If you don’t how to charter a private jet, picking the best company can be stressful. You want to know that you and your family are safe, that you receive a fair price, and that the service and experience are excellent. Here are some proven tips and insider knowledge to help make your first choice the right choice.
PRIVATE JET SAFETY STANDARDS
All private jet aircraft are regulated by the FAA, which sets minimum standards for maintenance as well as pilot experience and training. The best charter companies go above and beyond to exceed those minimum standards. How do you separate the best from the rest?
Ask for their FAA Air Carrier Certificate and D085
A current Air Carrier Certificate proves the company is authorized by the FAA to offer private jets for charter to the public. If they can not provide this certificate, they are either an illegal charter company or a broker or middleman working as a travel agent does with an airline.
The D085 is a page from the company’s FAA-approved scope of operations. It lists each aircraft the company operates, with registration (tail) number and serial number. If they quote a plane not listed on their D085, they are acting as a middle man and another company operates that aircraft. This is normal industry practice, but should be disclosed so you can check out the actual certificate holder.
Learn how long they’ve been operating. Newer companies can be perfectly safe. However, it stands to reason that the longer a company has continually held its Air Carrier Certificate, the more capable they are likely to be. A few top-tier companies have been operating for 40 years or more. Also ask what independent safety ratings the company holds—and for how long. Which brings us to the next point.
Check the Wyvern or ARGUS safety trip report. Wyvern Consulting and ARGUS are independent aviation safety organizations. The best charter companies hold Wyvern Wingman and ARGUS Platinum certifications, which require intensive onsite physical audits every two years.
Wyvern and ARGUS generate safety trip reports on charter flights, verifying that proper maintenance has been completed, and the pilots have been professionally trained within the last six months. Choose only a company with both independent safety certifications, and ask to see a safety trip report before you fly.
