The Private Jet Pilot’s Considerations
Ever wondered why some private aircraft can take off or land
at a particular airport and time while others cannot? Many factors influence a pilot's decision
when filing a flight plan including aircraft performance, operational control
procedures, weather, the altitude of the airport and weight of the passengers, crew
and fuel. These factors make it
difficult to predict flight times, fuel stops and airport selection. I have
listed below each category and how it may affect your particular flight.
Aircraft Performance
Not only does each aircraft type have its own performance
characteristics, but each individual plane may have different weights,
modifications and operating procedures. For example, a typical Citation II has
a shorter range than one with a High Gross Kit modification, which allows it to
take off and land with additional fuel onboard. Also, different avionics can affect the
weight and balance of an aircraft. So,
it is entirely possible for one Citation II jet to have a range of 1,000nm
while another can travel 1,900nm on the same day and route.
Operational Control Procedures
There are over 3,000 FAA certified aircraft operators in the
country and each follow operational procedures which the FAA and third-party
auditing firms approve and routinely review to hold aircraft operators
accountable.
Weather
Wind, precipitation and temperature will affect an
aircraft's performance characteristics, especially when flying into or out of
airports with a runway length less than 6,000 feet. If the runway is wet for example, the
aircraft may have to reduce the amount of fuel it has onboard to compensate
for the slower stopping speed. Or, a
high temperature which thins the air may reduce the aircraft's ability to
climb. Pilots speak with a certified weather briefer prior to each flight to
help them plan accordingly. Since
weather is variable, an original itinerary that forecasts a direct flight might
adjust to include a fuel-stop. On the
other hand, strong tailwinds may permit a direct flight when a fuel-stop was
initially planned.
Altitude
High altitude offers unique challenges to pilots as the air
is thinner and requires faster take-off and landing speeds. Surrounding
mountains pose additional challenges, which is why, for example, Aspen Airport
(ASE) has instituted a curfew between dusk and dawn to increase safety margins.
Weight
Weight is one of the more controllable performance variables
and is typically adjusted to compensate for weather and altitude. The number of
passengers, crew members, baggage and fuel is all estimated prior to flights
in order for the crew to forecast a safe take-off and landing.
Most private aircraft operators incur additional costs when
they have to delay, re-route or make an additional fuel stop. So, when a crew
recommends an alternate, you can be assured they are looking out for your
safety.
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