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.