Hiring & Training Your Private Jet Flight Crew 

A well-trained flight crew ensures your safety before, during, and after your jet charter flight. The crew also ensures efficient operations and maintains a luxurious environment that you and your passengers expect. 

At Element Aviation, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier crew members for charter clients. We also offer guidance for private jet owners, so you can build the team you deserve. Here’s what we recommend. 

Understanding Private Jet Crew Roles 

A private jet can have a crew as small as one and as large as dozens. Each person on the team plays an important and unique role. Knowing what those roles are is an important part of hiring the right team. 

Pilots

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) explains that airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree and some kind of flight experience. Jet pilots may have flown with the military, or they may be transitioning from commercial flights to the private jet market. 

Pilots typically need a commercial pilot license (CPL) or airline transport pilot certificate (ATP). They should also have experience flying the specific type and size of jet you own. When asked, they should provide proof of that experience. 

A pilot’s job is to steer your aircraft (and everyone on board) from one destination to another in a safe and stable manner. A pilot with plenty of experience is more likely to handle these tasks easily than someone new to the field. 

Flight Attendants 

The BLS explains that flight attendants typically get on-the-job training through an employer. At the end of their classes, attendants usually apply for certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Some owners are happy to train new attendants, but others look for professionals who are already educated, experienced, and certified. People like this can get started immediately. 

A flight attendant keeps the customer happy, calm, and safe throughout the flight. Skilled professionals have a great deal of discretion and adaptability. They’re also experienced in providing exceptional customer service.

The Hiring Process for a Private Jet Crew 

Choosing the right people to work on your flight takes time and careful consideration. The following steps are required, and each one is important.

Step 1: Define Your Requirements 

How many people will join your crew? Answering this question is the first stage in the hiring process. 

The National Business Aviation Association recommends considering the following factors:

• The number of jets in your fleet
• The size of each aircraft 
• Your estimated flight hours 
• The number of trips you’ll take annually 
• The length of typical trips 
• Your vacation policies

In general, larger jets require a larger crew. Aircraft with plenty of amenities (such as dining rooms) also need more people. 

Longer flights, especially those with overnight stays, also require a more extensive crew. If you don’t have enough pilots, you may be stranded at your destination while your crew rests for the trip home. 

Step 2: Source Qualified Candidates 

Leverage Element Aviation’s network of professionals and pinpoint people who seem right for your crew. Know that everyone in our database has the experience and professionalism you need for safe and comfortable flights. 

Staffing agencies specializing in aviation may also have access to professionals looking for new opportunities. Companies like this can help you get a jump-start on your research. 

Your peers may also have recommendations on people who could join your crew. Talk to colleagues at your local airport about who they used for their employment sourcing. 

Step 3: Conduct Thorough Interviews 

With a handful of professionals selected, schedule time to speak with each of them. Evaluate their certifications, proficiency, and experience as it relates to your specific aircraft and operations. 

Your interview should also help you assess soft skills, such as communication and adaptability. These questions can help you ensure a good fit with the company’s culture and expectations. 

Common questions asked during flight crew interviews include the following:

• What is the longest flight you’ve taken?
• How many years of experience do you have?
• Give me an example of a time when you dealt with a difficult or unreasonable customer. 
• How would you handle a customer who isn’t following the rules?
• Describe a time when you cared for a customer with compassion.

Step 4: Perform Background Checks 

While discussing your crew’s skills and licensing is an important part of the interview, it’s not enough. Verify that your potential hires have the experience needed to perform as expected. 

Background checks can also help you ensure your crew is trustworthy. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains that these checks must comply with federal laws that protect applicants from discrimination. You must also comply with laws regarding credit reporting. 

It’s best to ask a professional to run these checks for you. Skilled employment agencies can conduct these checks legally. 

Step 5: Finalize Hiring & Onboarding 

Send your chosen staff a formal job offer and prepare for negotiation regarding the salary and terms. Once you agree, create a contract of employment that’s signed by all parties. 

Employees who join your staff require training on your company’s specific rules, regulations, and policies. It’s not enough to simply hand someone a manual. Instead, give them a formal training program that ensures a smooth transition into your organization.

Training & Certification Requirements

Ideally, your new employees will enter your organization with plenty of experience and training. However, they should be prepared to continue learning and growing throughout their employment with you. 

Regulatory Compliance 

Your crew must maintain compliance with FAA regulations. For pilots, that means recurring training and medical examinations. For flight attendants, that means completing FAA training programs and maintaining certifications. 

Ongoing Education 

The aviation field is always changing, and your crew should be ready and willing to learn and grow. Workshops, simulations, and training classes can help them learn about changing protocols, new threats, and upcoming technological advances. 

Flight attendants often pursue continuing education to advance their careers. However, your pilots should also express a sincere dedication to lifelong learning. 

Enhancing Crew Performance 

Formal FAA training programs can help staff members to keep their skills sharp. However, your organization-specific training could also help them to handle common issues with ease. 

You could hold training sessions on topics like the following:

• Clear communication
• Customer service
• Innovative problem-solving
• Cultural sensitivity

From Acquisition to Crew, Element Aviation Can Help 

At Element Aviation, we offer end-to-end services that can help you from the initial stages of recruitment to the ongoing training and management of staff. 

We support our clients in securing and managing top-tier flight crews, whether through our direct charter services or our advisory support for private jet owners. 

When you charter a jet with Element Aviation, you’re provided with highly trained and experienced flight crews, ensuring safety, professionalism, and exceptional service throughout your journey.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help.