Flight crews are a necessity if you are planning a trip on a private plane you do not plan to fly yourself. If you have never hired a flight crew before, there are many factors to evaluate before doing so. Many pilots and crew members have a varied level of experience, so you have a choice. If you want to find the right flight crew for your private flight, there a a few considerations you should take.
Determine if you need a part-time crew for just one leg or a round trip. Or perhaps you need to hire a crew full time for a year. Consider that full-time crews will need benefits and time off.
Contact a flight crew leasing company with your requirements to hire a flight crew. A leasing company will perform background checks, performance reviews and match the right crew for your needs. This step requires the least amount of work.
Flight crew leasing companies can be found by contacting a local FBO (fixed based operator). An FBO may have a list of leasing companies they have worked with in the past.
Search online to find a flight crew leasing company. You will find the most options online to source a leasing company than you will from any other method. Make sure to ask for references from other current clients to make sure they are happy with the level of service the leasing company has provided.
Ask for references from other private jet owners or companies you may personally know or have run into at the airport you store your airplane. They may have pilots and crew that can assist you for your needs.
Place in ad in professional pilot or airplane owners magazines for a private flight crew. Airline Pilot Central's online website is also another source to find pilots for hire. This method would take the most effort since most likely you will have to screen and interview the crew yourself.
Select a pool of pilots and crew you want to interview. Ask for each of them to provide a resume for your review.
Ask to see their current pilots' logs. This will tell you how current their flight hours are. Based on your level of comfort, you can hire a pilot with 250 hours up to 10,000 miles. Regional airines hire their pilots with just over 250 hours, while larger legacy carriers hire pilots with over 5,000 hours.
Ask for each pilot and crew member to provide a criminal background check. They can receive these from their local sheriff or law enforcement agency. This will prevent you from hiring someone with a criminal history.
Ask for a copy of their passport photos. They will need a current passport for international travel. Inquire if they have international experience if you plan to travel to a global destination.
