Illegal charter operations are a growing problem in the U.S. putting many people at risk and undermining the reputation of the entire private aviation industry.
Recently, the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) Air Charter Committee launched an initiative supported by a website (FLY SMARTER: Avoid Illegal Charter) to help combat illegal charter operations. Illegal air charter is a serious threat to legitimate charter certificate holders such as Southern Sky Aviation and we want to make you aware of how you can best protect yourself.
The site breaks the problems of illegal charter into three main issues:
- Safety – an illegal charter operation may not meet the higher standards for pilot training and maintenance requirements of a Part 135 air charter operator.
- Unfair Competition and Industry Reputation – illegal charter operations undercut the competition by cutting the cost of proper maintenance, training and adequate insurance. Safety issues resulting from illegal charter bring negative publicity on the private aviation industry.
- Liability – allowing your aircraft to be used by an illegal charter operation could result in termination of your insurance, risk your reputation and a possible loss of your aircraft.
So, what can you do?
At the FLY SMARTER website, you can:
