Private Jet Pilots & Crew Members 

Your private jet crew keeps you safe and comfortable while you’re in the air. They play an important role in your trip, and you must know about them before your flight begins. 

Common questions you might have about your flight crew include the following:

• What kinds of training do pilots go through?
• What do flight attendants do? 
• Do flight crew needs differ by aircraft?

Reading articles can help you learn everything you need to know about private jet charters generally. But remember that you must interview your crew personally to get the best information.

Typical Private Jet Crew 

A private jet is a delicate and sensitive piece of machinery that requires trained and certified staff for safe operation. In general, a larger aircraft means a larger crew. However, even small jets need at least someone to operate them efficiently. 

A typical crew involves the following: 

• Pilots: At least one and sometimes several are required, depending on the length of the flight.
• Attendants: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules require at least one flight attendant when more than 19 passengers are on board. More than one is needed if there are more than 51 people.

You’ll also need a ground crew that can handle the aircraft and your luggage. These professionals are typically employed by a handling agency, not by you. 

Private Jet Charter Pilot Qualifications 

Your private jet pilot must go through several steps to guide your aircraft, and the learning doesn’t ever stop. Recertification and continuing education ensure that your pilot’s skills and knowledge stay sharp. 

Operators must take the following steps before accepting private jet charter bookings:

• Get a private pilot license (PPL). To get this license, operators must complete at least 40 hours of flight training, including 10 hours of solo flight and 20 hours of instructor-guided flight. 
• Get a commercial private license (CPL). This involves completing at least 250 hours of flight time, including at least 100 hours as a pilot in command. 
• Get an instrument rating. This step allows your operator to fly in limited visibility conditions. 
• Ensure the aircraft is appropriate. Your operator may need a multi-engine rating. 
• Apply for licenses. Your operator may also need an airline transport pilot (ATP) license, especially if you’re chartering a larger jet for your trip. 
• Keep education current. Your pilot must also get continuing education credits to keep their skills and knowledge current.

Regulations for Private Jet Pilots 

In addition to the initial qualifications we’ve described above, your pilots must also go through a few extra steps to ensure they can work safely. 

Recurring Training 

Recurring training is mandated by the FAA, and it involves both ground training and flight simulation. This training is required for pilots to maintain their licenses, but the schedule can vary depending on the pilot’s role and the type of aircraft the pilot uses. 

The ground training can involve things like the following:

• Reviewing aircraft systems and monitoring systems 
• Learning about weather conditions
• Getting updates on new equipment

The flight simulation training can involve the following:

• Practicing maneuvers and emergency procedures
• Demonstrating compliance 
• Getting training in extreme flight conditions

Training may be required every 6 to 12 months, depending on the license and aircraft type.

Simulator Training 

The FAA also requires simulator training. These tools artificially recreate flights and allow pilots to practice their skills with no lives at risk. 

Simulator training can involve the following types of technology:

• Aerodynamics
• Atmospherics
• Avionics
• Flight control
• Flight dynamics
• Motion systems
• Navigation 
• Propulsion
• Visual systems

Several companies offer this type of training, but pilots must ensure they’re working with a partner that’s approved by the FAA. When they’re done with training, they’ll have a certificate they can share with their employers, clients, and more. 

Simulator training is intense, and it can be stressful to handle a virtual plane during emergencies. However, this practice can ensure that a pilot’s skills are sharp when it counts. 

Pilots are typically required to go through this training every six months. Some companies require their pilots to train more often. 

On-Duty & Rest Requirements 

Your pilot and crew work hard during your flight, and they deserve to rest when it’s over. In fact, if they don’t rest, they could be at risk of errors and accidents. That’s why the FAA has strict rules regarding on-duty and rest time frames. 

These are a few of the FAA rules crews must follow:

• Rest after assignments: Crews must have 24 hours of rest at the end of every flight.
• Days off: Crews must have 13 separate rest periods lasting at least 24 hours each in every quarter. 
• Discretion: Anyone on a crew can decline an assignment if it poses a safety hazard.

In these rules, the word “rest” means a time when the person is free of all responsibility, including being on reserve or standby status. Their managers can’t give them any kind of duty, and transportation to/from an airport doesn’t count as rest. 

The Role of Flight Attendants on Private Jet Charters 

As the Bureau of Labor Statistics points out, flight attendants have two basic roles. One is to ensure the safety of passengers, and the other is to ensure their comfort.

Customer Service 

Flight attendants offer personalized service on jet charters, which is one of the main benefits of flying private. Your crew can mean the difference between having a comfortable flight and a poor experience. 

Tasks your flight attendants might tackle include the following:

• Greeting you when you arrive 
• Storing your luggage 
• Helping you get comfortable 
• Serving food and drink 
• Cleaning up after meals 
• Communicating with the pilot on your behalf 
• Cueing up the entertainment 
• Helping you disembark

Passenger Safety 

Your flight attendants are also responsible for keeping passengers both informed and safe throughout the flight. Your crew has plenty of training and education in the features of the aircraft and what to do in case of an emergency. 

Safety steps your flight attendants might take include the following:

• Demonstrating the safety features on the aircraft before you take off 
• Ensuring you comply with safety rules, such as wearing your seatbelt 
• Ensuring items are securely stored during the flight 
• Administering first aid if needed 
• Assisting passengers with emergency needs

Your flight attendants will also stay in contact with the pilots and tell you about any issues that could impact the flight. 

Do Flight Crews Differ by Aircraft? 

The size of your crew can vary by the size and amenities of your aircraft. This chart can help you understand those key differences:

jet type	pilots required	cabin crew
Very Light Jets (VJL)	1 (if single-pilot certified) or 2	None
Light Jet	2	None
Midsize Jets	2	Optional (rare)
Super-Midsize Jet	2	Usually 1
Heavy Jet	2	1 standard (sometimes 2)
Ultra-Long-Range Jet	3 (2 + 1 relief pilot, sometimes 4)	1-2
Airliner (VVIP/VIP)	2-4	2+ depending on layout and passenger count

What Charter Passengers Should Ask About Their Crew

An interview before you book your flight can help you understand what your flight crew knows, can do, and is capable of. A reputable company should be willing to answer your questions as quickly and carefully as possible. 

Good questions to ask include the following:

• How many hours has my pilot trained on this aircraft?
• When was my pilot’s last sim training? 
• Can you show me my pilot’s safety certificates? 
• How many flight attendants will be on board? 
• How many hours have my flight attendants clocked?

These are just sample questions to help you get started. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to feel safe and comfortable on your flight. 

Can You Hire Your Own Flight Crew for a Charter?

In most cases, you can’t hire your own flight crew during the booking process. Doing so could violate the FAA’s important safety rules and regulations. However, if you own the aircraft in some way (such as with fractional ownership), you could bring a crew with you. 

When It’s Allowed 

If you participate in fractional ownership of a jet, the company manages the aircraft and provides the crew. However, since you own the aircraft, those employees are technically “yours” and go with you on the flight. 

Similarly, if you lease an aircraft under a “dry lease,” you’re allowed to supply your own qualified flight crew. However, this can be subject to FAA approval and operator oversight. 

Finally, you can bring cabin attendants or concierges on the flight if they’re not handling formal flight attendant duties (like holding safety briefings). Someone like this can serve food and drinks, clean, and keep you comfortable.

When It’s Not Allowed 

In most situations, you’re not allowed to bring your own crew on a flight. That’s because leasing a private jet from a company means tapping into their air operator certificate through the FAA. The crew is part of that certification. 

Bringing your own crew can also mean violating the company’s insurance policies, and it could make you legally liable for problems. 

Looking for a Private Jet Charter Partner?

Element Aviation offers a comprehensive suite of jet charter options. We provide flexible booking, predictable pricing, and capped rates. We also provide an exceptional flight experience for both short and long trips. Every crew member on our team is experienced, professional, and skilled. 

Contact us to book your jet charter flight. We’re ready to get you set up today.