Charter Safety
Every flight we arrange passes several independent checks before you board. Here is what they are and how to ask about them.
How Your Flight Is Checked
Safety in charter comes in layers: federal certification, an independent audit, and checks on the specific aircraft and crew.
FAA Part 135 Certificate
Every flight we arrange is operated by an air carrier certified by the FAA for on-demand charter, or by its foreign equivalent abroad. Part 135 sets rules for pilot training and checks, crew rest, maintenance programs and drug and alcohol testing.
Independent Safety Audit
We use operators rated by ARGUS or Wyvern, two independent aviation auditors. They review an operator’s safety record, pilot experience, maintenance and safety management system, and repeat the audit on a schedule.
Air1 Clearance
A good operator still assigns a specific aircraft and crew to your flight. Before we offer it, that aircraft and crew must pass our own review, described below.
The Operator Stays in Control
The operator keeps full operational control of the aircraft, including the final say on weather, routing and whether it is safe to fly. We never pressure a crew to depart.
Air1 Clearance
Certificates and ratings describe a company. Air1 Clearance is our own review of the specific aircraft and crew for your trip, built on what we see from the flights we arrange. Every option we send you has passed it.
Crew
Each pilot’s time in type (hours flown on that exact aircraft model), total experience and recent flying. Crews new to an aircraft type or to a demanding airport such as Aspen get a closer look.
Aircraft
The aircraft’s age, condition, maintenance status and cabin. We want the aircraft you see in the photos to be the aircraft that arrives.
Operator
A current FAA Part 135 certificate, or the local equivalent abroad, and an ARGUS or Wyvern safety rating.
Track Record
How the operator has actually performed: on-time departures, how they handled problems and how clients rated the trip, from flights we have arranged and feedback from a trusted network of industry peers.
Pass or don’t offer. An aircraft either clears or we leave it out of your options. We don’t publish scores or rank operators.
An extra layer, not a replacement. Air1 Clearance adds to FAA certification and independent audits. The operator keeps full operational control and the final say on safety.
Questions to Ask Any Charter Company
Whoever you fly with, these questions should get clear answers. We answer all of them in writing with your quote.
- Who is the operator, and what is their FAA Part 135 certificate number (or local equivalent abroad)?
- Does the operator hold an ARGUS or Wyvern rating?
- What is the tail number of the aircraft I will fly on?
- How many pilots will fly the trip?
- What happens if the aircraft has a problem or the weather turns?
Safety Questions
Is private jet charter safe?
Charter flights operated under FAA Part 135 must meet federal rules for pilot training, crew rest and maintenance. Choosing an operator with an independent ARGUS or Wyvern rating adds a further check, which is why we use operators with those ratings.
What is the difference between Part 91 and Part 135?
Part 91 covers private, non-commercial flying, such as an owner flying their own aircraft. Part 135 covers commercial on-demand flights sold to the public and has stricter requirements. A charter you pay for should be operated under Part 135.
What is an illegal charter?
A flight sold for money on an aircraft or operator without the right certificate, often presented as a “private” or “shared cost” flight. Passengers on illegal charters may not be protected by the operator’s commercial insurance. Always ask for the operator’s certificate.
What do ARGUS and Wyvern ratings mean?
They are independent audits of charter operators. Auditors review the operator’s safety history, pilot qualifications, maintenance and safety management. A rating means the operator passed that review.
What is Air1 Clearance?
Air1 Clearance is our own review of the aircraft and crew assigned to each trip: pilot time in type and experience, aircraft age and condition, operator certification and safety rating, and the operator’s track record on real trips. An aircraft either passes or we do not offer it.
Does Air1 Jets operate the flight?
No. Air1 Jets is your agent and arranges the flight. The operator named in your charter agreement flies and maintains the aircraft and keeps operational control.