Safety is the first question in private aviation, not the last. This guide explains what to check before you fly, from certificates and audits to crew experience and insurance, so you can judge any operator on the evidence.
Confirm that the company operating your flight holds a valid air operator certificate from the relevant authority, such as an FAA Part 135 certificate in the United States or an EASA air operator certificate in Europe. The certificate shows the operator is authorised and supervised to fly passengers for hire.
Make sure the certificate covers the aircraft and the type of flight you are booking. A broker arranging the flight should be able to name the actual operator and provide this information.
Third party programmes assess operators against published standards. ARGUS and Wyvern review safety records, pilot backgrounds, and operating procedures, while IS-BAO sets an international standard for business aircraft operations with progressive stages of registration.
A current rating from one of these programmes is a useful signal, but ask for the date and level. Ratings expire and vary in depth, so treat them as evidence to weigh rather than a guarantee.
Ask about the pilots flying your trip: their total hours, their experience on the specific aircraft type, and their recent currency. Two qualified pilots with relevant type experience is the standard you are looking for.
Crew rest and duty rules exist for good reason. A serious operator will not push beyond them, and you should be wary of any party that treats them as flexible.
Confirm that adequate liability insurance is in place for the aircraft and passengers, and ask for evidence of the cover amount. Understand who carries responsibility if plans change, the broker or the operator.
Put the key answers in writing. A reputable party will provide certificates, ratings, and insurance details without hesitation, and clarity here is itself a sign of a well run operation.
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