Shaircraft CEO and guest columnist for Halogen Jets, James Butler, explains in a recent article that, with no long term commitments or large capital outlays, charter is often an attractive option for his clients. He writes, “If you’re trying private air travel for the first time, traditional charter is likely to be the best way to dip your toe in the water.”
The question is how you identify a good operator from among the 1,000 charter companies flying in the United States. Here are a few of the key questions you should ask before you take off:
- How long has the operator been in business?
- What is the five year accident/incident history of the operator?
- What model and year is the aircraft you’ll be flying? What avionics and other safety equipment does it have? Is it in compliance with all FAA directives and manufacturer maintenance requirements?
- How many hours have the pilots flown overall and in this particular type of aircraft?
- Is the price quote firm and, if so, for how long? What, if any, additional charges will there be?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Butler counsels, “Our goal is to find our clients the best price for their flight with an experienced operator on a well maintained and appropriately equipped aircraft flown by top notch pilots, all with a spotless safety record. That should be your goal as well.”
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Halogen Guides Jets: “How to Find the Right Charter”
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