Category: Safety

When you look at the statistics, air travel is a safe mode of transportation – and it can even be safer than getting in an automobile. 

Commercial jets maintain their safety due to the careful eye of organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe. Each has safety standards and regulations that work to keep jets in a healthy working order.

Regarding private charter jets, the regulations are a little more relaxed. Of course, they must also adhere to best practices enforced by the FAA and the DOT, but their involvement is less significant. Most of the responsibility for maintaining the safety of these jets falls on the private jet operator. 

Because they want a strong jet safety record to hold a high position in the industry, charter companies, and operators will do what they can to ensure the utmost safety. Let’s take a closer look at how they do it. 

Maintenance History

Performing maintenance regularly – and properly – is vital for safe operation. It is up to the FAA to approve the various maintenance programs used for jet charters. However, the jet operator hires and oversees the team of aviation mechanics.

Choosing technicians with the proper training in the field and for the specific aircraft they are handling is an important step. They need to be familiar with the mechanics of the jet as well as the technology and navigation systems. Keeping proper records of each task performed is also important. 

Business jet operators with in-house maintenance and repair teams reflect higher safety numbers. 

Certification from the FAA

Just as commercial airliners must undergo inspections and certifications, private jets must meet certain guidelines to get certified with the FAA. Much of this comes down to the size of the plane. 

Providing proof of liability insurance and evidence of the current hull is necessary to receive the certificate. 

A private charter company that puts jet safety first will maintain these and keep them up to date at all times – for all their aircraft. 

Skilled and Trained Pilots

Pilots and those that make up the flight crew play a large part in how safe a private jet charter is. The jet operator is responsible for finding skilled and highly-trained pilots and flight crew – and they can set the bar for their hiring standards. Expecting pilots to meet exceptional hiring standards can get you a different class of pilots – world-class pilots. 

The pilots’ experience, the hours they have flown, and the types of jets they are qualified to fly are all things to consider. Then, the FAA will certify pilots based on the hours of flight experience they have. Some operators, like Sun Air Jets, may require even an entry-level private jet pilot to have a minimum of 1,500 flight hours, also known as an ATP or “Airline Transport Pilot.” 

To keep a solid safety record, a private jet operator requires its pilots to train and increase their strengths and abilities continuously. Private jet operators have comprehensive recurrent training plans for their pilots so they can feel confident their chartered flights are in the safest hands. 

With pilots, it is not all about skill and training. Charter companies prioritizing safety will also ensure their pilots have plenty of rest. They work their flights to accommodate periods of rest to avoid any obstacle to safety. 

International Travel Concerns

While the jet will fly the same from one country to the next, regulations can differ. Any flight crew – and operator – traveling internationally must have the experience and knowledge to do so safely. 

This is also important for those areas that require a specialized skill set, such as mountainous regions, extended travel over water, shorter than normal runways, etc. 

To keep a high level of jet aircraft safety for everyone involved, it is important for private charter companies to have a deep understanding of the abilities and limits of their flight crew. 

Perform Regular Audits

It is not very often that you hear a business welcome an audit, as most try to avoid them. Though, private charter companies invite audits when it comes to jet safety. 

Outside companies are asked to audit their organization, including its processes, to ensure it is always reaching the highest safety standards. This will not only allow them to see how well they are doing but will also provide them with insight as to what areas they need to focus on for improvements. 

Take Advantage of Indoor Hangar Space

Indoor hangar storage for private jets charter can increase jet safety. This reduces the chance that the jets will succumb to rust, corrosion, and other forms of deterioration that could impact their level of safety in the sky. Proper storage is just one more step that can be taken for safety. 

Charter companies looking to keep their jets safe and protected from harsh outdoor elements will have plenty of hangar space to store their aircraft. 

Pledging to Put Jet Safety First

There are many different charter companies out there, and each one has its own level of focus on what matters most. Those who put most of their time and energy into safety practices will likely have higher safety ratings. 

Simply put, safety and security for the jets, the passengers, and the flight crew all have to be a constant focus to reach extraordinary levels of jet safety. 

Sun Air Jets Commitment to Safety

At Sun Air Jets, we prioritize the safety of our private charter community. We are committed to offering exceptional, world-class flight crews and superbly trained aviation mechanic technicians. We also welcome third-party audits to keep us on track. 

We have met a distinctive achievement by possessing all four of the major safety audit standards in the charter industry and being awarded the highest safety registration level from the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations.

For those looking to feel confident when booking their next private charter, choose Sun Air Jets.

Traveling during the winter is always exciting, especially when it means you get to skip the cold and head in the direction of a warm destination. 

Because so many people have the same idea, the world of air travel becomes inundated with one issue after the next. Travel delays due to snow, ice, and other wintry hazards can lead to even more travel delays and, finally, cancellations. Just flip on the evening news and you can hear the horror stories of travelers just trying to reach their destination. 

While it mostly impacts commercial air travel, private air travel is not out of the woods. They, too, can be subjected to all types of travel issues during the winter months. So, before you head out, we’ve got a few safety tips for winter jet travel. 

1. Check the Weather Before You Travel

One of the first things you should do when traveling during the winter months is to check the weather before you travel. It may take a lot of heavy winter weather to ground a private jet, but it is always a possibility when it comes to winter storms. So, keep an eye on the weather as you get closer and closer to your day of departure. 

You may not know whether or not your flight is impacted until just before it is time to go, but at least you have an idea of what is going on in case you need to make alternate arrangements. And with that, you will want to make sure you have a backup plan just in case. 

2. Choose the Right Jet

When it comes to winter travel, you don’t want to have to stop. It is impossible to know what may happen should you have to land before you reach your destination. Will you be able to make it back in the air due to ground weather conditions? The only way to find out is not to land. 

Once you are in the air, you want to keep going so be sure to work with your charter concierge team and select a jet that can get where you want to go without having to stop to refuel. 

3. Airport and FBO Operations

Although jets can move about on ice or snow-covered runways and taxiways they shouldn’t have to. The airport or FBO you choose to depart from and arrive at should have a crew that works to clear it off so that you can take off easily and safely – and arrive the same way.

Most often, the snow will be plowed and formed into mountainous ridges on either side of the runway. They need to make sure that this won’t interfere with the wings of your jet so that you have full clearance. 

Be prepared that sometimes jets handle differently during the chilled weather – especially when landing. Markings on the runway may be obscured, crosswinds could be present, and the tail may act like a weather vane. Careful, diligent flying is the easiest way to land safely. A pilot with experience will be just fine. 

4. Dress Accordingly

Never assume you are going to need warm clothes for your flight, but always dress as you will. Some winter weather can get relentless, keeping you grounded for some time. And, you never know what may be happening when you land – you could find yourself quite a ways out on the tarmac and have to make the trek into the FBO. 

Either wear warm clothes or pack them in a suitcase that you have easy access to. That way, should you find yourself needing something warm, you can grab it without issue. 

5. Know Your Alternate Airports

The beauty of flying on a private jet is that you have access to so many different airports that commercial flights don’t. So if one airport is having trouble, you can easily switch to another option without any issues.

This makes it easy for those trying to get as close as possible to their destination while keeping their safety in mind. Know your alternate airports and their accessibility just in case. 

6. Make Sure the Jet is Safe to Fly

The health of a private jet is so important to the safety of everyone on board. This is why you should know that during the winter, any small and seemingly insignificant issue with a jet will be amplified. 

Having a jet thoroughly checked over with this in mind is crucial for a safe flight. Be sure that you have access to a highly-skilled, trained, and experienced team of aviation maintenance technicians to give the jet an inspection before you go. 

De-icing the plane is also very important. It cleans the surface off from anything that may disrupt its airflow and ability to safely depart. It is crucial that you ensure your chosen FBO has the proper tools and equipment necessary to de-ice the jet. Don’t allow them to simply use a heat source to remove the ice, as that will give it a chance to melt and refreeze in other places that could be dangerous. 

7. Work with a World-Class Charter Team

Who you book your flight through can play a huge role in your overall experience. Something as simple as choosing the right jet can make your trip successful. 

At Sun Air Jets, we have highly-experienced representatives that help you navigate private travel. We have hangars to keep aircraft safe and protected from outdoor weather conditions and we also have a team of aviation maintenance technicians that have a significant amount of training and experience in making sure our entire fleet of private charter jets is safe to head into the cold weather. 

Any questions you may have or any concerns that need to be addressed can be asked so that you are prepared for your travels. Did we mention we have an incredible safety record? 

Winter travel can be a snow load of fun when it is done with the right precautions. Follow these safety times for winter jet travel wherever you may go this season. 

Everyone in the aviation industry wants to provide an excellent travel experience for their passengers. This is especially true for those in private travel as they want to ensure the overall flight experience is nothing short of luxurious. In addition to a luxurious experience, safety is of utmost importance to any flight. Understanding aviation safety and how to implement it is extremely important when determining where to fly.

All of this, however, takes a backseat to safety. Aviation safety must be taken seriously due to the lives at stake every time a flight takes off. 

Understanding Aviation Safety

When it comes down to it, aviation safety is all about keeping passengers and crews safe – both on the ground and in the sky. Anytime you travel via a private jet or even a commercial airliner, there is no doubt that you expect to make it to your destination in one piece and without issue. You trust that the flight crew will do their job and that the maintenance technicians are well-trained. Technicians play a significant role in ensuring the aircraft is operating correctly and can avoid accidents. 

It is up to the airline or aviation company to provide a high level of service to gain this level of trust. 

Why Aviation Safety is So Important

Putting aviation safety at the top of the to-do list is incredibly important. After all, this is what prevents accidents and such from happening within the industry. There are usually many things that can lead to an epic fail, such as a safety breach. And it can lead to dire consequences.

From the time an aircraft is built, safety is in mind. And everyone plays a role. For instance, the aircraft manufacturer, the jet maintenance technicians, other miscellaneous ground support, air traffic control, the flight crew, and even passengers. 

Many people are involved in creating a safe flight experience for the passengers, crew, and pilots. Over time, standards and policies have been adopted that allow each flight to depart and arrive safely. These practices reduce the chance of errors by catching errors before they occur.

Improvements in Aviation Safety

When dealing with something as important as jet safety, you need it constantly to be at the forefront of your mind. It needs to play a massive part in everyday life consistently. And it must constantly be evolving. 

As with any business, you want to protect your employees and customers. You put practices in place to ensure everyone can take advantage of your products and services without any added risk. For instance, you expect to be able to go to your grocery store, shop for your groceries, and purchase them without getting hurt. This is why they make sure the aisle ways are straightforward, the floors are clean, and they have employees available to help with any customer service issue. They put safety policies in place to protect everyone, such as employees having to wear gloves when handling food, closed-toed shoes while working, and wet floor signs when there is a spill so that you don’t slip and get injured. 

Letting your guard down in aviation is a different story. The difference is that any business only sometimes comes with the huge safety risks you find in the aviation industry. Without practicing safety, you could risk an injury of some sort at the grocery store, such as slipping and falling, but you don’t run the risk of losing your life. 

With many aircraft in the sky at any given moment, many lives are at stake, and safety must be of first importance. Finding ways to do that – and improve on today’s practices for a safer tomorrow – is what everyone in the aviation industry should be doing. 

Strategies for Future Safety Success

To boost the future of successful aviation, everyone must work together. Those who manufacture the jets, operate them at all stages and regulate air travel can collaborate and create a plan.

Because the industry is so vast, many safety requirements have to be regulated to ensure that everyone is on the same page – and that customers can expect the same level of safety no matter which jet they find themselves on. 

But it can’t be all about regulations, can it? Those who manufacture aircraft should continuously be looking for new equipment and more advanced technology to make today’s aircraft safer than they used to be. And those in charge of operating the aircraft should have a deep understanding and a high level of training to properly and successfully operate it. This even includes continued training for pilots to ensure they are up on their skills.

Having policies and standards that must be met and double-checked by more than one person can help lead to safety success. 

How Sun Air Jets Upholds the Highest Safety Standards

Whether it is chartered flights, our fleet management, or our aircraft maintenance, Sun Air Jets has the highest safety standards – and we are always looking for ways to improve them. The safety of everyone involved is at the heart of what we do. We take a thorough, proactive approach to safety, and it shows. A flawless safety record for over two decades proves that what we are doing is working. 

Sun Air Jets has ensured flight safety by using a skilled maintenance team, experienced flight crew, and high safety standards. Committing to meeting the goals set by our Safety Management System (SMS) has allowed us to continue providing safe, positive flight experiences for all our passengers. We have even earned a few distinctions along the way, too. As a passenger, you expect to be safe when you fly to your destination. Sun Air Jets makes that expectation a reality.  

Millions of people travel via commercial airliner or private jet every single day. For some, flying through the sky is second nature because they spend much of their time in the air. A common concern is flight safety for those who don’t fly often. For many others, flights often come with a head full of thoughts and worries. 

• Did I pack everything? 
• What did I forget? 
• Do I have my travel documents?
• Will I be on time for my flight? 

Then, there are always those who worry about whether the aircraft can fly safely – or if the pilot is adequately trained and well-rested. 

We get it. And while we cannot instantly erase any fears or worries regarding air travel, we can provide a level of service that allows you to feel confident in the flight safety and security you receive with Sun Air Jets.

What Impacts Flight Safety?

Several different factors impact a flight’s level of safety. One, for instance, is the maintenance of the jet. An increased risk of flying comes when jets are not properly repaired and maintained as they should be. Two, having a top-notch pilot is another essential part of maintaining safety while flying. And finally, thanks to the global pandemic, thoroughly sanitizing the airplane is necessary for passengers to feel good about the space around them while onboard a private jet. 

Let’s take a closer look at how Sun Air Jets ensures flight safety for all its passengers. 

Top-Notch Flight Safety and Security

Before you board your jet, do you know how well it has been maintained? Were there any repairs done on it? Did it pass its last inspection? Was its latest maintenance performed by someone certified and authorized to do so? 

As a passenger, you never know the level of safety considered for the jet you are about to fly on. But knowing that you have a team of experts operating one of the nation’s safest-rated private jet fleets, you can find comfort. 

At Sun Air Jets, our aircraft maintenance department has FAA oversight. We are a Part 145 certified repair station and have achieved all four major industry safety standards. Our technicians are factory-trained on Bombardier, Gulfstream, Hawker, Dassault Falcon, and Cessna airframes, as well as Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney engines – with regular maintenance training every two years. 

Superlative Pilots

When you ride in the car while someone else is driving, you are putting that trust in someone else. Most of the time, drivers had to pass an easy driving test at their local DMV. So when was the last time you thought about your Uber driver’s qualifications, for instance? 

When flying, you put the same trust in your pilots. The good news is that when you choose to pass on a private jet managed by Sun Air Jets, you have a team that is as skilled in customer service as they are in flying their jets. They have met a high bar of mandatory qualifications – and then some. 

Moreover, the flight crews are trained with CAE Flight Safety every six months and are subject to FAA/DOT drug testing program, pilot records check, background check, fingerprinting, and driver’s records check.

Again, when you choose to fly with a top-rated private jet management and charter company, you should expect the best pilots and flight crew. And that’s what you get. 

Elite Flight Safety And Sanitization Standards

Safety doesn’t just refer to the jet or the crew but can refer to keeping yourself healthy and safe. 

None of us ever expected that we would be facing a global pandemic. But it happened. And because of just how easily COVID-19 can be spread from person to person, many people left commercial air travel and turned to private jet charters to stay safe. 

Sun Air Jets did not – and does not – disappoint. Risk-averse steps were taken to safeguard the health and safety of guests and employees. The crew’s health is monitored, and aircraft are cleaned and sanitized using strict protocols. This is the best way to continue air travel while keeping everyone as safe as possible. 

Flight Safety With Sun Air Jets

When you feel comfortable with the safety and security standards set by a highly reputable company like Sun Air Jets, you can let your guard down and enjoy your flight. And that means taking advantage of all the perks of private air travel. 

Greater flexibility

With private jets, there are no preset flight times. You can choose when you want to travel and when you don’t; if you would like to leave first thing in the morning, excellent if you’d like to go right after work, perfect. No problem if you get held up in a meeting and run a few minutes behind. This allows you to have a more enjoyable experience. 

Luxurious accommodations

From the moment you step on a private jet, you experience the comfort and luxury of private jets in this manner. Even business class and first class can’t compete. 

Save time

Show up when it is time for your flight! Private travel involves no long lines at TSA security checkpoints, early arrivals at the airport, and so forth.

Access to FBOs

Much like the incredible FBO at Camarillo Airport, you can land at FBOs throughout the country – and the world. And this rewards you with all kinds of amenities. 

Privacy

Privacy is to be expected. You have to enjoy your flight with all the privacy you need. 

Large Fleet

Regardless of how many passengers you have and how far you are traveling, you have a large fleet with wide-ranging options when you choose Sun Air Jets. That means you get the perfect flight experience every single time. 

There are many reasons to fly private – these are just a few. If you are looking for world-class personal travel that ensures flight safety, we are here – Sun Air Jets. 

For the latest update, learn about COVID Care – Sun Air Jets’ initiative that includes additional safety protocols and procedures to protect against COVID-19.

With rising concerns over Coronavirus (COVID-19), Sun Air Jets would like to reassure our charter customers and aircraft owners of our proactive and thorough processes to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and their guests.

As one of the safest, top-rated operators in the nation, Sun Air Jets is dedicated to high quality, risk-averse safety and operational processes and procedures. Private jets have the advantage of being a highly sanitary mode of transportation, and we have implemented very stringent protocols to ensure your health and safety.

Dedicated to Your Safety

On board every Sun Air Jets aircraft, we offer our clients an immaculate cabin, cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants by our in-house professional cleaning staff before and after every flight. Amenities such as hand sanitizers and a PhoneSoap cleaning device to disinfect guest’s electronic devices are also available.

For the safety of our passengers and crew, all standard stock items have been removed from the cabin. Passengers will have the opportunity to make stock requests from our sanitized selection or may request items from our approved caterers.

In order to operate flights in accordance with the latest guidance from national and international health agencies, Sun Air Jets has implemented restrictions on who may board our aircraft. The directives require our crews to identify potential risk factors to passengers and crews and to mitigate any potential exposures identified.

Since March, our crews have been asked to integrate extra caution into their daily lives in accordance with Federal, State, and local guidelines. When assigned a trip, Sun Air Jets’ crews have their temperature taken prior to reporting for duty, and must verify they are symptom-free.

During a trip, all interactions with passengers or FBO employees will occur with protective equipment such as masks and gloves. Crews will check passenger temperatures with a “no-touch” thermometer prior to boarding. Any passenger with a temperature over 100.4°F, in accordance with CDC guidelines, will not be allowed to board. We ask that all passengers wear masks and gloves during their interactions at the FBOs as well as when interacting with the pilots or the cabin attendant (if one is onboard).

Open 24 / 7

Sun Air Jets FBO in Camarillo is still fully operational and open 24/7. Public spaces are continuously sanitized by our professional in-house cleaning staff. Our line service staff will greet you with a smile…behind their required masks.

We’re currently offering fuel discounts, waived ramp fees with a minimum fuel purchase, and a free night in a hangar with a minimum fuel purchase (min. two-night stay). Call our front desk for more information at (805) 389-9301.

Additionally, our Part 145 repair station maintenance department remains as busy as ever. They recently completed a large-scale maintenance inspection and are ensuring our clients’ assets are properly maintained, up to date on inspections, and ready to fly 24/7. Maintenance department staff, and all Sun Air Jets employees, have implemented social distancing procedures while they work on-site. 

Sun Air Jets lives our award-winning safety practices daily, while also increasing our vigilance company-wide until the concerns over COVID-19 have subsided.