Who’s Flying My Private Jet?

You’ve finally decided to take the leap and charter a private aircraft for a family vacation.

While you’re excited about the prospect of hassle-free travel on your own schedule, you may also be wondering about safety and the qualifications of your flight crew.

Find the answers to your questions in our list of common flight crew FAQs:

Q. How do I know my charter broker and/or charter provider runs a safe operation? 

A. One way to find out is to look for ARGUS accreditation. Many brokers and operators are voluntary members of ARGUS, an organization that supports high standards in business aviation through stringent auditing programs. ARGUS-accredited charter providers – including ELEVATE – are elite professionals who have committed to high quality standards and ethical business practices. When it comes to aircraft charter operations, an ARGUS rating means you’re dealing with a reputable business. Operators must demonstrate a commitment to safety and follow approved practices in order to earn an ARGUS Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum or Platinum Elite rating.

Q. Does ELEVATE work with ARGUS-certified aircraft?

A. Yes. As an ARGUS-accredited charter broker, ELEVATE partners only with proven flight providers, including those who have earned an ARGUS rating. In cases where an ARGUS or similar accreditation may not exist, we work with a multi-point checklist to vet an operator and their aircraft – including ensuring that requisite government licensing is current and that pilots have sufficient training and experience. We heavily favour companies with which we have extensive experience; in many cases, site visits are conducted to vet their competencies.

Q. What kind of qualifications and experience will my crew have?

A. In Canada and the U.S., captains of a private jet must hold a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATP in the U.S.), which is the highest licence in civil aviation. Those who hold this licence have accumulated a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight experience and passed multiple exams. Typically, the second-in-command, or first officer, has the same licence – or, they may hold a Commercial Pilot Licence. Additionally, private jet pilots must obtain what is called a type rating. This is an endorsement added to a pilot’s licence to confirm they have passed specific training for that particular kind of aircraft.

Q. What about pilot medical requirements? How does that work?

A. Captains and co-pilots must see a special doctor every six or 12 months, depending on whether they are under or over age 40, to ensure they meet strict medical requirements to operate an aircraft safely.

Q. Are the regulations for private jets more lax than for the commercial airlines?

A. No. Aviation is a highly-regulated industry around the world. Whether pilots are flying a large airliner with hundreds of people on board, or a private jet with five passengers, their licensing and training process is the same.

The main takeaway here is that private aviation is as safe as commercial air travel. Crews must meet the same medical and experience requirements and undergo training that is specific to the type of aircraft they are operating.

When choosing a charter provider, look for ARGUS (or similar) accreditation that is tied to regular organizational audits.

Once you’ve done your homework and chosen reputable providers, it’s simply a matter of showing up at the airport and enjoying the ride!

For more, contact the bespoke travel experts at ELEVATE.