Pilots using Intelijet for flight sharing- Part 2
Part 2- When you take someone's money in exchange for transportation an external pressures to accomplish the mission forms. Our last post we told you pilots and air carriers can use Intelijet to find people to share empty seats and empty-legs with, but the regulatory consequences and risks are a little precarious. In this post we'll discuss why the risks are different and where opportunities for sharing safely exist for pilots of all skill levels. When you fly with charter operators and airlines you're flying on FAA certified air carriers. They're held to a higher standard and require more regulatory compliance than an individual pilot, however, the criteria for evaluating pilots and operators are very similar.
Intelijet advises all clients if we determine a flight, empty seat, empty-leg by anyone, enters into a higher risk category. Things we look at are:
Pilot's experience level, currency, proficiency and training school
Aircraft's maintenance status, last inspection, age and equipment installation
Mission specific items- airports, weather, time of day, to name a few.
You can learn more about how Intelijet selects and evaluates an operation in a two part post from December, 2013 called- The Charter Operator Selection Process. If we determine too great a risk exist we'll find an alternative flight or not participate in the transaction. Although we're preventing some flights from happening, here are a few easy example of how pilots of all experience levels can enjoy the benefits of Intelijet's flight sharing-
Experienced and professional pilots- sharing empty seats on airplanes they fly often. If the pilot is proficient, this type of flight can be as good as any other charter flight, only a lot less expensive for everyone. I'm going to Toronto July 23th to 27th any takers, email me [email protected]
Flight Instructors- flight sharing is a great way for your students to offset some of the cost of training. Have them plan scenario-based trips and sell an empty seat or two, reducing their expense. Everyone's getting something they want, students saving money and getting a great learning experience, the passenger gets a private flight cheap, with an experienced flight instructor overseeing the mission.
Airplane owners- Do you have your own plane and employ professional pilots? A great way to offset some of the cost of ownership would be to sell a few empty seats, especially if you make frequent trips to fabulous places. People get excited to experience private aviation and it can be a great networking opportunity too.
I'm sure people will find even more great ways to have fun sharing flights. We're excited to see more pilots and operators take advantage of Intelijet's open marketplace.
If you're a private plane owner, renter, or student pilot and want to participate in flight sharing, but don't think you have enough pilot experience, bring a flight instructor or other experience pilot with you until you're proficient. Honestly, you probably should even if you're not carrying passengers. Intelijet can help you find an experienced pilot or CFI to fly with, email us at [email protected], if you're in the New York City area maybe we'll get a chance to fly together.