Safety Considerations by Private Jet Size & Type

A small private jet looks and feels different than a larger version. Similarly, the safety profiles of aircraft differ by size, as do the regulations that govern aircraft by class. 

As a potential buyer, it’s critical to understand safety factors by jet size and type. Once you purchase the jet, you must also understand how to maintain it to keep the aircraft in compliance. 

Know that private jet travel is safe. For example, business jets registered in the United States were associated with zero fatalities in 2022 and 23 in 2023. As an owner, you can contribute to this culture of safety both before and after the sale. Here’s how. 

General Safety Factors Across All Jet Types 

All aircraft share common vulnerabilities and safety requirements, regardless of their size or class. Understanding what they are is critical, as you’re required to meet the demands both before and after the purchase. Here are some things to consider:

Regulatory Oversight 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) creates rules regarding aircraft safety. Two are applicable to private jets. 

FAA Part 91 applies to private pilots, including those who operate jets for personal, business, or recreational trips. These rules aren’t optional, but they aren’t as stringent as those that apply to commercial or for-hire pilots.

FAA Part 135 applies to pilots who provide on-demand flights (such as charters) and unscheduled operations. These rules are more stringent than those that apply to private pilots, as passengers are at risk when something goes wrong.

Pilot Training & Certification 

The FAA also has rules regarding pilot training. For example, pilots must complete education, participate in training, get a certification, and then take additional classes to keep their skills sharp. 

The FAA provides licenses for pilots, and they also offer plane type ratings. Those documents can help you hire the right people to work on your staff based on the jets within your fleet. 

Maintenance Standards 

The FAA requires regular maintenance programs, and they mandate who can perform the work. As an owner, you can schedule maintenance appointments and keep track of the work done. Your documents demonstrate compliance, and they may be required by your insurance company and others. 

Know that maintenance is different than repairs. This is work you do to ensure that you catch problems early, before they cause problems for your staff or passengers. 

Third-Party Audits 

Companies like ARGUS, Wyvern, and IS-BAO examine your documents, plans, procedures, and more to ensure that you comply with FAA rules and keep everyone safe.

These audits aren’t required. However, experts say that they validate what a company is doing to preserve safety. Companies that get these audits demonstrate that they care for their passengers and crew. 

Safety Considerations by Jet Size & Type

The safety concerns you face, as well as the work you’ll do to mitigate problems, can vary by the size of your jet. Understanding what they are can guide both your purchase and your maintenance programs.

The information below can help you understand key safety considerations.

Very Light Jets (VLJs) 

Very light jets are the smallest and most economical versions available. They typically hold four to five passengers and can handle short trips that last about two hours. 

Their safety features include advanced avionics systems and short runway capabilities. Their operational considerations include the ability to be operated by a single pilot, but they can be susceptible to adverse weather. 

Safety considerations for very light jets include the following:

• Example Models: Cessna Citation Mustang, Embraer Phenom 100, HondaJet HA-420.
• Pilot Crew: Single pilot (but often flown with two).
• Range & Payload: Best for short hops (under ~1,200 nautical miles); limited luggage and passenger weight capacity
• Weather sensitivity: More affected by turbulence, icing, and strong crosswinds
• Maintenance visibility: Ensure up-to-date maintenance logs and compliance with manufacturer guidelines

Light Jets 

Jets in this category offer more space than VLJs, and they can take on more passengers, too. They can fly on trips lasting about three hours. 

These jets are typically operated by two pilots and feature enhanced navigation and communication systems. They can access smaller airports, but they need longer runways than VLJs. 

Safety considerations for light jets include the following:

• Example Models: Learjet 45, Cessna Citation CJ3, Embraer Phenom 300.
• Pilot Crew: Two pilots.
• Runway access: Can use smaller airports but typically require more runway than VLJs
• Cabin comfort: Better than VLJs, but still tight on longer flights
• Pilot qualifications: Confirm the crew is type-rated and experienced with the specific jet model
• Maintenance standards: Verify adherence to 135-level maintenance standards, if applicable

Midsize Jets 

Jets in this category offer increased cabin comfort, including the ability to take on more luggage. Up to 10 passengers can come on board, and these jets can execute a transcontinental flight without a fuel stop. 

Safety features include pressurized cabins, which allow for higher altitude flights. The jets also include advanced weather radar and collision avoidance systems. 

Owners should ensure that their avionics systems are updated and that pilots have experience with the specific aircraft model.

Safety considerations for midsize jets include the following:

• Example Models: Hawker 800XP, Cessna Citation XLS, Learjet 60.
• Pilot Crew: Two pilots.
• Flight range: Ideal for U.S. coast-to-coast travel (~2,000–2,500 nautical miles); verify actual performance with payload.
• Avionics and safety tech: Look for recent upgrades and compliance with safety mandates (e.g., ADS-B).
• Pilot familiarity: Ensure pilots regularly fly this aircraft type.
• Maintenance records: Confirm consistent inspection intervals and service by authorized providers.

Super Midsize Jets 

Jets in this category come with plenty of amenities, including big cabins that can hold up to 10 passengers. These jets have large fuel tanks, allowing them to undertake coast-to-coast trips and some transoceanic flights as well. 

Their safety features include advanced cockpit technology and high fuel efficiency. Owners should ensure that their crew is trained and that these machines are serviced before they are used for long trips. 

Safety considerations for super midsize jets include the following:

• Example Models: Bombardier Challenger 350, Gulfstream G280, Dassault Falcon 2000.
• Pilot Crew: Two pilots.
• International capabilities: Designed for long-range trips; check ETOPS approval if flying over water.
• Crew training: Confirm recurrent training includes international and oceanic procedures.
• Long-range reliability: Review engine and systems performance history.
• Cabin preparedness: Evaluate for both comfort and emergency equipment.

Heavy Jets 

Jets in this category can accommodate 16 passengers or more, and they have large luggage compartments for all of the things travelers need. These jets are designed for intercontinental travel and offer luxurious amenities. 

Safety features include redundant systems for critical operations and enhanced vision systems for low-visibility conditions. Owners should ensure that their staff members are trained on using these large jets and that the jets are well-maintained before they’re used for long trips. 

Safety considerations for heavy jets include the following:

• Example Models: Gulfstream G550, Bombardier Global 6000, Dassault Falcon 7X.
• Pilot Crew: Two Pilots (plus additional crew for long flights).
• Global reach: Ideal for intercontinental missions; confirm operator experience with international clearances.
• Onboard safety: Check for AEDs, oxygen, and med kits; verify crew is trained for emergencies.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure alignment with ICAO and foreign authority standards.
• Crew duty limits: Confirm rest provisions for extended operations.

Ultra-Long-Range Jets 

These jets are designed for intercontinental travel, and 14 or more passengers can come on board. The jets feature large cabins that are typically split into zones for enhanced comfort. 

Safety features of these jets include cutting-edge avionics and flight-control systems. Cabin pressure systems are also included to keep passengers comfortable. 

Owners should ensure that their pilots are accustomed to using aircraft of this size. Owners should also establish comprehensive emergency procedures to ensure the safety of staff and passengers. 

Safety considerations for ultra-long-range jets include the following:

• Example Models: Gulfstream G650ER, Bombardier Global 7500, Dassault Falcon 8X.
• Pilot Crew: Two Pilots (plus relief crew for long legs).
• Nonstop capability: Can fly over 7,000 nautical miles; confirm mission planning includes fuel reserves and alternate airports.
• Operator experience: Must demonstrate global ops capability, including overwater and polar routes.
• Emergency preparedness: Ensure detailed contingency planning and medical readiness.

Additional Safety Enhancements 

Owners who want to ensure safety can take extra steps. This additional work could mean fewer accidents and lower long-term costs. 

Good steps to take include the following:

• Technology advancements: Providing advanced technology, such as synthetic vision systems, can keep pilots from making mistakes while they’re operating company jets. 
• Cabin safety requirements: Owners can train their staff to stow property securely to prevent injuries during turbulent flights. 
• Appropriate staffing: Using two pilots, even when it’s not mandated, can help to reduce the impact of fatigue. 
• Careful safety training: Owners should establish operational standards for safety and regularly train their staff. 
• Pre–flight planning: Owners can perform risk assessments before flights to avoid problems caused by weather, airport conditions, fatigue, and other factors. 
• Emergency equipment: Owners should ensure that staff can use fire suppression tools, portable oxygen, and first aid kits. They should provide safety training on these tools as well.

Let Element Aviation Help You With Your Next Jet Purchase 

At Element Aviation, we help clients make smart decisions about jet purchases. We can help you understand the safety risks and benefits associated with your potential jet purchase. 

We can also help to guide you through the purchase process and ensure you have all your questions answered. Contact us to get started.