FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The advantages of private jet charter are numerous, however not all private jet operator are the same. Falcona perform due diligence in all aspects of your charter flight in order to give you a peace of mind that you require. As your broker we’re here to guide you and have an impartial view, selecting the best aircraft and operator to perform your charter flight.

Who is the CAA/FAA certified operator that will do your charter flight?

At your request we will notify you of the operator name and their proof of his/her pilot license/certificate. You also have the right to verify this information with the CAA /FAA to ensure that the business is legitimate and operating safely.

How long has the operator been in business?“

A more experienced charter operator will understand the ins and outs of all the CAA/FAA safety regulations and how to provide the safest, most comfortable private jet charter flight possible.

What level of experience does the operator have?

To earn a private pilot’s license through the CAA, a flight operator must complete 40-60 hours of flying and flight school, minimum. Additionally , 50 hours of Pilot In Command time and 40 hours of flight and/or simulator training are required. In order to fly passengers they must earn a CAA/FAA commercial pilot’s license/certificate.

What type of aircraft is on the charter certificate?

Never book a private jet charter on an aircraft that is not listed, as this means that it has not been inspected by the CAA/FAA and probably not legal for charter.

What is the year of manufacture for the aircraft?

Although an older plane doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s unsafe, it is critical that you verify its mechanical soundness. Find out when the last full inspection was completed by the CAA/FAA or third party audit firms such as WYVERN or ARGUS, and the outcome.

What level of experience do the crew have?

Be sure to find out how long the crew has been working in the airline industry, specifically in the private aviation industry. Ask what certifications they hold, and if they are well versed in safety protocol.

How many flight hours has your aircraft experienced?

Make sure that your aircraft has logged enough flying hours to prove that everything is in working order. Similarly, any plane that has logged a great deal of flying hours should be inspected regularly for mechanical safety.

Has the CAA ever taken enforcement action against the operator or one of its flight crew?

If the CAA has ever had any reason to penalise your prospective charter company, flight operator or crew for misconduct or any other reason, this should be a pretty obvious indication not to use them for your charter flight.

Is your flight legal?

This is very simple. We will give you the name of the AOC holder and the number on the document. Then if you wish to verify that the details are correct, refer to the CAA website: www.caa.co.uk/aocholders.

An aircraft which is meant to be offered for a third party charter must be operated by a professional operator with an AOC. Failure to do so is illegal and can result non payment or liability if an aircraft is involved in an accident.

Can you travel with pets?

Yes, you can fly with your pet in the cabin, as long as you have the appropriate documents for travel. Different countries have different regulations for pet flights. Your pet will be able to move around the cabin and be comfortable at all times. We recommend you fly with weight appropriate harnesses, as well as regulation cages for smaller pets such as cats. We will advise you at the time of booking to make sure everything runs smoothly. If you wish to see further details , refer to the website; https://www.gov.uk/pet-travel-information-for-pet-owners

What happens if i need to cancel or change times?

If you need to change times, passenger numbers or cancel, we advise you to give us as much notice as possible so that we can notify all the relevant people such as the operators and Air Traffic Control. Private aviation is all about flexibility and we will do our utmost to accommodate your requests.

Can I see actual photos of the private jets which have been quoted for my flight?

Yes, we will send you aircraft images and specifications with every flight quote. This will include interior and exterior images.

How long before my flight do I need to arrive?

We recommend that you arrive at the airport 20 minutes before departure for domestic or European flights. For international flights 30 minutes.  

How much luggage can I take?

The amount of luggage you can bring will depend on the size of the aircraft and the number of passengers travelling. Ideally we recommend one small soft sided bag per person for a small jet. Larger aircraft such as a Global Express can comfortably fit 20 medium/large suitcases.

Please let us know if you’re taking any golfing, ski or shooting equipment as again this will determine the size of your jet.

Do we need to bring our passports and go through customs/immigration?

We advise you to bring your passports, although depending on your destination and nationality you may not need your passport when travelling by private jet. Customs and immigration procedures must be complied with for all private jet flights.

These will all be done done prior to your flight, making your check in procedures quicker. At larger airports the private jet terminal will have a dedicated customs and immigration staff.

What kind of catering will be available?

There are no set menus, VIP catering is especially ordered to your personal requirements. Typically on a smaller private jet you will find assorted platters of sandwiches, canapes and fruit are a popular choice and can be tailored to suit.

Hot meals with a flight attendant service are available on larger private jets. A full bar selection is also available including wine and champagne. If you have any special requests such as vegetarian meals, specific alcoholic drinks or a birthday cake we will arrange this for you.

What happens once we book?

You will be sent full details of your itinerary, including directions to your dedicated VIP facility at the airport, arrival times and crew details. If you require onward ground transportation, we will be happy to make arrangements with one of our partners for you.

Can I book one seat on a charter flight?

No, we do not book single passengers on an aircraft. The whole aircraft is for you, regardless whether you fill all the seats or it’s just for you. The price is for the whole aircraft.

Where do I go to board my private jet charter aircraft?

Flying private allows you to depart and arrive at smaller, private terminals called FBOs (Fixed Based Operator). These are generally located away from the hustle and bustle of the main commercial terminal. The experience is different to commercial travel. Ground staff will meet you at your car, take your bags through and escort you to your waiting plane.

Can I book a chaffeur to the airport?

Yes, this is up to you. We have contacts that will be able to transport you and guests to and from the airport. A wide range of vehicles are available to hire from Mercedes, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes Vianos as well as luxury coaches. This is not usually included in your bill.

Are flight attendants available on board a private jet charter flight?

On smaller aircraft such as a Phenom 300 there will be no flight attendant. On request a flight attendant will be onboard on larger aircraft, where there is a galley or a bar such as a Citation Excel and larger aircraft like a Gulfstream G450.

How many pilots will be on my private jet?

For a private charter flight you will always have two highly qualified pilots. For larger jets that are capable of flying long haul, another crew will also be onboard. Duty hours for the crew are strict and cannot be breached for your safety and the crews safety.

Can I smoke on a private jet?

Yes, we can source aircraft that you can smoke onboard.

What's on the bill?

Flying privately is more expensive than a commercial flight and the bill will be slightly different. Depending on your travel plans you will find charges such as landing fees, repositioning fees, catering, overnight fees, airport fees and taxes all included on your bill. Other charges such as de-icing, ground transportation, phone and wi-fi charges or out of hour charges will be invoiced to you after your flight.

What do the pilots do before a flight?

Your pilots will do a pre-flight check of the aircraft to make sure the aircraft is in sound working condition. Once the checklist has been completed and the flight crew are happy that all systems are in proper working condition the flight will be cleared to depart.

Where can I fly to?

In Europe you can fly to over 3,000 airports and over 5,000 airports in the US. So wherever you choose to fly, rest assured that you can fly closer to your chosen destination.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes, we always recommend that you bring your passport and visa requirements are exactly the same as a commercial flight. Sometimes for domestic flights it’s not necessary but you should always bring it.

How and when can I pay?

Falcona accept bank transfers and all major credit and debit cards for flights taking off within 24 hours, including Mastercard, American Express and Visa. A deposit is required on booking for flights and the balance is due within 30 days of the departure date.

What happens if I need to cancel my flight?

Yes, there will be unfortunately. If you cancel your flight close to departure date you will incur fees. The fees will depend on when you cancel the trip, the closer to departure date the more you will be charged. This is all in our terms and conditions.

There are several factors to consider when chartering a private jet, safety, insurance, operator history and price. All of these can be an overwhelming task to do on your own, and using a experienced charter broker will assure you that these items are addressed properly, specifically safety and quality of the flight operations.

We recommend that if you do shop around that you don’t base your decision purely on price.

The safety and security of your employer, employees, or family members and friends must be your primary consideration.

Falcona can help you with your Private Jet requirements…

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