Plane Conversations

In previous posts I have  discussed the safety aspects of selecting an aviation services company when you want to charter a private jet.  Once you have satisfied any questions regarding the safety practices of the operator(s) you might do business with, the next step is to look at the available aircraft they have to offer. If you have a lot of choices then you want to pick the aircraft that best fits the mission requirements for the trip you are planning. Operators can give you the capabilities of their aircraft including seating configuration, non-stop range, speed, cabin size and amenities on board. They will also readily give you prices on your trip in each aircraft with flight times so you can easily compare the different options. Good operators are glad to talk with you and provide information with no strings attached.

If price is a factor, then you want to choose the aircraft that can do the mission most economically. Are you willing to ride in a turbo-prop aircraft? We use the term “private jet” a lot but our industry also offers safe, reliable and comfortable service in aircraft powered by turbine engines with propellers. Turbo-prop aircraft burn less fuel than most of their jet counterparts and, in most cases, cost less to maintain. This translates to lower rates to you on many trips.  Propeller aircraft are slower than jet aircraft; so, the distance of your trip will determine which is most cost effective.  For instance, if you are travelling from Santa Barbara to San Diego with four passengers, a King Air will run that one hour trip for you in a both cost and time efficient manner.  However, if you want take those same four passengers from Santa Barbara to Tacoma, the King Air will take three hours 45 minutes; so, you  might want to look at a jet.  The difference in speed makes up for the difference in hourly rate; so, for operators who charge by the flight hour rather than by the mile (and most operators do), the jet is going to be the most cost effective aircraft for the trip.

If you can’t get used to the idea that you can ride on an aircraft with propellers then there are still many jet options that can get you there efficiently. We will talk more in the future about the differences between jet and turbo-prop aircraft.

Even between jet aircraft there are things to consider when choosing the right one for your trip.  What is the seating configuration?  Is the lavatory enclosed?  Is there enough baggage space?  If you wanted a light jet for an eight passenger trip from St. Louis to Tulsa, you could use a Lear 35.  The aircraft has four individual seats, a seat on the lavatory and a three-person divan, which is a little snug, but for a flight of just over an hour, it could be done.  The Citation V aircraft is a little slower than the Lear, but also a good light jet choice.  I would comfortably recommend either aircraft for that trip.  However, if you took those same eight passengers from St. Louis to Las Vegas, I would recommend the Citation over the Lear.  The Lear is faster, but the Citation has individual seats, making the three and a half hour flight more comfortable.  Your charter operator will be happy to give you the advantages and disadvantages of the aircraft they have available.

If you have the time, and have not already made a visit to the airport, go take a look at the aircraft you might be using. Your prospective operator will gladly show you their aircraft and give you the tour. I have yet to meet a prospective client who did not enjoy visiting us at the airport and looking at aircraft. Hop aboard and sit in the seat you will be riding in. Get a feel for what it would be like on a trip.

Armed with a price comparison of different aircraft on specific trips and a first-hand feel for what the aircraft looks and feels like in the cabin, you are ready to go flying.