7 Questions to Ask a Potential Aircraft Manager

Large companies manage complex aircraft operations – ensuring their aircraft is maintained, staffed, and stocked for trips – through their own corporate flight department. But the flight department infrastructure comes at a cost that is hard for small-to-medium-sized companies and individuals to justify. 

Some owners turn to hiring a dedicated crew but managing the rest of the operations themselves. But this takes the ease out of private travel. 

You deserve a team to handle it for you.

Private jet management companies allow you to enjoy the benefits of a flight department without the excess cost.

Is it time to add a management company to your side of the table? 

If so, this resource will assist you and your counsel when vetting potential managers.

Have confidence your aircraft manager will advocate for your best interests, take care of every operational responsibility that comes with jet ownership, and communicate with transparency by asking them these eight questions:

 

1) Maintenance Involvement

How do you approach maintenance oversight and planning?

Proactive maintenance forecasting, scheduling, and oversight can dramatically reduce the overall cost of aircraft ownership. Before choosing a management company, ensure it has the maintenance experience and ability to oversee your inspections, schedule maintenance events at reasonable times, and give final work authorization. These factors are critical to mitigating cost, downtime, and risk.

A manager with years of experience in aviation maintenance can also save aircraft owners thousands of dollars by troubleshooting with the providers and connecting with the manufacturers to determine if a maintenance event is covered by warranty. 

Enjoy peace of mind because you receive the most cost-efficient maintenance and avoid unnecessary expenses.

 

  

2) Crew Vetting

How do you ensure my pilots and crew are safe, trustworthy, professional, and personable? 

It’s not just the aircraft you care about – it’s the precious cargo your pilot is flying. We don’t take this lightly. Your manager should have an established procedure for vetting every full-time and contract pilot they hire.

The hiring procedure must include a face-to-face interview to determine whether they fit your passengers and mission well. The management team should also thoroughly investigate their FAA training, certifications, clearances, logbook, insurance, and safety records to ensure they meet or exceed requirements. 

Look for a management company with team members with experience flying and training pilots. This gives them the knowledge needed to conduct a first-hand evaluation by flying with your pilot in an aircraft or aircraft simulator before piloting your jet. 

 

 

3) Safety Commitment

What is your safety program, and how is it enforced? 

Private aviation companies are held to high safety standards for a good reason. 

Beyond industry-wide safety standards, many management companies have their own safety program to exceed safety requirements. Ask the company you’re talking with to share theirs with you. 

It is important to confirm that they have a Safety Reporting System, have Risk Management Tools in place, and conduct a Flight Risk Analysis before each take-off.

At Lone Mountain Jet Management, we understand you trust us to safeguard your most valuable assets – your family, your aircraft, and your peace of mind. Our diligent crew selection and safety procedures are the backbone of our operation.

 

 

4) Regulatory Expertise

What experience do you have with complying with the various government entities that private aviation interacts with, such as FAA, CBP, ICAO, and FCC?

Management companies range significantly in their experience in the aviation industry. Failing to comply with FAA, CBP, ICAO, and FCC standards will result in flight delays, cancellations, and unnecessary fees for you. Working with a company that knows national and international operational policies like the back of its hand and has experience communicating with government entities to stay compliant is crucial.

FAA, CBP, ICAO, and FCC standards promote a culture of safety first, encouraging everyone in aviation companies to think and act with safety in mind. This is a company culture you want your management company to comply with and prioritize.

 

 

5) Accounting Transparency

This question is three in one, but they are all critical to consider.

What checks and balances do you have to ensure accurate billing and expense reconciliation?

With aircraft ownership, expenses are higher, so errors are more significant. Ensuring the accounting team has checks and balances is vital to verifying actual expenditures at each billing period’s end. Your management company should have a policy for reconciliation to confirm 100% accuracy, just like you would want for your business.

What savings are passed to me?

Management companies leverage their fleet size to receive discounts on fuel, maintenance, crew training and accommodations, aircraft parking, in-flight subscriptions, FBO services, temporary charter aircraft, a fleet insurance policy, and more.  Some management companies keep the savings and sometimes even mark up fuel, hangar, and other expenses. 

*Specifically, ask your potential manager about the opportunity to leverage their Fleet Insurance Policy. This often offers broader, more cost-effective coverage than purchasing an individual policy.

Lone Mountain Jet Management stewards your resources as if they are our own, including passing all our cost savings onto you.

Do you have the financial capacity to handle the expenses of operating my private aircraft?

Aircraft management companies have different operational capabilities depending on their size, time in the aviation industry, and cash flow. Private jet operations can be expensive, so it’s essential to know your management company can temporarily cover the expenses associated with your jet. More established companies are also less likely to experience financial limitations. 

 

 

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Lone Mountain Jet Management is a turnkey management solution operated by experts with decades of experience selling, flying, owning, maintaining, and managing aircraft. 

 

We take maintenance, industry regulations, crew vetting, safety, and accounting very seriously, so you can fly private with peace of mind. Jet management  – the way it should be.

 

Step 1: Connect with our team

We are eager to learn about your mission so we can assemble the right team tailored to your needs. We are available for in-person or virtual meetings to work around your schedule.

Step 2: Review Your Proposal

You’ll meet your dedicated team of experts and review your aircraft management plan. We are committed to providing a hassle-free management experience, making travel simple, and keeping your aircraft in quality condition.

Step 3: Fly With Ease

Our team will provide comprehensive, concierge-like service – from crew coordination to airport reservation – so you can fly safely AND enjoy your flight. Show up, hop aboard, and take off with ease. It’s that simple.