Have questions about private jet safety? Let Jet Linx’s experts arm you with confidence for every flight.

Questions about private jet safety? Our certifications and personal service ensure peace of mind for every flight.

Aviation junkies love the feeling of flying through the air. If reading that sentence made your stomach turn, however, you’re probably a nervous flier. Private jet safety drives the decision-making process for many private travelers. The experts at Jet Linx understand not only the technical, but the human, side of safe operations. Jet Linx Director of Operations, Mike Kopp, Director of Flight Concierge, Missy Kemp, and System Chief Pilot, Ari Sarmento, give their best advice for dealing with nerves during a flight.

Kemp has first-hand experience to help any nervous flier become more confident. “I relate to questions about private jet safety. I was once a terrible flier. I could barely make it through takeoff without having anxiety to the point of feeling sick,” she admitted. “When I first started working at Jet Linx, friends laughed at the irony, as they had seen this nervousness in action. I was always so concerned with what could happen; ultimately caused by not trusting a pilot I had never met. Were they tired, sick or unable to focus?”

Executing flawless flights is a direct result of Jet Linx’s strict private jet safety programs, proven to be at the top of the industry. “Jet Linx has the distinction of holding both ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman safety ratings – the highest in the industry,” Sarmento explained.

Holding the ARGUS Platinum Safety Seal puts Jet Linx in the top 4% of Part 135 operators in the United States. Jet Linx has also earned the IS-BAO Stage 3 Certification. Safety regulations provide a universal framework and guidance, and the certifications held by Jet Linx affirm our commitment to private jet safety. “The decision to go or not go is set on predefined parameters, as well as risk analysis tools the crew uses,” Kopp said. “For each flight, we do a risk assessment. It’s not based on a full day’s worth of trips, but each individual leg of the flight,” Kopp said. “It includes things like low visibility or thunderstorms, but it’s important to remember: each private jet is an all-weather airplane. It’s equipped to fly in all conditions.”

“I have all the confidence in our pilots,” Kemp said. “The crew is trained and up-to-date on all emergency procedures.” She elaborated on a unique benefit to private aviation – face-to-face interaction with your flight crew. “The beauty of private aviation is that you have the opportunity to meet your crew and familiarize yourself with the aircraft.” Sarmento noted our pilots work to make nervous fliers feel as comfortable as possible. “I try to put myself on that level,” he said. “If I was given a salesman’s pitch, I don’t think it would console me or make me feel better. I try to relate to passengers and answer their questions on the flight, the plane, etc.”

Flying privately can be a huge advantage to someone apprehensive about flight. “As a passenger, you get to meet the crew prior to the flight and address any concerns you have. A lot of times, you will even see the same pilots on different trips, which helps establish trust in that relationship,” Kopp agreed. Kemp furthered, “A crew member can explain in detail what to expect prior to the trip. They will even come and check on you during the flight. Your Flight Concierge works with you preflight and can give very detailed specifics on weather, airports, aircraft and crew experience. You can’t receive that type of service on any commercial flight: your customer service and private jet safety experience is personal at Jet Linx.”

All crew members are thoroughly trained in private jet safety and know how to handle any situation. They are also are assigned to a specific private jet tail number – an aircraft they know inside and out. “All Jet Linx pilots have specific licenses, ratings and experience requirements in their particular make and model of the airplane,” Kopp said. “There are also two pilots in the airplane, both trained to the highest standards that are out there,” Sarmento agreed. “Our job is to make sure you’re safe. Private jet safety remains a cornerstone of our company fundamental to our culture and alive in all operations.”

In addition to knowing the extensive training of each pilot, something else helps Kemp breathe easier during flight. “Understanding the stages of each flight and knowing what to expect helps. Like knowing that sound is just the landing gear, and that turbulence is just wind. That helps me better understand what the situation is, so I am less fearful.”

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of SOAR, online now. Read the article for more advice and what to expect during each stage of flight.