How we check every operator
We do not own aircraft, so choosing the operator is the most important thing we do. These are our private jet safety minimums for every flight we book.
Our private jet safety standard
Private jet safety starts with the operator, not the aircraft. Every operator we use must pass all six of these checks before we send you a quote.
Licensed to fly for hire
Every operator holds a valid air operator certificate for commercial flights, such as FAA Part 135 in the US or an EASA AOC in Europe. We check it is current on the day of your flight.
Independent audit
We require at least one recent third party audit. ARGUS rates operators Gold, Gold Plus or Platinum. Wyvern Wingman and IS BAO registration are also accepted.
Insurance on file
We confirm liability insurance and its limits for every aircraft, not just once a year for the company.
Crew experience
We look at pilot hours on the aircraft type and recent experience at demanding airports like Aspen, Samedan or Courchevel.
Aircraft records
Year of manufacture, last refit and maintenance status are part of every quote we send.
Live support
An advisor follows each flight and can arrange a replacement aircraft if anything changes.
These are minimums, not targets. Many of the operators we work with hold two or three audits at once.
What is grey charter?
Grey charter is a flight sold for money by someone who is not licensed to carry paying passengers. It is often a private owner or a company using a business aircraft outside its permit.
It looks cheaper. But insurance may not cover you, and the crew may not meet commercial training rules. We never book it, and we report it when we see it.
Questions to ask any charter broker
A good charter broker answers these without hesitation. If anyone selling you a private jet flight cannot, treat it as a warning sign.
- Who is the operator, and what is their AOC number?
- Which safety audit do they hold, and when was it done?
- How many hours do the pilots have on this aircraft type?
- What happens if the aircraft has a technical problem?
We put the answers in writing on request. You can also check an AOC number with the national aviation authority yourself.
Private jet charter questions
Common questions about private jet safety, audits and what happens when something goes wrong. Ask your advisor for the details on any flight.
Are private jets safe?
Commercial charter operators with independent audits have a strong safety record. The risk comes mostly from unlicensed flights, which is why we check every operator ourselves.
What is the difference between ARGUS Gold and Platinum?
Gold confirms the operator meets ARGUS standards on safety management and history. Platinum adds an on site audit of the full safety management system.
What happens if my aircraft has a technical issue?
Your advisor finds a replacement from the same safety standard and keeps you updated until you are in the air. If the new aircraft costs more, the operator covers the difference in most charter agreements.
Still have a question? Call +1 844 442 1579 or send your trip and an advisor will answer within 30 minutes.
Request a private jet quote
Tell us where and when. An advisor checks real aircraft, confirms the price and sends you two or three options.
- No fees for quotes and no membership
- Every operator checked against our safety standard
- One advisor from quote to landing, 24 hours a day
Prefer to talk? Call +1 844 442 1579.