When choosing an aircraft management company to take care of your needs, here are some things to keep in mind…
How long has the company been in business?
- In an aviation services capacity?
- As an air charter operator? (If you plan to add your aircraft to a charter certificate)
- What is the Company Name and Certificate Number on the FAA commercial air carrier certificate?
How many aircraft does the company currently manage?
- Manage Only
- Manage & charter
How many pilots do they currently have?
What experience do their crews have?
- What is the minimum flight times per pilot for hiring?
- Captain
- First Officer
- Do they use FAA Part 142 training schools?
- How often do the crews attend re-current training?
- Is this training schedule above and beyond the minimum training requirements established by the FAA?
Safety and Security
- What is their safety record?
- Have they had any aircraft accidents or incidents?
- If so, what measures have you implemented to ensure increased safety?
- Have they been audited by an independent third-party organization (e.g., Wyvern, ARG/US)?
- What were the audit findings?
Aircraft Maintenance
- Who maintains their fleet?
- Under which programs are the aircraft maintained (CAMP, AAIP, factory maintenance program, other program)?
Customer Service
- Do the crews and other employees receive customer service training?
- Is there someone available 24 hours/day, seven days/week for making or changing flight reservations?
Savings & Discounts Offered
- Does the management company receive substantial fleet discounts management costs such as insurance, maintenance, parts, fuel, pilot training, etc.?
- Discounts: What are the levels of discounts offered? Are they passed on 100% to the aircraft owner?