Aircraft Selection Guide

Air Charter Access takes great pride in assisting our clients in making the right choice in aircraft when it comes time to book a Charter Flight. From simple questions to complex scenarios, we are here to help guide you through the process.

In order to ensure that your experience aboard a Private Jet Charter meets and exceeds your expectations, there are a few considerations to be made before your trip departs. Air Charter Access has compiled this guide to help assist in your decision making process.

First, it is very important to understand each aircraft and how they are separated into their respective categories.

Turbo-Prop

Turbo-Prop aircraft are the workhorses of the Jet Charter world. These are aircraft that consist of single or twin propellers powered by turbine engines. Turbo-Props are ideal for traveling shorter distances and have a typical seating capacity of up to eight passengers with a range of 800-1,500 nautical miles. These aircraft are not to be underestimated for luxury amenities; Turbo-Prop aircraft often have leather club seating and a cabin volume that in some cases rivals that of the Light Jet category.

The most common Turbo-Prop's are:

• Cessna Grand Caravan
• Pilatus PC-12
• King Air 90
• King Air 200
• King Air 350

Very Light Jets

The Very Light Jet category is the most recent addition to the Charter Jet line up; Very Light Jets or VLJ's as they are commonly referred, typically have a maximum seating capacity of 4 passengers and have a non-stop range on average of 1,200 nautical miles. VLJ's carry a very low cost of operation and tend to be speedy alternatives to the Turbo-Prop category.

The most common VLJ Types are:

• Citation Mustang
• Phenom 100
• Eclipse 500

Light Jets

Light Jets are the most popular selection of Charter Aircraft simply because they carry a low cost of operation, they have luxurious amenities and they are fast. Typically cruising at close to 500 miles per hour once at altitude, you will arrive in New York from Florida in only 2.6 hours. Light Jets have a passenger capacity that will vary depending on the aircraft type but typically seat 7-9 passengers. It is important to remember that even though a Light Jet may seat 9, it is not recommended to seat more than 6 adults for maximum comfort. A Light Jet will fly non-stop for 1,500-2,000 nautical miles and will need a fuel stop for cross country flights. Most Light Jets have a partial lavatory on board along with a partial galley for food and drinks.

The most common Light Jet Types are:

• Learjet 35A
• Learjet 31A
• Beechjet 400A
• Hawker 400XP
• Citation S/II
• Citation V
• Citation Ultra
• Citation CJ1
• Citation CJ2

Mid Size Jets

The Mid Size Jet category offers more range and cabin volume, but carries a higher cost of operation. A typical Mid Size Jet will accommodate between 7-9 passengers and have a non-stop range of 2,200-2,800 nautical miles before needing a fuel stop. The larger cabin will allow passengers "stand up" capability giving them increased comfort on longer trips. All of the Mid Size Business Jets will have a fully enclosed lavatory along with a partial galley in which food and beverages may be served and stored.

The most common Mid Size Jets are:

• Learjet 45
• Learjet 55
• Learjet 60
• Hawker 800
• Hawker 800XP
• Citation III
• Citation Excel
• Citation VII
• Gulfstream G150

Super Mid Size Jets

As you enter into the Super Mid Size Jet category you start to see a large difference in the overall size of the aircraft, cabin volume, and non-stop range capabilities. The Super Mid offers its passengers stand up cabin comfort along with a seating capacity of up to 9 passengers. A Super Mid Size Business Jet will house a fully enclosed lavatory and a larger galley for food and beverages. The Super Mid Boasts a non-stop range of 3,400-3,900 nautical miles depending on the aircraft. This means that a transcontinental, non-stop flight can be achieved with ease. A Super Mid Size Jet begins to put the world at your finger tips.

The most common Super Mid Size Jets are:

• Citation X
• Citation Sovereign
• Falcon 50
• Gulfstream G200
• Hawker 1000

Large Cabin Jets

The largest of the Charter Jets, Large Cabin or "Heavy Jets" are an impressive spectacle. These aircraft have true Stand Up cabin volume, giving passengers the ability to stand and move around the cabin in order to achieve maximum comfort. Large Cabin Jets offer a seating capacity of up to 16 passengers in a typical Executive configuration; you will also find a full service galley onboard. A full lavatory will be onboard as well; in some cases, including a shower. With a non-stop range of between 4,000-7,000 nautical miles, the Large Cabin Jet category leaves no corner of the globe inaccessible; easily traveling from the US to Europe or from The Middle East to Asia.

The most common Large Cabin Jets are:

• Gulfstream III
• Gulfstream IV
• Gulfstream V
• Gulfstream 550
• Falcon 900
• Global Express
• Challenger 604
• Legacy 600

Now that you have familiarized yourself with the different categories of Charter Jets, let's talk about the different considerations that must be addressed before selecting the appropriate Business Jet for your next Jet Charter.

The first consideration will be the most basic in your decision making process; how many passengers will be traveling with you?

Total Number of Passengers

The total passenger count, although basic, is one of the most important questions that must be answered before selecting a Charter Aircraft. This will help to determine the aircraft category that will best fit your needs. For example; if you are traveling with a total of 12 passengers, the only category that will be appropriate will be the Large Cabin Jets. If you are traveling with 8 passengers or less you will have much more freedom to choose between various aircraft. It is important to identify your main objective when selecting a Jet; is it overall comfort? Or are you interested in the most economical and efficient way to travel between point A and point B. For most, it is a combination of both. Consider the size of the actual aircraft because although a Citation V may seat 8 passengers, it is a Light Jet and will be very cramped; especially on longer flights.

The next consideration that can weigh heavily on your aircraft selection will be luggage capacity.

Luggage Capacity

The overall luggage capacity of an aircraft is very important and may also directly relate to the number of passengers onboard as well. The Light Jet category tends to have limited storage when it comes to your luggage; typically around 40 cubic feet. If you are traveling with 7-8 passengers and all of the guests have luggage for a weekend stay, there may not be enough room on a Light Jet. On the contrary, if you are traveling a short distance a Turbo Prop will typically have more luggage capacity and may be able to accommodate the passengers and the luggage with no problem. You may also want to consider the type of luggage that you will be bringing onboard. Golf Clubs, Fishing Rods and Ski Equipment tend to be very popular items to bring on the aircraft; however, they are not always easy to stow away with limited space. It all boils down to aircraft size; the larger the aircraft category, the more luggage space you will have to fit all of your belongings.

The final major component to aircraft selection will be the range capabilities of the aircraft.

Range

The range of an aircraft is the total distance, typically calculated in nautical miles, that an aircraft is able to travel before making a fuel stop. Range is a very important consideration when choosing an aircraft for your next Jet Charter. Once again, consider your needs; are you and your guests willing to make a fuel stop on the way to your destination or do you require non-stop travel in order to maximize time as efficiently as possible. For example: Traveling from West Palm Beach, FL to Aspen, CO will require a fuel stop in a Light Jet. A Midsize Jet, however, will make the trip non-stop decreasing your overall travel time. Another reason to consider the range of an aircraft is the actual destination itself. If for instance, you are planning a Private Jet Charter Flight to Hawaii or Europe from the US, you will need an aircraft no less than a Super Midsize or Large Cabin Jet simply because the travel distance is too great for a Light or Midsize Jet.

There are a number of decisions to be made before selecting the right aircraft for your next Charter Flight. Contact Air Charter Access today to speak with an Expert Charter Representative who will help guide you through the process and make sure that your next Jet Charter is second to none!