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What is Aircraft Fatigue?

Airplane jet undergoing repairs to avoid aircraft fatigue

Every part, component, and material has a shelf life. And when that material is regularly traveling tens of thousands of feet above sea level and dealing with various atmospheric pressures and forces, that shelf life might be a little different compared to a material that’s subject to more ordinary conditions.

And when it comes to metals in aircraft, this “fatigue” can be catastrophic and increase the risk of aircraft failure and crashes. So just what is aircraft fatigue and why does it happen? We’ll cover all of that – and more – in this post. Read on to learn more about what you need to know about aircraft fatigue, why and how it occurs, how to prevent it, and more:

What is Metal Fatigue in an Aircraft?

Metal fatigue in an aircraft refers to a weakening in the metal elements of planes, mainly due to repeated flight cycles and the stress on such components over time. This “fatigue” tends to occur in the form of cracks, which begin very small and grow larger over time. Like a vehicle, any new aircraft will age and depreciate as soon as it leaves the hangar for its first flight. As a result, metal fatigue and corrosion begin to occur immediately, though they’re typically not a serious problem until the aircraft can no longer be effectively repaired.

As you might expect, metal fatigue is more common in aging aircraft. It’s why certain aircraft should be retired after they reach a certain number of flight cycles. Failure to do so could present a major safety risk from issues stemming from metal fatigue. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to determine when an aircraft has reached its maximum number of flight cycles, which we’ll also cover later in this piece.

How Does Metal Fatigue Occur?

As we noted in the above section, metal fatigue occurs simply from flying the aircraft over time. Airplanes are subject to a lot of stress flying tens of thousands of feet above sea level. These stresses include atmospheric pressure, G-loads, turbulence, and more. Over time, they’re going to take their toll on the aircraft. Just like a vehicle that has to endure bumpy roads, potholes, and weather events, airplanes have their own fair share of wear and tear that they must endure – and in time, it’s going to catch up with them in the event of corrosion and metal deformities and defects.

Corrosion

Planes are at risk of corrosion as soon as they leave the hangar and take their first flight. Corrosion refers to rusting of an aircraft’s metal parts, often caused by oxygen in the atmosphere coming into contact with untreated metal parts and components. There are various types of aircraft corrosion, including surface corrosion, dissimilar metal corrosion, intergranular corrosion, stress corrosion, and fretting corrosion. Corrosion can be treated. However, if it has become too significant, part removal and replacement is the best option to prevent aircraft failure.

Metal Deformities and Defects

Aircraft with a deformity in its jet

Metal deformities and defects caused by metal fatigue tend to begin in the form of cracks. And while these cracks are so small at first that they can’t even be seen with the naked eye, they become larger over time. Cracks tend to begin in one of three places:

  • Internally in structural elements that are placed under high stress.
  • Externally in skins under pressure from structural loads.
  • At the edges of fastener holes or any area of concentrated stress.

Common Metal Fatigue Failures in Aircraft

In addition to internal, external, and at the edges of fastener holes that we mentioned above, some of the areas that are prone to metal fatigue failure include engines. Generally, any metal part that comes under stress is susceptible to metal fatigue failure – whether it’s an internal or an external component.

How to Prevent Aircraft Fatigue Failure?

The good news is aircraft are required to undergo rigorous testing to prevent metal fatigue – we’ll get into more of that in the next section. And outside of not flying an aircraft, it’s this testing and subsequent repair (if necessary) that serves as the main preventative measure for safeguarding an aircraft from metal fatigue failure. Read on to learn more about the testing requirements and regulations mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Testing to Determine Metal Fatigue Levels

As noted in the section above, the FAA has developed strict regulations for metal fatigue testing.

The first is determining an aircraft’s Limit of Validity, or LOV, which is defined as the number of hours or flight cycles an aircraft frame can reasonably withstand before it experiences structural failure or metal fatigue. Effective as of 2011, all aircraft manufacturers are required to report an LOV. Aircraft may not be flown beyond the LOV unless approved.

technitian determing the aircraft's LOV

The FAA also requires manufacturers to issue airworthiness directives, or ADs. These ADs essentially serve as guidelines for when aircraft should seek service on various components (i.e., the engine, propeller, etc.). Think of them as manufacturer-recommended maintenance for a vehicle after it hits certain mileage milestones, except ADs are mandatory.

Beyond FAA requirements, rigorous testing is essential to determining metal fatigue levels and ensuring aircraft safety. Corrective actions, such as laser peening and metal polishing, can also be done in many cases to repair issues where fatigue is beginning to set in. At J.A. Air Center, we specialize in aircraft repair and maintenance for just about every airframe and engine and can assess your aircraft for metal fatigue and take corrective action when necessary.

It’s worth noting that these testing, FAA regulations, and repair efforts have made a major difference over time. Currently, it’s estimated that only about 20 percent of all aircraft failures are the result of structural issues. Decades ago, nearly 80 percent of all aircraft failures were due to such issues.

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For more information on aircraft fatigue, LOV, ADs, and more, contact J.A. Air Center today.

What is the Easiest Plane to Fly?

A new pilot is test driving a plane - learning about the easiest plane to fly

It should go without saying that some airplanes are much easier to fly than others. And whether you’re a beginner pilot or just want a very basic plane that you can confidently fly at your convenience, there are several reasons why you might seek a plane that’s simple. What’s more is that after you master a basic plane, it’s easy to transition to flying aircraft that are more of a challenge.

So what’s the easiest plane to fly? As you might imagine, it’s a lot easier to fly a single-engine aircraft than a large commercial airliner. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a plane “easy” to fly, discuss some of the most basic planes to fly, and more. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know:

4 Planes That Are Easy to Fly

Before we get into the aircraft that’s widely considered the easiest to fly, let’s briefly take a look at some planes that are considered simple. Here’s a look:

the pilot and passenger wave at the camera, they are in the cockpit testing driving planes
  • J-3 Piper Club: Initially designed for training purposes, the J-3 Piper Club is known for its gentle handling and simple avionics. However, due to its tailwheel design, it’s a plane that doesn’t handle particularly well on windy days.
  • Diamond DA40 Star: Known for its simplicity and enjoyment, this aircraft is light and easy to handle. It also has a large margin of error, making any mistakes easy to recover from.
  • Piper Pa 28: The Piper Pa 28 series is known for how easy it is to recover from any errors made while in the sky. But what really makes this plane easy to fly is landing it. Thanks to its stability, the Piper Pa 28 series practically lands itself. Even hard landings are cushioned by an advanced suspension system.
  • Cirrus SR22: We’ll round out this list with the Cirrus SR22, a newer model aircraft that tends to be a bit more modernized. Complete with seatbelts, airbags, an inbuilt parachute, and modern avionics, the Cirrus SR22 mixes technology, simplicity, and safety into its aircraft. Its large wings offer enhanced stability, which is especially useful during landing.

Now that we’ve provided an overview of some of the easiest planes to fly, we’ll discuss the aircraft that’s widely considered the easiest to fly. Read more in the next section.

Which Plane is the Easiest?

So what is the easiest plane to fly? Most aviation experts cite the Cessna 172 Skyhawk when posed this question – and a variety of factors help back up this claim. Here’s a look at what makes the Cessna 172 Skyhawk easy to fly:

  • Wing design: The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is considered a high-wing aircraft, meaning that it has a lot of stability in the air and is also less susceptible to turbulent conditions. While turbulence isn’t a big deal for seasoned pilots, navigating such conditions can be a jarring experience for some. This high-wing configuration also allows for premium visibility, which makes it easier for pilots to navigate as well as take off and land.
  • The engine: For a small plane, the Cessna 172 features a powerful engine, making takeoffs and climbing a breeze. The plane flies smoothly and is able to seamlessly glide into its cruising speed – with the key cog being the engine that’s powering it.
  • Spacious, comfortable cockpit: Again, for a small plane, the Cessna 172 has an open, spacious, and comfortable cockpit – and these creature comforts can be a nice touch for a pilot that doesn’t want to feel cramped or uncomfortable when they get behind the controls. Pilots can move around with ease, stretch their legs, and more. Additionally, the Cessna 172 is a four-seat aircraft, able to comfortably seat several passengers.
  • Forgiveness: One of the top reasons the Cessna 172 is widely regarded as the easiest plane to fly is due to its error forgiveness for pilots. It’s an aircraft that’s not sensitive to input, so it’s easy to correct any mistakes made behind the controls. This isn’t just a huge help for novice pilots, but it also helps in terms of aircraft stability due to the aforementioned high-wing configuration. The controls are also easy to use and ergonomically designed to boot, and the rudder pedals are easy to reach and control.

The bottom line when it comes to the Cessna 172 is that there’s very little learning curve for new pilots or aircraft owners – and this can lead to an easier, stress-free experience after takeoff. Flying the aircraft is made even easier with the installation of a factory or aftermarket autopilot system, which can help keep the wings level.

Looking to Purchase a Plane?

In the market to purchase a plane? With any aircraft purchase representing such a significant investment, it’s important to do your homework before you buy. That said, it’s important to analyze your needs, have any aircraft inspected before you purchase it, and even see if you can fly it before you buy it.

pilot adjusting internal systems, learning which is the easiest plane to fly

Think of buying an aircraft like buying a new car – there’s a process you need to go through not just when it comes to signing paperwork and making the financial commitment, but making sure that it’s the right aircraft for you. Contact J.A. Air Center today for more information about purchasing a plane.

Contact J.A. Air Center Today

Whether you’re looking for a plane that’s easy to fly or a plane that’s going to pose more of a challenge for experienced pilots, they’re all available at J.A. Air Center. Contact J.A. Air Center today to browse all of the aircraft that we have for sale in our showroom or for more information about any aircraft and why it may or may not be a good fit for you. We’re standing by and ready to assist you.

A Guide to Aircraft Corrosion

plane technician looking for aircraft corrosion

All metals are likely to corrode eventually. After all, it’s a natural means of bringing these materials back to their original state – and like it or not, it’s eventually bound to happen.

Aircraft tend to be fabricated from a lot of metal parts. Any corrosion on these metal parts can be very dangerous. And while these parts help an airplane take off and cruise 30,000 feet above sea level, that’s also part of the problem with aircraft corrosion. Unlike a motor vehicle, you can’t just pull an airplane into a service station when it’s tens of thousands of feet in the air.

The good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to prevent corrosion until an aircraft – or a part of an aircraft – has reached the end of its usable life. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at just what aircraft corrosion is, the popular types of aircraft corrosion, prevention and maintenance, and more. Read on to learn more:

What is Aircraft Corrosion?

Corrosion is the deterioration of metals, usually caused by air, moisture, or some other chemical reaction that occurs on the surface. Aircraft corrosion is simply the deterioration of metals that make up an aircraft. However, in addition to air, moisture, or other chemical reactions, aircraft corrosion may also be caused by exposure to acid and pollutants, or poor preparation before painting or detailing.

And while all types of corrosion can be unsightly and dangerous, aircraft corrosion has the potential to be much more harmful – and not just because it may occur in a craft that flies tens of thousands of feet in the air. Aircraft corrosion may also be hidden, which makes thorough inspections all the more important. In addition to popular aircraft parts like propellers and fins, corrosion also commonly occurs on battery boxes, hardware, and around fuel tanks.

Types of Aircraft Corrosion

Many people are surprised to learn that there are various types of corrosion – and aircraft corrosion is no exception. Here’s a look at some of the most common types:

Uniform

This type of corrosion in aircraft tends to occur when all of the plane’s metal parts are exposed to oxygen in the air. Arguably the most common type of aircraft corrosion, long periods of oxygen exposure lead to “uniform,” or consistent, corrosion on such parts. Because corrosion is uniform, the damage can be significant. The good news is that uniform corrosion is easy to spot and even easier to predict, making the worst effects largely preventable.

Dissimilar

If two different types of metals come into contact with one another and an electrolyte is present, dissimilar metal corrosion occurs. Dissimilar corrosion can go on for a long time without detection, making it dangerous – and potentially making repairs very costly. There are certain precautions that can be taken to prevent dissimilar corrosion. The most crucial one is to avoid using steel brushes or steel wool products when cleaning an aircraft’s surface. These tools have the potential to come apart during cleaning and embed themselves into the aircraft’s surface. This, in turn, can lead to a greater likelihood of dissimilar corrosion.

Crevice

This type of corrosion happens when water is trapped between two surfaces. Also often known as “concentration cell corrosion,” some common examples are when water gets under paint or beneath an unsealed joint. What makes this type of corrosion dangerous is that it can quickly spiral into exfoliation or pitting. The good news about crevice corrosion, however, is that it tends to be fairly localized. And being that washers, threads, fasteners, clamps, and other small components are commonly impacted parts, it’s easy to know where to look during inspections.

Stress Cracking

Stress corrosion, or stress cracking, occurs in parts of the aircraft that endure a lot of wear and tear. Think of the aircraft’s landing gear or certain engine components. As we said earlier in this post, one of the major problems with identifying aircraft corrosion is that it’s often not easily spotted. It can be hidden. Stress corrosion is often hidden corrosion. There are ways to prevent stress cracking. Some of the most common means include detailing or applying protective coatings to prospective parts, heat-treating surfaces, and shot-peening surfaces.

When Should You Worry?

Any type of aircraft corrosion has the potential to be dangerous, so you should take corrosion very seriously as soon as you detect it in any of its forms. Bottom line: See corrosion, treat corrosion. Make sure you protect your plane and the investment you’ve made in it.

Prevention and Maintenance

plane technician looking for corrosion in aircraft jets

The best way to prevent corrosion is to stick to a regular inspection schedule. For instance, in mild environments, it’s suggested that aircraft be inspected every 90 days. In moderate environments, every 45 days. And in severe environments, every 15 days.

Like anything, the sooner you’re able to catch a problem, the easier and cheaper the fix tends to be. This is also true of aircraft corrosion. The sooner you identify it, the sooner you’re able to repair the issue. In addition to regularly inspecting your aircraft, common corrosion prevention techniques include storing your aircraft in a dry space and regularly washing it to remove dirt, debris, or other pollutants.

While it’s easier to prevent corrosion than it is to treat it, there are a number of treatment options available. Light or moderate surface corrosion can typically be removed via abrasion. Some compound formulas have also recently hit the market that are designed to dissolve minor cases of aircraft corrosion. For corrosion that’s become severe enough, part replacement is often necessary.

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For more information about aircraft corrosion, how to prevent corrosion from happening, and how to treat it after it does, contact J.A. Air Center today. As experts in all things aircraft repair and maintenance, we have the know-how and resources to treat any corroded parts and get your aircraft back into peak shape. Contact us today for more information on treating corrosion and purchasing an aircraft.

What is the Best Family Starter Aircraft?

Starter cars, starter houses, starter airplanes?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and airplanes typically follow a similar pattern to other “starter” belongings in that a beginner aircraft tends to be a lesser model that’s ideal for new pilots. That’s not to say there isn’t a bond or connection with any starter plane, just that it likely won’t have all the bells and whistles that your second or third plane is likely to have.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about a starter aircraft – from choosing an aircraft for your family to low, mid, and high-range options and more. Read on to learn more and see this post about how to purchase an aircraft.

A young family, consisting of a mother, father, and young daughter sit together happily in the best family starter aircraft, the father has a cocker spaniel sitting in his lap

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aircraft For Your Family

Let’s start by discussing what factors you want to be on the lookout for when considering a starter aircraft. Here’s what you need to weigh when making your decision:

  • The type of flying you’re planning to do: The first thing you’ll want to determine is what type of flying you’re planning to do. Most experts suggest buying an airplane that’s going to meet 80 percent of those intentions. Not every aircraft is going to meet all of your needs all the time, but selecting one that meets the vast majority of them is key.
  • Think of ownership in three to five-year windows: The aircraft you purchase to start isn’t likely to be the one you end with. In fact, you’ll likely be ready to upgrade within three to five years to a better model as you fly more and gain more experience. Regardless of whether you can afford a better plane or not, it’s the experience that should dictate purchase. So start small and upgrade over time. The initial plane you buy should be very similar to the one a pilot is training on.
  • Be sure to price it out for insurance: You’re likely to be surprised at how much it costs to insure an airplane. Make sure you have an idea of what your monthly premiums will be on the aircraft you’re considering.
  • Talk to a mechanic: We always advise having a mechanic look over any used plane that you’re considering. A professional mechanic will be able to spot any potential issues and advise you on the types of problems the model you’re considering has experienced.
  • Comfort and cabin size: You want to be comfortable in any aircraft you purchase. And don’t just think about yourself and the passenger – but anyone in the rear cabin as well. Furthermore, think back to the first consideration we posed on this list – flying purpose. Will the aircraft you’re considering be able to adequately transport luggage, golf clubs, etc.?

Budget-Friendly Options

The father and daughter spend quality time together coloring in the best family starter aircraft

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics to be on the lookout for when shopping for that first family starter aircraft, let’s get into some of the options that you might consider. For convenience’s sake, we’ve broken them down into budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end. Let’s kick things off by discussing budget-friendly aircraft options. These options include:

  • The Cessna 150
  • Piper Cherokee 140
  • Grumman Cheetah
  • Piper PA-38 Tomahawk

Depending on the condition, these aforementioned planes are typically priced at or below $50,000. Though they tend to be smaller aircraft and have a limited range compared to other options on this list, they represent examples of ideal, budget-friendly starter aircraft.

Mid-Range Options

Mid-range starter family aircraft are a little bigger and more comfortable than some of the more budget-friendly ones we’ve listed here. Some examples of solid mid-range selections include:

  • Cessna 182: : With a top speed of around 135 knots, good fuel economy, and enough space for four adults, the Cessna 182 is easy to handle and versatile enough to fly across the entire country.
  • Piper Saratoga: A step up from the Piper Cherokee we mentioned earlier, the Saratoga is a six-seat, single-engine aircraft that features fixed landing gear and is still small enough to land in places where most other small aircraft cannot.
  • Bonanza A36: Though a bit limited in cargo space, the A36 is often considered top-of-the-class of six-seat aircraft.

High-End Options

The mother and father sit together in the best family starter aircraft drinking champagne, the father has a cocker spaniel sitting in this lap

Finally, if your budget warrants one of these higher-end starter aircraft, there are certainly plenty of options. Options include:

  • Piper M350: Fly high and fast in this aircraft. Its cabin is roomy and spacious to boot, something ideal for a larger family or families with teenagers or adult children. Many compare it to a Ferrari in terms of six-seaters.
  • Beechcraft G36: A high-quality option, this aircraft is appealing to business flyers for its nice, roomy cabin. It’s a step up from the Bonanza A36 that we covered in the mid-range section above because it is upgraded with the Garmin G1000 suite of avionics.
  • Cessna TTx: Offering the fastest maximum cruise speed of any single-engine aircraft, the Cessna TTx is in a class of its own. With a range of 1,250 nautical miles, this aircraft is comparable to a high-class sedan. It also comes with a luxury price of close to $1 million.

Choosing The Best Family Starter Aircraft

As we said in the intro, when selecting the best family starter aircraft you should consider more than just budget – but flying purpose, insurance costs, cabin size and comfort, condition, and more. But beyond all of this, it’s important to think of your starter airplane as nothing more than a small part of your flying journey. Remember, the aircraft you buy to start is likely not going to be the one you own over the long term. Think of ownership in three to five-year intervals to help guide your initial purchase.

Contact J.A. Air Center Today

For more information on what factors to consider when shopping for the best family starter aircraft and to learn more about budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end beginning options, contact us today. Our showroom is always featuring ideal starter aircraft options.

Pilot Shortage and What it Means for Aviation Schools

Airlines are trying to hire a combined 12,000 pilots this year to ensure that they keep flights in the air and not on the ground. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a mass exodus of pilots since 2020. When air travel slowed due to lockdowns and other measures intended to mitigate the spread, airlines were forced to offer early retirement packages to a number of their workforce. And now that travel has roared back to pre-pandemic levels, there aren’t enough pilots to staff all of the aircraft.

So what exactly can airlines do as a result? Let’s take a look at some solutions in this post:

What Can Airlines Do?

One of the biggest issues when it comes to hiring pilots is that it takes a long time to replace outgoing personnel. In most jobs, when someone retires or puts in their two-week notice, the employer creates a job listing and begins interviewing replacement candidates right away. If the position isn’t filled around the time the employee leaves, it’s certainly almost always filled soon after. That’s not the case with pilots. Some estimates state that it can take a whopping 120 days to replace an outgoing pilot due to the small talent pool and extensive training requirements for new pilots.

So what can airlines do? Here’s a look at some solutions:

  • Establish much more enticing retention incentives for pilots that stay working for their airline.
  • Offer hiring bonuses for new pilots.
  • Work closely with aviation schools to create a pipeline for their airline’s pilot workforce.
  • Offer tuition reimbursement to pilots who come to work for your airline.
Pilot shortage impact

Return of Demand after COVID-19

As we noted earlier, due to early retirement packages offered during the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines significantly cut staff to stay solvent. But now that air travel is back to pre-pandemic levels, airlines are scrambling to fill these pilot shortages and satisfy the surging demand for travel once again. Think of it like this: For at least a year, many Americans scrapped vacations and many employers scrapped business travel to stay safe during the pandemic. But now that vaccines and more advanced treatments are here, Americans now have the confidence to fly again – and they have the itch to do so as well.

How Can You Capitalize on the Shortage?

So how can you capitalize on pilot shortages? Now is an ideal time to rethink your outreach programs. Partner with aviation schools to ensure there’s a pipeline of qualified pilots entering your airline in the future. When you consider that about a third of airline pilots in the U.S. are between 51 and 59 years old, there’s likely to be another retirement exodus soon – and this one by choice and not by necessity. Don’t miss an opportunity to create relationships with schools to ensure your airline isn’t hurting for talent.

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For more information and how you can capitalize on the pilot shortage, contact us today.

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A Complete Guide to FBOs

Unlike commercial airlines, private jets and charter flights primarily use FBO, Fixed Base Operation, for arrivals and departures. If you are new to traveling by private or charter planes, you might be wondering, what is an FBO? In this article, we discuss the key features and services offered by an FBO.

Definition of an “FBO”

“FBO” means “Fixed Base Operation”. An FBO is an organization granted the right by an airport to operate at the airport. The FBO provides services such as fueling, hangaring, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance, and flight instruction. An FBO caters specifically to private and charter flights.

The history behind the term “Fixed Base Operation” dates back to the early 20th century. Before the U.S. Air Commerce Act was passed in 1926, transient pilots (known as “barnstormers”) offered passenger flights and airshows. They traveled around the country and landed in farmers’ fields rather than in airports. The U.S. Air Commerce Act of 1926 regulated aviation support businesses for maintenance and training standards, leading to the new term “Fixed Base Operation” because of the development of fixed airport addresses.

What Services are Offered by an FBO?

At a minimum, an FBO sells aviation fuel, provides space for parking, and supports take-off and landing. Many FBOs will provide maintenance services as well. At J.A. Air Center, our comprehensive FBO services include the following:

  • Aircraft Detailing
  • Aircraft Hangar Space
  • Avionics Equipment at Pilot Store
  • Certified Aircraft Maintenance
  • Charter Services
  • Crew Services
  • FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station
  • Flight Instruction
  • Fueling Service
  • Ground Handling
  • Ground Transportation
  • Passenger Services
  • Private Terminal
  • 20,000 Square Foot Canopy for Arrival/Departure Coverage

In particular, we have fuel and maintenance services that are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our staff of certified mechanics and aviation professionals work around the clock to ensure that every arrival and departure is convenient, safe, and welcoming.

What Amenities are Offered by an FBO?

Basic amenities at an FBO are a seating area, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Most FBOs also include a pilot lounge area to allow pilots to relax between flights.

At J.A. Air Center, we offer extensive amenities to pilots and passengers in our spacious FBO, including the following:

  • Complimentary gourmet coffee and cookies
  • Complimentary wireless high-speed internet
  • Full restrooms including showers
  • Pilot lounge
  • Pilot’s weather briefing and planning room
  • Apple AirPrint capable printers for printing from iOS devices
  • WSI Weather and printing capabilities
  • Comfortable reclining leather chairs
  • Fully appointed office space
  • Exercise room with private shower
  • Hotel reservation services
  • Catering services
  • Crew car
  • Rental car reservation services
  • Secure, gated parking
  • Satellite television
  • Snooze rooms
  • VOIP phone system

Whether you are a pilot or a passenger, our goal is to provide you with a relaxing stop between your destinations and first-class support to make your trip even more enjoyable.

What Security Standards Apply to an FBO?

One of the top advantages of private flights is the ability to forego the long lines for security that are a standard inconvenience at commercial airports. According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the average wait time at commercial airports is 30 minutes (as of January 21, 2019). Of course, wait times can easily become longer during times of high-volume traffic, such as around the holidays.

Although an FBO still implements security measures for the safety of crew and passengers, the significantly lower volume of traffic means that security can be quick and relatively hassle-free. The TSA has outlined minimum security measures that apply to an FBO. In the United States, passengers on a Part 135 charter flight need to provide current government-issued identification. The passengers must also be on the passenger manifest. In addition to meeting TSA standards, FBOs may be subject to safety regulations from state, regional, and/or local authorities.

If applicable, passengers will be subject to immigration checks. There may be additional screening in airports outside the United States, such as luggage searches and full-body scanners.

Many FBOs implement additional security measures for enhanced safety. For example, an FBO may have on-site security personnel and surveillance cameras.

How Common are FBOs?

FBOs are spread throughout the United States. In fact, private aviation in the United States has access to over 5,000 airports (compared to less than 500 for commercial airlines). Additionally, some larger airports have two or more FBOs. There are as many as six FBOs on-site in airports with a high volume of private jet flights, such as Teterboro Airport near New York and Van Nuys Airport near Los Angeles.

You can check online databases of airports (such as aopa.org) to find a list of all FBOs in your area and what services they offer. If you are arriving/departing from an airport that does not have an FBO, your charter operator may still be able to arrange the flight using a local handling company.

Are FBOs Only for Private Airports?

FBOs are meant to service private aircraft and charter companies; therefore, they will only be located at airports that offer private jet services. Private and commercial airports are usually completely separate, but some commercial airports have private terminals with FBOs.

Can I Request a Different FBO?                                                         

Most operators will allow you to change the FBO selection when booking a private flight as a passenger. Services such as FlightBridge facilitate reservations for pilots and flight departments at 1000+ FBO.

J.A. Air Center: Chicago’s Premium FBO

J.A. Air Center is the Midwest’s leading aviation support facility. Our FBO features a fully appointed terminal and offers concierge-level services to pilots and passengers. Over 150,000 square feet of space at J.A. Air Center means ample room to house private jets and flight departments. Professional fueling and maintenance services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For more information about our FBO services, call our FBO Manager, Randy Fank, at 630.549.2106. You can also fill out our online contact form or make an FBO reservation online using FlightBridge.

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