Choosing to fly private is about taking back control—of your schedule, your environment, and who you travel with. When the usual travel options feel unpredictable, this control becomes essential. This personalized approach is the core of private jet safety. It’s more than just convenience; it’s about creating a secure and reliable way to get where you need to go. We'll explore how rigorous operational standards and the very nature of private charter create an exceptionally secure travel experience, giving you peace of mind from takeoff to landing.
So if you’re facing a situation where you or someone you love wants to know how to travel safely, then flying private may be the best option. To help you feel confident and comfortable with the prospect of flying private during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some of the safety practices and initiatives that have been implemented in the private aviation industry.
When considering private air travel, the first question that often comes to mind is about safety. It’s natural to wonder how a smaller, private aircraft measures up against a large commercial airliner. The great news is that flying is one of the safest ways to travel, regardless of how you do it. Both private and commercial aviation operate under strict safety regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ensuring a high standard of safety across the board. The primary differences lie not in the fundamental commitment to safety, but in the operational approach and the layers of security involved in each type of travel.
Statistically, commercial airlines have a slightly lower accident rate, which is largely due to their highly standardized operating procedures and the sheer volume of flights. However, the safety record for private aviation is also incredibly strong and continues to improve. For instance, while commercial airlines saw about 1.13 accidents per million flights recently, the private jet sector experienced a significant drop in fatal accidents, from 32 in 2023 to 21 in 2024. This data shows a clear and positive trend, highlighting the industry's unwavering focus on safety protocols and continuous improvement in aircraft technology and pilot training.
The key distinction between commercial and private flying is flexibility. Commercial airlines follow fixed routes and schedules, which contributes to their consistent safety record. Private jets, on the other hand, offer unparalleled control over your itinerary. This flexibility is more than just a convenience; it can be a significant safety advantage. For example, a private jet can change its flight plan to avoid bad weather or land at one of thousands of smaller airports if an emergency arises. This adaptability allows for a more dynamic and responsive approach to ensuring a safe journey from takeoff to landing.
The safety of private aviation isn't accidental; it's built on a foundation of rigorous standards that often exceed regulatory requirements. This multi-faceted approach involves highly skilled pilots, uncompromising maintenance schedules, and independent verification of safety protocols. Every flight is the culmination of countless hours of preparation and a deep-seated culture of safety that permeates every aspect of the operation. When you fly with a reputable provider, you are in the hands of a team dedicated to upholding these essential pillars of aviation safety, ensuring your peace of mind throughout the journey.
While commercial airline pilots may accumulate more total flight hours due to their rigid schedules, private jet pilots undergo incredibly specialized training. They are required to be experts on the specific aircraft models they fly, mastering the unique systems and handling characteristics of their jet. This focused expertise ensures that your crew is intimately familiar with the aircraft, prepared to handle any situation with precision and skill. Top-tier charter companies prioritize continuous training and recurrent education, ensuring their pilots are always at the peak of their profession and current with the latest safety procedures.
In private aviation, there is no compromise on aircraft maintenance. In fact, private jets often undergo more frequent and detailed maintenance checks than their commercial counterparts. Every aircraft in a managed fleet follows a strict, proactive maintenance schedule that adheres to or surpasses the manufacturer's and the FAA's recommendations. Before every single flight, the aircraft and its systems are subjected to a thorough pre-flight inspection by both the pilots and maintenance crew. This meticulous attention to detail ensures the jet is in perfect condition, providing a secure and reliable travel experience every time you fly.
Beyond the mandatory FAA regulations, the most reputable private jet operators voluntarily submit to rigorous third-party safety audits. Organizations like ARGUS and WYVERN are the gold standard in aviation safety, conducting in-depth reviews of an operator's safety history, maintenance practices, and company culture. Achieving a high rating from these auditors is a testament to a company's commitment to going above and beyond for safety. It’s an extra layer of verification that provides clients with tangible proof of an operator's dedication to the highest safety standards in the industry.
The safety of your flight is directly linked to the quality of the operator you choose. While the aircraft itself is a marvel of engineering, it's the company behind the scenes that truly ensures a safe and seamless experience. A trustworthy operator is transparent about their safety record, their crew's experience, and their maintenance procedures. Making an informed choice means looking beyond the price and focusing on the operator's reputation and commitment to safety. This diligence is the most important step you can take to guarantee a secure and comfortable journey for yourself and your passengers.
When selecting a private jet charter company, always ask about their safety credentials. Specifically, inquire if they hold a certification from a third-party auditor like ARGUS or WYVERN. These ratings are a clear indicator of a provider's commitment to exceptional safety standards. Don't hesitate to ask about the flight crew's experience, including their total flight hours and their specific experience on the aircraft you'll be flying. A reputable company will be proud to share this information and will welcome your questions, demonstrating a culture of transparency and a commitment to your peace of mind.
It's crucial to be aware of and avoid illegal "grey charters." These are unlicensed flights operated by individuals or companies that do not have the legal authority or proper certification to carry passengers for hire. These operators often cut corners on maintenance, pilot training, and insurance, posing a significant safety risk. They may offer temptingly low prices, but the potential cost is far too high. Always verify that your charter provider is a certified FAA Part 135 operator, which legally permits them to conduct on-demand charter flights and ensures they adhere to all federal safety regulations.
While both private jets and helicopters offer incredible convenience for getting to your destination, it's worth noting that their safety statistics differ. When you look at the data, helicopter charters have a statistically higher risk of an accident compared to private jet charters. Private jets benefit from redundant systems, the ability to fly at higher altitudes above most weather, and the capability to glide over long distances in the rare event of engine failure. For travelers whose top priority is safety, the fixed-wing private jet remains the superior choice for its robust safety record and operational advantages.
According to CNN, private jet companies, like their commercial counterparts, have dramatically stepped up their sanitation and cleaning processes in the wake of COVID-19. Private charter jets have always had an extra layer of cleanliness to them, but with personal protection becoming such a significant source of concern for travelers, the CDC has provided specific recommendations to help aircraft operators clean and disinfect their aircraft.
To ensure the highest level of private jet safety and cleanliness, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) says that owners and operators are:
With the COVID virus spreading rapidly, the CDC is advising that all non-essential travel be postponed. While you can still fly into and out of any location within the United States, the CDC is recommending that you avoid traveling to areas like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and international locations such as China, Iran, the United Kingdom, and most European countries.
Every day, States are imposing their own travel restrictions. For example, in Florida, passengers must provide proof they are traveling for the following reason: persons employed by the airlines and those performing military, emergency or health response services. They must also provide an address where they will self-quarantine for 14 days post-arrival. In Utah, the governor has ordered that all adults who are entering the state have to disclose their travel plans.
If travel is necessary (you need to fly a family member home, for example), then one of the best options available is flying on a chartered jet. With the added privacy and security that private jet travel offers, you can dramatically reduce exposure to larger groups of people and keep you, your loved ones, and others safe.
Perhaps most importantly, private jet safety practices mean that you’ll have minimal contact with other people, lowering the chance of being exposed to the virus. Like CNN says, “There's no battling for arm rests or ending up in close proximity to others. Plus, these flights operate out of small, private aviation terminals, not mass transport hubs.” Instead, you’ll likely only interact with a few security agents, crew, and essential airport personnel, depending on the airport you’re flying out of and into.
When you charter with Hangar 7 Aviation, everything from the size of the aircraft, to the amenities on board, to the appropriate private airport for take-off and landing will be set up in advance. All precautions are taken so that you can rest easy knowing that your necessary travel needs will be met.
If you have any questions about flight safety practices, travel restrictions, or want to learn more about the kinds of private charter aircraft Hangar 7 Aviation has available for your necessary travel needs, please get in touch with us. Our team is available 24/7. We’re here to help you stay safe and get you where you need to go!
Is flying on a private jet safer than a commercial airline? Both private and commercial aviation are incredibly safe, operating under strict FAA regulations. The main difference isn't in the level of safety but in the approach. Private aviation offers a more controlled and flexible environment. For instance, your pilot has the freedom to change flight paths to avoid turbulence or bad weather, and you fly out of private terminals with far fewer people, which creates a more secure and personalized travel experience from the ground up.
What kind of training do private jet pilots have? While commercial pilots fly set routes on the same few aircraft types, private jet pilots are specialists. They undergo intensive, model-specific training to become experts on the exact jet you'll be flying in. This means they have an intimate knowledge of its unique systems and performance capabilities. Reputable charter companies also require their pilots to complete continuous training to stay sharp and current on the latest safety protocols.
What are ARGUS and WYVERN ratings, and why should I care about them? Think of ARGUS and WYVERN as independent safety auditors for the private aviation industry. They conduct deep reviews of an operator's entire business, from maintenance logs and pilot training records to their overall safety culture. A high rating from one of these organizations shows that a company voluntarily meets safety standards that go far beyond the FAA's minimum requirements. It’s a clear sign you’re choosing an operator with a serious commitment to safety.
How can I be sure the aircraft I'm chartering is properly maintained? A trustworthy operator will have a proactive and meticulous maintenance schedule for every aircraft in their fleet, often exceeding the manufacturer's recommendations. Before any flight, the jet undergoes a thorough pre-flight inspection by both the flight crew and maintenance team. This ensures every system is in perfect working order, giving you peace of mind that the aircraft is in top condition for your journey.
What is an illegal "grey charter" and how do I avoid one? A "grey charter" is an unlicensed flight operated by a company or individual that isn't legally certified to fly passengers for hire. They often offer lower prices because they cut corners on crucial safety areas like maintenance, pilot training, and insurance. To avoid this risk, always confirm your provider is a certified FAA Part 135 operator. This certification is the legal standard and guarantees they adhere to all federal safety regulations.