Private Aviation 101
PRIVATE AVIATION 101 Questions and answers about the world of private aviation
FOREWORD
As the world’s most experienced private aviation company, there is no one who knows more about private aviation than NetJets®. We are often asked to explain the basics of flying privately, including operating principles, the mechanics of flight, and aviation terminology. We invite you to explore the basics and learn about the advantages offered by NetJets, the global leader in private aviation. Private Aviation 101 explores subjects ranging from the entire flight experience to preflight, landing, and everything in between. No matter what your level of interest is, we hope you enjoy the journey – courtesy of NetJets.
FOREWARD
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFLIGHT INSIDE THE FLIGHT DECK INSIDE THE CABIN BEFORE DEPARTURE FLIGHT BASICS AVIATION WEATHER TAKEOFF AND CLIMB CRUISE 3 7 9 12 16 21 24 28
DESCENT LANDING CONCLUSION
32 34 36
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFLIGHT
If you have flown commercially or have chartered a private aircraft on occasion, fractional jet ownership and the private aviation industry as a whole may seem foreign to you. When flying privately, you have many more options as compared to when flying commercially. Private aviation gives you the flexibility to choose airports closer to your final destinations, set your departure time based on your schedule, and choose your meals based on your preferences. What happens behind the scenes before my flight? To complete a flight safely, many aviation professionals and specialists must be involved. Once a flight is booked and all details are confirmed with your private aviation provider, your request is typically reviewed by an aircraft dispatcher and a flight plan is then developed. Flight plans for each individual flight are filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so the flight will be under the supervision of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. Flight plans generally include information
FOREWORD
As the world’s most experienced private aviation company, there is no one who knows more about private aviation than NetJets®. We are often asked to explain the basics of flying privately, including operating principles, the mechanics of flight, and aviation terminology. We invite you to explore the basics and learn about the advantages offered by NetJets, the global leader in private aviation. Private Aviation 101 explores subjects ranging from the entire flight experience to preflight, landing, and everything in between. No matter what your level of interest is, we hope you enjoy the journey – courtesy of NetJets.
FOREWARD
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFLIGHT INSIDE THE FLIGHT DECK INSIDE THE CABIN BEFORE DEPARTURE FLIGHT BASICS AVIATION WEATHER TAKEOFF AND CLIMB CRUISE 3 7 9 12 16 21 24 28
DESCENT LANDING CONCLUSION
32 34 36
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFLIGHT
If you have flown commercially or have chartered a private aircraft on occasion, fractional jet ownership and the private aviation industry as a whole may seem foreign to you. When flying privately, you have many more options as compared to when flying commercially. Private aviation gives you the flexibility to choose airports closer to your final destinations, set your departure time based on your schedule, and choose your meals based on your preferences. What happens behind the scenes before my flight? To complete a flight safely, many aviation professionals and specialists must be involved. Once a flight is booked and all details are confirmed with your private aviation provider, your request is typically reviewed by an aircraft dispatcher and a flight plan is then developed. Flight plans for each individual flight are filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so the flight will be under the supervision of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. Flight plans generally include information