Mechanical problems in private jets can arise from various causes:
- Bird strikes, where birds collide with engines during flight
- Faulty sensors
- Landing gear problems and other mechanical failures
- Issues with interior equipment such as heating or plumbing malfunctions
When a mechanical issue arises, the aircraft’s maintenance team will assess whether an immediate fix is possible. If not, the aircraft will need to undergo maintenance.
It is crucial for a dependable private jet broker like InsiJets to have backup options ready. This involves knowing aircraft locations, availability, pilot readiness, and the time required to recover from mechanical issues.
InsiJets aims to position a backup aircraft within two hours, considering the standard pilot callout time.
How frequently do private jets experience mechanical issues?
Mechanical issues in private jets are relatively rare but necessitate contingency planning. Approximately one out of every 10 or 12 flights may encounter a mechanical issue.
Most issues are minor and quickly resolved, such as sensor alerts or avionics resets causing minimal delays. Instances requiring extensive maintenance, like engine or equipment failures, are less common.
Insijets begins monitoring aircraft 24 hours before scheduled flights, tracking preceding flights to ensure timely departures and preempt potential issues such as mechanical problems. Immediate action is taken to secure a backup aircraft upon identifying any mechanical issues.
When a private jet experiences a mechanical issue, does it result in additional costs for the client?
The financial implications of private jet charter mechanical issues vary based on the client’s program. For instance, clients on fixed-rate cards may also have mechanical issue covered.
For on-demand private jet charter, costs vary as operators price each aircraft independently. In the event of a mechanical issue, the backup aircraft may have a different rate. Insijets strives to closely match the backup aircraft with the original in terms of model, age, and cost, sometimes offering an upgrade for the same or slightly increased rate with client approval.
Backup aircraft are typically of the same or larger size, occasionally resulting in savings for clients if the backup is priced lower than the original booking.
Are certain types of aircraft more prone to mechanical issues than others?
Older aircraft tend to experience more mechanical issues related to interior systems such as heating or plumbing, although these rarely ground the aircraft.
Specific aircraft models also exhibit varying mechanical reliability. For example, the Hawker 1000 is known for more frequent issues, prompting Insijets to advise clients against its use whenever possible. Even new aircraft like the G550 may encounter early mechanical issues as they undergo initial operational cycles.
Do I receive a refund if a backup aircraft is unavailable?
Yes, in the event that Insijets cannot secure a suitable backup aircraft, clients receive a partial refund covering any unflown legs. A full refund is provided if a mechanical issue occurs at the beginning of the trip.