fuel at military rates -- that's ~$3/gallon less than commercial rates. So every time fuel up that 767, they save $60,000! That's one aircraft, one flight. How long do you suppose it takes them to make back that $1M in rent? Not too bloody long. Oh, and unlike every other airfield, NASA does not charge them any tax when they bring on new flight hardware to install (like when that 767 needs a new engine). Makes it a pretty economical place to do maintenance.

Oh and those research flights? Turns out that because of the FAA certification type on the Googles large aircraft, they cannot be modified for research. So, still waiting on those research flights.

Come on MV Voice, how about asking some real questions of Google?