What You Need to Know About Private Jet Crew Training

When you hire a crew to pilot your used private jet, you want to be assured that not only are you getting a highly skilled team member, but that you’re also ensuring that your pilot undergoes the required training to operate your aircraft.

And with the corporate pilot career path expected to grow over the next decade, the job market will be more competitive than it already is.

Create a fantastic work culture for your jet crew and ensure you’re in-the-know about annual crew training and licensure requirements.

There’s a Difference Between a Private Pilot and a Corporate Pilot
You may refer to your crew members as your “private pilots,” but in the world of aviation, that’s very different from what they are.

A private pilot is one that has achieved licensure to independently fly a small aircraft. While it does require certain training and licensure, it is not as high a level of a license or certification as a corporate pilot, and private pilots cannot receive compensation for flying. In fact, pilots who can fly your business jet must have a commercial license and specialized training for carrying passengers.

Annual Crew Training Expenses
If you’ve ever looked into the annual fixed expenses for owning a private jet, then you’ve likely seen a line item for annual crew training. In the world of corporate aviation, your crew is made up of your pilots.

Every year, your pilots must attend a recurrent training to maintain their skills and certifications. Most aircraft insurers require annual crew training before they will insure your multi-engine business jet. It is non-negotiable. The cost depends on the type of jet, the duration of training, and other factors.

What’s Included in Recurrent Training?
Your country’s regulatory body will define the structure of training, which also can depend on the type of aircraft you own.

Some companies also require additional training, such as route-specific training, particularly if your pilot will take off or land in extreme environments or in difficult airports. Recurrent training also can include reviews of past incidents.

This training includes both classroom sessions and time in flight simulators to sharpen their skills and refresh their knowledge of safety protocol and the latest equipment. Most programs are just a day or two, but some programs can take up to four days.

You can expect your corporate pilot to do the following in recurrent training:

1. Ground and flight training in a Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD), in an aircraft, or a combination of both. During the ground phase, pilots review aircraft systems, operational procedures, and incident review.
   
   

2. CRM training, for refreshing soft skills. This includes communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
   
   

3. Operator proficiency check, which proves that the pilot meets certain standards of competence to continue operating an aircraft. (This generally must be repeated every six months, whereas most other training requirements are done every 12 months.)
   
   

4. Emergency and safety equipment training. Every crew member must know where to find and how to use every piece of safety equipment aboard the jet.
   
   

5. Line check, in which the pilot demonstrates an ability to carry out normal line operations, as listed in the jet’s manual. This includes pre- and post-flight procedures.

This training must be completed regardless of how long your pilot has been flying your used private jet, and regardless of how long they have been licensed commercial pilots.

Finding an Accredited Recurrent Training Program

Just like the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA) accredits dealers who uphold the organization’s rigorous code of ethics, IADA members also develop long-term professional relationships with a variety of reputable private aviation service providers.

These service providers also can earn the IADA stamp of approval and join the ranks of recommended organizations on the AircraftExchange.com website.

If your company is looking for a recurrent pilot training program, first look at those that IADA Accredited Dealers recommend.

AircraftExchange.com Also Can Help You Find Private Jets for Sale

If it’s time to upgrade your business jet to something bigger or newer, AircraftExchange.com and IADA Accredited Dealers can help! Count on both to present you with vetted and verified listings of pre-owned jets for sale all over the world.

Browse AircraftExchange.com for used private jets of all sizes, from the smallest Cessna Citation to the largest Gulfstream, and everything in between. And when you work with an IADA Accredited Dealer, you know they are operating in your best interests and helping to ensure your jet acquisition and business transaction go as smoothly as possible.

Find Your Business Jet Today

To find a used private jet for sale to meet your executive travel needs, browse AircraftExchange.com by make or jet size. Don’t forget to create watch lists and customize your dashboard by creating and signing into an account.