What does aircraft maintenance entail?

Owning a business aircraft provides you the comfort and freedom to travel where you want, when you want. It’s a great way to buy back your time and the most comfortable way to travel, whether you’re taking a business trip or traveling for pleasure. It’s a treat to know that you’ve got an aircraft waiting and all you need to do is call a few hours in advance to be jet-setting from coast to coast.

However, owning an aircraft isn’t always convenience and luxury. There are certain responsibilities that come along with owning a private business jet and, in most cases, it’s better to leave aircraft maintenance to the professionals.

It’s not just about the aircraft you’ve purchased. Responsibilities extend beyond making sure your cabin is stocked with your favorite goodies or your fuel tank is equipped to get you through the trip; you must consider staffing and training a crew, ensuring your aircraft complies with industry safety ratings, and understanding the costs that go into owning a private jet.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to begin after you’ve made the purchase. We’ve highlighted the time, commitment and responsibilities that go into aircraft maintenance to keep your private jet in the best shape.

Registering Your Aircraft

Before your aircraft is operational, you must register it in an aircraft registry, according to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO). In Canada alone, there are over 33,000 registered aircraft.

There are two main reasons your private jet must be registered: safety and security. In order to give your aircraft a nationality and ensure that it has all the registration marks it needs to be airborne, registering your aircraft is a must.

In Canada, Transport Canada oversees the registry of aircrafts according to Canadian Aviation Regulations. For the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for the oversight of private jets.

Registering means that it complies with all the safety rules and regulations in the province you register it in. This is where the professionals can help with both the registration of your aircraft, as well as safety requirements.

TIP: Registering an aircraft can take anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks. Relevant factors for the registration of your aircraft includes its purpose and operation of the aircraft (who will operate it, where will it be operated most), structural requirements, and who will finance the aircraft. You will also need to think about the cost of using a particular registry and the tax consequences of that.

Complying With Safety Regulations

While you may be aware that your aircraft must be registered, this can only happen once it meets all the safety regulations. In 2015 alone, there were 9 incidents of business jet accidents, so you need to do everything in your power to ensure that your aircraft and passengers are safe while aboard the aircraft.

For both personal and business aviation, The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) administers all air transport licensing and requires all domestic air services operators to possess operating certificates and the proper liability insurance.

Whether you are aboard a flight within Canada or travelling abroad, your aircraft services must be in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It may be difficult to keep track of registration and regulations for your aircraft, which is why Toronto aircraft maintenance companies provide these services.

TIP: Safety regulations cover all aspects of air operation; including aircraft maintenance, cabin safety, flight operations and safety management systems. In June 2014, Transport Canada replaced the Temporary Private Operator Certificate with the Private Operator Registration Document, so be sure that you’re using the right documents to comply with Canadian regulations.

Staffing and Training

Aircraft management stems beyond the aircraft itself to include finding a dedicated crew. Staffing everyone from your pilot to the flight crew can be a difficult task, especially if you’re hiring for your first aircraft. All of your flights, programs and crew training must comply with Transport Canada regulations to ensure your safety and efficiency when traveling on your private jet.

The process of hiring means that you have to thoroughly vett each candidate, run background checks, and ensure that they continue to update their training, not to mention be completely familiar with the private jet you own. On the other hand, aircraft management company’s private jet services include both staffing and continuously training your staff according to industry standards. By leaving this responsibility to the expert, you’re saving yourself a great deal of time and the headache of hiring and managing your aircraft team.

TIP: Entrusting your private jet with a professional aircraft maintenance team will give you some peace of mind. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t be involved every step of the way. Remember, at the end of the day, this is the crew you will be spending countless hours aboard a plane with so feel free to be as involved as you would like in this process. Ask the experts to include you on staffing interviews and make your requirements known.

Leave aircraft maintenance to the experts

From scheduling and dispatching flights, to the technical upkeep of your aircraft, managing an aircraft entails protecting your investment every step of the way. Whether you need technicians to ensure your private jet is ready for flight or setting the itinerary for your next trip, Flightpath’s travel experts and staff can handle every aspect of aircraft maintenance for you.

By trusting Flightpath with your aircraft, you will have all the functionality and responsiveness of a flight department at your service, without the additional staffing and infrastructure cost of your own private team. Our expert technicians handle all routine inspections of your aircraft, while our team of managers plan every detail of your trip, from timing to catering. If you’re looking for an experienced team to professionally manage your aircraft, contact Flightpath.

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