Tag: jet safety

Regarding air travel, many safety aspects must be accounted for as you prepare to take flight. For instance, not only does the physical safety of the jet itself need to be correctly maintained, but your flight crew needs to be adequately trained and highly experienced to help ensure private jet safety. As you take to the skies, you put your trust into both man and machine, hoping that you get to and from your destination safely. 

Is making the switch to private travel a safer option? More and more travelers are finding incredible value in private jet charters – and much of it concerns safety. Let’s look at how The Early Air Way sets itself apart from others regarding private jet safety. 

Private Jet Safety Benefits

There are so many reasons why people choose to fly private jets. They are convenient and flexible, not forcing you to stick to predetermined flight patterns and times or leaving you to deal with long layovers to change plans. After all, they come with a long list of benefits. 

Flying private means being able to enjoy the luxury and comfort that comes with this type of travel. It is a peaceful experience from every angle. There is no undue stress, long TSA security lines to wait in, or the risk of overbooking a flight. You must arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your flight, board, and enjoy. 

You don’t have to worry about sitting elbow-to-elbow with a stranger during the flight. Instead, you can take advantage of many amenities, including refreshments, luxuriously comfortable seating, and great in-flight experience. You can even get work done in the air if you need to since there is a high level of privacy. Though, sometimes you want a nap – so go ahead and take one – perhaps even lying comfortably. 

While the convenience and relaxed experience of private travel is always a plus, more and more people are turning to this method of travel due to their safety concerns. And for a good reason, since the level of its safety and security is unmatched in commercial aviation. 

Private Jet Safety Protocols

So, what does safety look like on a private jet? There are always many protocols to ensure you don’t have to worry. And, these rules are not meant to be broken – especially since you never want to jeopardize safety. 

Below are a few general safety protocols often followed by private jet charter companies. 

Fly High

When you fly on a private jet, you do so at higher altitudes than commercial jets. As a result, you will experience less turbulence, avoid rough weather, and encounter less air traffic – all of which can directly impact your level of safety.  

A quiet airport terminal

There are several types of airports, but private flights fly out of private terminals. These areas are open and usually have comfortable seating and other accommodations. This is not only safer for security reasons but also for health reasons, too. You won’t see the hundreds of people camped outside a door at the gate waiting to board. 

Outside third-party inspections

Many people are responsible for the processes that keep jets safe in the sky. For instance, most private jet charter companies will have a team of aviation mechanics who are highly skilled in maintaining and repairing private jets. However, having someone perform audits and inspections of this and all procedures and operations is essential. By opting for outside companies rather than doing it in-house, they get an unbiased review of their business practices which holds them accountable. This is a surefire way to handle it appropriately – and in compliance with FAA regulations. 

Less time in the sky

With private jets, you don’t have to worry about connecting flights. Instead, you can fly directly to your destination and take the most direct path. Plus, many private jets fly at much faster speeds than commercial airliners. This all means you spend less time in the sky and increase your level of safety. 

Encounter fewer travelers

There has been an astronomical increase in unruly passengers on commercial flights lately, quickly becoming another safety concern. But when you fly private, you don’t have to worry about other passengers – just yourself and those you bring with you. This also boosts your safety. 

Personnel monitoring

For example, closely monitoring personnel records, training, experience, drug/alcohol testing, and so on plays a crucial role in passenger safety. Of course, all of the above protocols are in addition to the types of safety precautions taken regarding personnel. 

The Early Air Way’s Pledge to Privet Jet Safety

At The Early Air Way, there is no compromise regarding the safety and security of our passengers, crew, and jets. To prove it, you should know that we are one of only a few private aviation brokers that hold the prestigious WYVERN Authorized Broker status regarding charter safety. What does that mean for you? 

WYVERN is a 3rd party aviation safety auditor that looks at pilot records, aircraft maintenance standards, Safety Management Systems (SMS), operating history, and insurance. They have been around for decades and have a spectacular safety record for those they have audited – including The Early Air Way. 

Before we let a jet fly for us, we have to see nothing less than perfect when we review the operating histories of the aircraft, crew, dispatches, insurance providers, international handlers, and maintenance providers. The best part? The team at The Early Air Way doesn’t just find you the best jet and crew, but we continue monitoring for safety with weather conditions, route, etc., so that you can always feel safe and secure when you take your trip. 

Private jets ensure high airplane safety, with rigorous standards and frequent maintenance checks. Pilots undergo extensive training, and these aircraft are equipped with advanced safety technology. Compared to commercial flights, private jets provide a high level of airplane safety, offering peace of mind for passengers.

Airplane safety is of the utmost importance for jet owners, pilots, and charter companies. In fact, many of the pilots you will encounter flying these private jets are former 747 aircraft pilots with spotless records.

However, if you have never – or rarely – flown charter, you may still be hesitant about private airplane safety.

You may not be able to know everything, but by following these 6 tips, you should be able to get a good idea about the jet and its safety.

Too many caution flags? You may want to seek alternate travel arrangements.

 

 

6 Airplane Safety Considerations

When determining private airplane safety, there are a couple of considerations to look out for.

1. Security checkpoints
2. Certifications and qualifications
3. Network Alliance for safety
4. Poor reviews or news articles
5. Repairs that are too quick
6. Pilot qualifications

These are six ways to determine the safety of your private aircraft.

 

1. Security checkpoints

One of the biggest airplane safety considerations actually occurs at the airport — security.

With private jets, the passengers are typically only the ones you invited, which helps to improve the safety of your travels.

Depending on the airport, you may or may not encounter a security checkpoint.

While TSA likes to secure everyone traveling, some smaller airports may tend to be very relaxed when it comes to this.

Pilots often will require to see ID from those traveling to ensure that the correct passengers are onboard the jet.

If you are concerned about security checkpoints and personal airplane safety measures, you may want to consult the particular airports you will be utilizing.

Keep in mind that private jets typically fly only those in your party, reducing the concern of flying with unknown passengers.

 

 

2. Check the qualifications

There are certain certifications that private jets are to provide.

Four, to be exact.

First, you should locate the Certificate of Airworthiness. This certificate is a permit required by the FAA and is to be displayed openly within the cabin of the jet. If it appears tampered with or is outdated, this should signal a problem.

Second, the Air Operators Certificate (AOC), issued by the FAA is proof that the aircraft is allowed to be operated for commercial use. It requires that there be a protocol in place to secure everyone’s safety.

Next, the charter company or private jet office should be able to provide you with proof of insurance. Any reputable charter will easily be able to provide you with this information.

Lastly, you will want to check out the pilot’s credentials. You will want to see his background and his qualifications for manning your flight.

This is all basic information that should be easily accessible.

Allow a little extra time before boarding to view these documents.

 

 

3. Network Alliance

Another way to determine airplane safety is if they are involved in any networks.

Many private jets belong to a network. They receive perks by joining and forming an alliance with these networks, but it also means an increase in safety for you.

In order to become a member, many groups require jets to go through a rigorous audit first.

If you ask about your jet’s network alliance, you may feel a bit more comforted upon hearing there is one.

 

 

4. Do your research

The internet is full of information these days. No longer do you need to ask questions and hope that you get an honest answer.

Instead, you can jump online and see a plethora of topics.

Search the aircraft you intend to fly – view things such as its safety record and its history.

If you know your pilot, a quick search can give you some background information there. And, of course, reviews of the charter company.

Keep in mind that reviews are not always accurate, as someone could simply be having a bad day when posted something negative. But, by reading through them and making your own determination, you are able to get a fairly good eye on the airplane safety situation.

Be diligent – and remember that you cannot necessarily believe everything that you read.

 

 

5. Quick repairs

Some repairs that need to occur on a plane are rather quick.

A break of 15 to 20 minutes can have you back in the air in no time. However, most repairs take a bit longer.

If you find yourself stuck on a private jet that fixes a repair in record time, you may want to start asking questions about the airplane safety.

Consult with the pilot to see if the time-frame seemed logical. After all, the pilot is at risk, too, if he or she flies the jet with a faulty repair.

Your life is in the hands of that repairman – don’t feel as though you don’t have time or authority to speak up.

 

 

6. Get to know the pilot

In the sky, your pilot has your life in his hands. One ill move and it can all be over.

Scary, right?

Get to know your charter pilot.

Start small talk and ask don’t hesitate to ask some questions about his or her qualifications and history.

There are a few things, however, that you will want to take into consideration while you are conversing:

• Pay attention to the pilot’s demeanor. If at all possible, you want a pilot who bounces onto the jet, fully dressed with a smile.
• Red flags should fly up if your pilot begins to discuss things that indicate a less-than-ideal personal life. For example, referring to a divorce, child custody battle, unhappiness at work, etc. should signal that your pilot may not be in the right frame of mind to handle your needs.
• Elevation can affect moods – especially if alcohol is consumed. If you suspect that your pilot has been drinking (even if he or she seems fine), then let this be a warning to you.
• If the pilot appears to be in a hurry, keeps looking at his or watch, and the like, this is cause for concern. You never want a pilot who is going to value time more greatly than safety.

 

Conclusion

Private jets are only as safe as their crew – the pilots, the owners, and the maintenance crew.

A private jet with a great airplane safety rating could have poor care or a less-than-perfect pilot. Safety when flying privately relies on many different factors.

Before climbing on board, do a thorough research and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Check for certificates and qualifications, have a long conversation with your pilot, and listen to your gut.

If everything checks out, then great.

But, if it doesn’t, you may want to switch jets or dig a bit deeper before getting into the air.

At The Early Airway, we are committed to your safety on every flight. Our qualified pilots, maintenance crew, and team are dedicated in making your flight perfect – and that starts with airplane safety.