Private Jet Charter Safety 101

Safety is a top concern for private charter jets. In fact, some people fly this way because they know it’s safer than standard commercial travel. 

Private jets are safe due to the regulations, technology, pilot training, and inspections required by operators. Increased safety concerns, paired with a deep desire to avoid airport problems, are responsible for an increase in demand. 

For example, experts say demand for private jet travel in Australia has increased by 28% since 2020. Meanwhile, the National Safety Council says just 39 accidents happened on all on-demand air taxi flights in 2020. Of them, only six were fatal.

How Safe Are Private Jets?

Private jets are safe. In fact, many consumers choose private jets over commercial flights because they know this form of travel is designed with safety in mind. 

Private Jet Safety Data 

Private jets represent a very safe way to travel, as accidents are relatively rare. When they happen, they rarely cause injuries or death. 

For example, the National Safety Council says there were 0.996 accidents per 100,000 hours of flight on a private jet in 2024. In addition, the death rate from accidents in 2024 was 0.221 per 100,000 hours of flight in 2024. 

Statistics like this demonstrate how rarely accidents happen. And when they do, those problems seldom cause serious issues like injuries or death. 

Private vs. Commercial Safety Standards 

A private jet vs. commercial airline safety comparison isn’t always easy. Commercial flights have lower accident rates due to more stringent oversight, but they also have hidden dangers that consumers might miss. 

The National Safety Council says the rate of accidents on commercial flights was 0.152 per 100,000 hours of flight in 2024, with the rate of death at zero. Stats like this can make it seem like commercial flights are always safer, but the truth is a little more complicated. 

Experts don’t track safety risks such as the following:

• Germ exposures
• Mental health episodes
• Terrorism threats
• Increased stress leading to cardiovascular problems

These issues can cause serious illness or injury, and they’re more common with commercial flights. All consumers should consider them when attempting to determine if one type of flight is safer than another. 

Key Regulations for Private Jet Charters 

Understanding private jet safety regulations is an important part of your role as a consumer. Many different rules apply to the work your operator performs and the way that work is documented. 

Four main types of regulations apply:

• FAA Part 91: The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Part 91 regulations apply to someone operating an aircraft for a personal trip. 
• FAA Part 135: These regulations, including a Part 135 certificate, allow someone to operate an on-demand air charter. 
• EASA Global Standards: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provides third-country operator (TCO) authorizations for pilots to operate in European countries. 
• Third-party audits and certifications: Companies like ARGUS, WYVERN, and IS-BAO provide additional tests to help companies ensure they’re operating safely.

Jet Charter Aircraft Maintenance & Safety Inspections

The FAA’s Aircraft Maintenance Division develops and standardizes maintenance schedules for private jets. Operators are required to schedule and pay for testing and repairs at specific intervals, and when they do, they obtain a certificate they can share with potential customers. 

As a consumer, you’re not required to obtain aircraft maintenance and safety certifications. However, knowing how often testing typically happens and what is involved can help you spot a partner that’s committed to proper care of an aircraft. 

A typical private jet maintenance schedule involves several types of work, as summarized in this table. 

Type	when it’s performed	what’s involved
Daily	Before takeoff	Basic inspection of key components
Hourly	In 100-hour intervels	Increasingly complex inspections of an aircraft’s systems: at the 800-hour interval, disassembly is often required
Annual	In 100-hour intervals	A thorough inspection of all major systems

Jet Charter Pilot Training & Experience 

There are more than 152,000 airline and commercial pilots in the United States, and many of them started their careers as military pilots, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An education rounds out their experience. 

Before people can accept private jet charter clients, they must take the following steps:

• Get a private pilot license, which includes training, solo flights, and instructor flights 
• Get a commercial private license, which includes more flight time 
• Get an instrument rating
• Apply for other licenses, such as an airline transport pilot license

Qualified private jet pilots and crew members must keep learning. Recurring training is mandated by the FAA, and it involves both ground training and flight simulation. This continuing education ensures that their skills and knowledge stay sharp, helping to keep passengers and crew safe. 

How Charter Operators Mitigate Risk for Charter Guests 

Charter companies play a significant role in ensuring every flight is as safe as it can possibly be. As a result, they take several steps to mitigate risks for the clients they serve. 

Operators take steps like the following:

• Inspect aircraft: Operators examine jets carefully before they buy them, and they perform regular inspections to ensure they’re always ready for flight.
• Monitor pilots: Operators only hire qualified staff, and they ensure their pilots and crew complete mandated training. They also provide detailed training manuals for their staff members.
• Emergency preparedness: Operators provide comprehensive safety documents for their staff, and they hold regular training sessions to ensure everyone understands what’s expected.

What You Can Do as a Passenger to Ensure Safety 

Following a few basic safety tips for private jet charter passengers can ensure you’ve done your part to ensure a successful flight. Thankfully, these steps don’t take long and aren’t very complicated.

Things you can do as a passenger include the following:

• Always wear your seatbelt
• Pay attention to the crew members’ instructions
• Confirm your operator’s safety credentials
• Avoid pressuring your pilot to fly in bad weather
• Leave prohibited items at home
• Know the emergency procedures
• Avoid distractions during dangerous moments
• Dress practically
• Know who is flying with you
• Speak up if something feels wrong

Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Charter Provider 

Plenty of charter operators are ready and willing to work with you. As a consumer, you have a responsibility to choose one that can keep you safe. Watching for red flags can help you do just that. 

Common issues that should keep you from booking a flight include the following:

• A lack of proper credentials, including a valid operator’s license 
• No third-party safety credentials (such as ARGUS) 
• Resistance to answering questions about their safety and track record
• No documented safety training program 
• An abundance of poor reviews on social media

Remember that you have the power as a consumer. Don’t be afraid to keep looking if something seems unusual or wrong. 

Get Started With Element Aviation 

At Element Aviation, we specialize in transforming the air charter industry. We have staff available around the clock to charter your next trip. We can match you with the right aircraft and crew for the experience you’ve always wanted. 

We are a top jet charter provider, and we’re ready to help. Contact us to get started. We’ll learn about your travel needs and help you find the best solution.

Frequently Asked Questions