Arranging a private charter flight does not have to be a hectic experience. Even though it is not a first-time booking a charter flight, the below guide will prove helpful to you. Here’s a checklist of things to consider before booking a charter flight.
The owner of the aircraft
It is essential to understand if the aircraft has a legitimate background. Many a time, an individual owner is behind the airline. Otherwise, a business owns it. Either way, the company must have an FAA 135 Operating Certificate.
Under operator’s control
The aircraft must be listed by the FAA under the operator’s control. Ask for D-085, which lets you know the aircraft’s tail number. If legitimate, go ahead with the booking.
Check the FAA website.
Log on to the official FAA website and enter the tail number of the aircraft. It should display the vital information that would affect your bookings like manufacture date, registered owner, and aircraft type.
Insurance of the aircraft
Many seem to overlook this aspect of the aircraft. An uninsured aircraft could lead to massive problems if anything happens. Ask for the insurance certificate. The certificate must mention the tail number of the aircraft. That way, you can be assured that the insurance is genuine.
Operator’s insurance for you
After you have verified the insurance of the aircraft, please find out the operator’s policy about its insurance for the passengers. All the operator would have to do is add you and the other passengers under additionally insured.
History of accidents
Make a note of the incidences of the aircraft. If you feel that the history screams unsafe, skip this service. It denotes that the operators do not take the safety precautions seriously, endangering your life.
International flight
If you are hiring a charter to fly internationally, make sure that the operator has experience. Flights need to be acquainted with the international and customs laws. If it is their maiden flight, they might run into problems, much to your inconvenience.
Help with official forms when flying internationally
The operator should be able to help you with the forms to fill out, like vias and custom forms. They should be able to do the hard work for you.
Regular Audit
If they are an established operator, they must be regularly performing a thorough inspection of operational procedures, maintenance to the aircraft, and training of pilots and staff. Request to see the audit report to understand what all was found.
Examine the lawsuit
Check for the legitimacy of the aircraft operator and understand the lawsuits. Ensure that the aircraft does not have any active cases.
