FAQ

1. Is a Private Jet or Helicopter charter as safe as flying with an airline?
Absolutely, all aircraft chartered with Day Aviation are operated under what is known as an Air Operators Certificate (AOC), issued by the relevant country’s authorising body, such as the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All Pilots and aircraft will be fully licensed by the authority and regularly checked and tested to the very same exacting standards as the airlines. The crew will also have strict limitations imposed governing their duty hours.

2. Where can I travel from in the London area?
FIXED WING AIRCRAFT (Aeroplanes): Although the large 24 hour airports, Luton, Stansted, Heathrow and Gatwick may be used, many charters take place from Farnborough, Biggin Hill, London City and RAF Northolt airports. Additionally, the smaller airports of Fairoaks, Stapleford and Blackbushe are available for certain aircraft. (Oxford airport and Southend airport are also possibilities that you may wish to consider).

ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT (HELICOPTERS): Although most of the airports above may be used (excepting RAF Northolt), most helicopter charters take place from the following heliports or aerodromes: Battersea, Elstree, Denham, Redhill and Vanguard (situated in the Docklands, restricted aircraft only). Elstree Aerodrome notably, operates 24 hours.

3. Should I choose a helicopter or a fixed – wing aircraft?
We are always happy to advise, as for each and every trip, the perfect solution is different. However, in general, aeroplanes are faster, less susceptible to poor weather and make the ideal solution for airport to airport travel. Contrastingly, if you have a suitable private site to fly from or to (or both), and the flights are shorter and inland, then a helicopter will be the answer- and save you time. Sometimes a mixture of the two provides the perfect solution!

4. Why should I choose a charter broker?
We have access to every aircraft available for private charter in the world. We offer independent advice on the perfect charter solution for you, and with the excellent relationships that we have built up with operators worldwide, we will always strive to achieve the very best prices for you. Aircraft availability and prices change from week to week and we are therefore constantly monitoring the market and will find the most suitable and competitively priced aircraft for you on each and every occasion.

5. Do I have to check in at a normal airport terminal?
All private flights are handled separately, by private handling agents. Some private airports such as Farnborough have one purely private terminal. Larger airports will have a separate ‘General Aviation ‘ terminal, commonly known as a GA Centre or Business Aviation terminal. At the very least, there will be a separate office or building from which private flights are handled.

6. Will I have to wait to have my passport checked at Customs?
All passports will have been security checked with Passport control via ourselves prior to the flights. Normally a much shorter check by Customs/Immigration will be required on the day, if at all.

7. How soon can I be airborne?
Flights may sometimes be arranged within an hour and a half. Flights are frequently arranged for the same day.

8. What sort of catering will there be on board?
On fixed- wing aircraft, all catering is of a first class standard, to suit the time of day. On smaller aircraft this will typically be: assorted sandwiches, canapés, fruit platters or a Continental breakfast, together with a mini bar, red and white wine, soft drinks and often Champagne. On larger aircraft, the catering is of VIP standard, and the choice is yours, with most gourmet items being available.

9. Why should I not just use a jet card?
For each and every flight, there is always a different perfect aircraft solution, depending on many variables such as airport size, length of trip, passenger numbers and luggage, aircraft positioning prior to and after a flight, incentives on new aircraft. Taking these all into account, we will provide the best solution at the most competitive price for each and every charter. Why be restricted to particular aircraft and prices and pay (usually) in excess of £100,000 in advance on account, for the privilege.

10. May I take my dog?
Yes. Many of our operators are part of the ‘Pet Passport Travel Scheme”(PETS), approved by The Department For Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)and so pet travel can normally be arranged on certain aircraft. The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs, cats and ferrets to other European Union (EU) countries, and return with them to the UK. They can also, having taken their dogs, cats and ferrets to certain non-EU countries, bring them back to the UK without the need for quarantine. The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.

11. What happens if the flight is cancelled due to poor weather?
A complete refund will of course be given in these circumstances. Alternatively, should you wish, the nearest suitable alternative airport may be offered, if possible.

12. I have absolutely no idea how much private charter will cost: can you give me an indication?
Prices range from a £400 short helicopter flight to a £150,000 long range jet charter!
However, to give a very general idea, most light aircraft flights will typically fall in the region of £1,500 - £4,000, turbo prop flights typically £3,000 - £8,000 and Light Jets typically £3,500 - £12,000. Helicopter flights typically fall in to the £1,000 - £5,000 bracket. We are always very happy to give price indications: if the price is higher than you expected, then we will have been pleased to be of help, however, we hope that you may be pleasantly surprised!

13. What are the main benefits of private charter?
To summarise, with private aircraft charter, you can expect only the very highest levels of service both in the air and on the ground. Departure will be from a private terminal. With pre-checking of passports, there will be no queuing or waiting around (unless you wish to take advantage of the private executive lounge!), and private handling agents will look after you, meeting you and transporting you to your aircraft. (Often you may be able to avoid entering a terminal at all and park right beside your aircraft). You will have your pilots’ mobiles and can liaise with them or us if you need to make any changes. You will enjoy VIP catering, superior entertainment systems, often Satellite phone and sometimes internet access - plus hostess service on larger aircraft.

Smaller or military airports may be used to get you closer to your final destination. Private charter therefore saves you time, offers you flexibility and can get you exactly where you need to be at times when a schedule airline simply cannot. The time savings can also help to reduce or negate hotel costs, and there are clear financial savings in enabling the time -short individual to be away from home or office for considerably less of the time.