A private jet is a small, compact plane with a limited number of seats that was originally designed for people who needed to travel frequently for business. They are also called "business jets." Nowadays, anyone can charter a jet for business or pleasure travel, though it is very expensive. A private jet can hold from 4 to 20 people, depending on the size, not including the crew (usually up to 2 people).
Because private jets don't run on a predetermined schedule, as in the case of a major airline, travelers can leave and arrive whenever they wish. Jets also generally arrive to a destination more quickly since they do not have to stop over at hubs (unless it is a long trip that requires a gas refill). Private jets also automatically give the traveler a certain level of status, since not everyone can afford to fly in one of the planes.
The cost of a standard jet will be about $5 million dollars or more depending on the size and age. To charter a private plane will cost several thousands of dollars (around $6,000 or more). You can parallel the cost of owning a private jet with owning a very, very expensive sports car. You also have to pay costly maintenance fees and insurance costs in addition to parts and repairs. You also need to hire a pilot to fly a private jet that you own. A certified pilot with over 5 years of experience flying will cost over $60,000 per year. The cost of the pilot is usually built in to a chartered flight. Jets are gas guzzlers, which is why many environmentalists are against the practice of using one of these massive airplanes for just a few people at a time. You could pay up to $10,000 for one private jet tank refueling.
As you can imagine, there are a wide variety of risks that come with owning and operating a private jet. Private jets need to meet FAA requirements, just as is the case with commercial planes, but when you own and operate one on your own there are many gray areas and dangers involved. For instance, there have been several high profile crashes, such as in the case of superstar singer Aaliyah, where the private jet was packed in with too much luggage. To avoid serious problems, every private jet owner (or his or her consultants) needs to be briefed on the aircraft's requirements and FAA rules and regulations.
Jets come in a variety of classes, from heavy duty plans to mid-sized and light jets. A very light jet, also called a microjet, will only hold about four to eight people and a few thousand pounds of luggage, while a heavy jet can hold 15 people or more. Bombardier (maker of the LearJet), Boeing, Cessna, Lockheed and Airbus, among others, all produce lines of private jets for businesses and individual customers.
