Now, more than ever, the prospect of flying private is incredibly appealing. From health risks to overbooked flights and long security lines, there are plenty of reasons to avoid commercial airlines if you can.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to own your own jet to fly private. There are many benefits to renting a private jet (PJ)!
Private jet rentals are getting much more popular, but are they safe? Here’s what you need to know about flying safely when renting a jet.
Private Jet Rentals Are Safer Than You Think
With anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 planes in the sky at any given moment, there’s no denying that the need for air travel isn’t going away. And, despite what many people might think, flying on a private jet is just as safe – if not safer – then taking a flight on a commercial flight. Here are a few reasons why.
Low Passenger Volume
If you’ve ever flown on a commercial flight, you’re familiar with the feeling of lining up with hundreds of other passengers as you wait to board your flight. With every additional body that boards the plane, there’s a greater chance of boarding with someone who has ill-intents.
Beyond that, there’s also a high chance of being boarded along with people who are just plain rude or inconsiderate, which can lead to undesirable consequences. Someone who seems to have taken a bath in cheap cologne can easily kick-off an allergy attack, or a belligerent passenger can end up causing an in-flight brawl. Other crazy (and dangerous!) things occur on commercial flights more often than you might want to believe.
By renting a PJ, you can ensure that the only other people on board with you will be ones that you invite. While there’s no guarantee your friends or family will behave themselves, it’s unlikely they’ll cause any serious safety issues.
Fewer Flights
Every flight puts stress on a jet’s structural integrity. Since a private jet makes far fewer flights than their commercial counterparts, they are subject to less wear and tear.
This is not meant to imply that commercial planes are not well-maintained. However, whenever higher numbers are involved, the odds of something going wrong increase.
Well-Rested Crew
As cash-starved airlines try to squeeze every possible dime out of their operations, the flight crew can start to suffer. Worn-out pilots and attendants may be more likely to cut corners or make mistakes.
With fewer total flights and less passengers to deal with, the crews are able to put a greater focus into ensuring every safety measure is consistently met.
More Rigorous Safety Checks
Private jets are often subject to incredibly strict safety guidelines and rigorous testing. Most reputable jet rental companies hire third-party organizations to handle their testing and continually evaluate the company’s safety measures.
These companies also often provide services like drug and alcohol testing for pilots and crew, ensuring crew rest and flight time guidelines are met, and more.
Safer in Severe Weather
Because they have the ability to land at a wider variety of airports, private jets have greater flexibility if they run into severe weather while in the air. The ability to quickly change plans if the weather suddenly gets too rough makes it possible to land quickly instead of putting passengers in additional danger.
Tips for Choosing a Safe Charter Jet Service
PJ rental costs are more affordable than most people think, but price shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing your rental company. Here are a few ways that you can ensure the company you’re considering will put your safety first.
Check the Operating Certificate
One of the first things you’ll want to look at is whether the aircraft is owned by a legitimate business entity. Make sure that the operator has a current FAA 135 Operating Certificate. This proves that they’re licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to carry passengers on a commercial private charter.
Another certificate the operator may hold is the Part 91 Operator Certificate. This applies to other types of non-commercial private flights and carries less strict safety standards than the FAA 135.
Ask About Internal Safety Standards
If you’re concerned about a company’s safety standards, don’t hesitate to ask. Inquire about whether they have had any safety incidents, accidents, or FAA violations. If so, request the details.
You can also ask how long the company has been in business and which ratings agencies they use to set their standards. You may also ask whether the company uses a safety management system (SMS). This isn’t required by the FAA but is an indication that the company takes safety seriously.
Perhaps the most important thing to pay attention to is how the company handles your questions. If they become evasive or defensive, this could be a red flag. A reputable company will take your questions seriously and go out of their way to provide you with all the information you need so you can feel comfortable using their services.
Consider Private Jet Rentals Next Time You Fly
Now that you know just how safe private jet rentals really can be, you may want to consider one next time you need to fly. At Republic Jet Center, our passengers are our number one priority.
Learn more about our private flight services and contact us to discuss your needs in person. We’ll answer all of your questions and help you arrange for your next trip.
