You’ve decided that you need to charter a jet for your next business trip. Now what? Let’s be honest, cost might be one of the factors (or NOT!), but there are a few essential points you need to address when speaking to a charter company. Let’s get right into it:
1. Safety.
The FAA closely monitors operators to make sure that they conform to the established standards of performance. The high standards for training, maintenance and operators required by the FAA, and the devotion to safety of the charter operators themselves, assure that chartered flights are a safe mode of travel. At Magellan Jets, you are in great hands; your private aviation consultants are FAA certified pilots and will assure that you fly on nothing but the safest, most reliable aircraft. This is our TOP PRIORITY!
2. Lay Out Your Travel Plans. Highlight the departure and arrival cities, and any intermediate stops. Note your arrival date and if you have any flexibility on it. Specify the number of people travelling with you as well as if you need ground transportation handled. If you are looking for special catering for your flight, have specific baggage requirement, or are bringing pets on board, your charter company will want to know so that they can best accommodate all of your needs.
3. Ask About Fees and Extra Charges.
While some charter companies charge by the trip, others will charge by the hour. If you anticipate any potential en route deviations, let the charter company know so this is clearly noted at the time an agreement is reached with the company. Otherwise, the charter company will need to adjust the final cost of your charter due to changes in logistics. Extra charges may include premium catering, de-icing and federal taxes, where applicable. Another common extra fee is the pilot(s) waiting fee and overnight crew charges.
4. Aircraft.
Normally, charter companies have access to a variety of aircraft types in the charter fleet, each designed for different missions. You should ask the charter company about what aircraft they would recommend for meeting the mission of your flight. Then determine whether that aircraft will meet your needs for speed, comfort, range and price. Magellan Jets offers different classes and models of aircraft available for charter.
5. Security.
Enhanced security is often one of the primary reasons for chartering, because when you charter an aircraft, you are in control. You decide who is permitted on your flight. There are no strangers to overhear your confidential business conversations or to threaten your personal security. When travelling via charter, you dictate the departure time and location as well as the destination. Your charter company is dedicated to ensuring your safety and security at all times.
6. Weather.
Weather can affect your flight plans when chartering just as it can affect airline schedules. The FAA has many regulations concerning weather, types of aircraft, and pilot capabilities. Some aircraft are equipped with various optional equipment that allow operation in complex weather, such as icing conditions or heavy rain showers. Ask your charter company to explain the limitations of the aircraft and the company’s authorizations. The pilot will not fly an aircraft if the weather conditions do not meet safety standards. Always trust the decision of your professional pilot when it comes to weather and flight safety.
7. Standards.
Every charter operator must have a certificate from the FAA showing that his or her operation meets or exceeds the agency’s standards for aircraft maintenance, management control and oversight of its crew’s training, flight time and health. Never fly with an operator who does not appear to hold proper FAA certification. Your pilot must hold either a Commercial Pilot Certificate or an Air Transport Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. You can also contact your regional FAA office and request verification that the charter operation is certified for the trip you’re planning through the FAA’s Web page.
8. Ground Facilities.
The smaller airports will often have many of the accommodations of major airports. Many of these facilities, known as fixed base operators (FBOs), provide complimentary airport-to-town transportation. Or, ask your charter company to prearrange ground transportation or obtain your preferred lodging if needed. What these smaller facilities may lack in size, they make up for in warm hospitality. With few exceptions, people in aviation are there by choice: They like what they’re doing and their enthusiasm sparks a cordial atmosphere. Small airports also mean no delays and hassles so often found at the major airline hubs.
9. Need Access to Airlines?
Occasionally, passengers in towns without airline service decide to charter an aircraft to connect more easily with an airline flight. This is possible. However, due to security, airports and airline service are divided into separate general aviation (including charter) and airline areas. But at most of these airports, courtesy cars are provided to drive you to the airline terminal. Inform your charter company that you will be making an airline connection, and they can make the necessary arrangements.
Now that you’ve empowered yourself with these tips, take advantage of the time that you will save and the convenience that comes with chartering a jet. If business charter is the way of life for you, you know that it means you will spend more time in front of your clients and less time getting there.
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Magellan Jets is the leader in domestic and international private jet travel offering private and corporate travel memberships and charter flights. With a global network of thousands of pre-qualified aircraft, Magellan Jets is committed to the highest safety standards, personalized experiences and top level customer service.
For more information on what Magellan Jets can offer for your next business trip, consider customizing your jet card.
Call us today at 877-550-JETS or visit us at http://www.magellanjets.com
