LIFTING THE STANDARD: 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HELICOPTER OPERATOR

As our aircraft Owners prepare for a demanding holiday travel calendar, they might find themselves wondering how to make the journey a stress-free – even enjoyable – experience. Most would agree many popular peak season destinations are often accompanied by undesirable crowds and congestion, as this time of year typically challenges our sense of shared space. For those enjoying the benefits of private aviation, the advantages are aptly highlighted against the backdrop of busy roadways and lengthy delays or lines just about anywhere you turn. At Flexjet, we work diligently to deliver the service, efficiency and exclusivity our aircraft Owners have come to expect – regardless of the time of year.

ARRIVE IN STYLE AND ON TIME

When embarking on holiday travel, avoiding congested roadways can prove tricky. For those looking to add style, efficiency and comfort to their trip, Flexjet helicopters offer door-to-destination services in the Northeast, Florida and London. Many Flexjet aircraft Owners have enjoyed the easy interchange options we can provide between our jet and helicopter fleet, seeing firsthand the benefits of utilizing a Sikorsky S-76 to arrive closer to their final destination while eliminating the annoyance of pesky seasonal traffic.

If you are interested in our helicopter offering but do not know where to start, we recommend discussing the below with one of our private aviation experts. These are some common questions we receive from those looking to experience the streamlining effect of helicopter travel.

1. What are Your Safety Protocols?

When it comes to air travel, safety should always be the top priority. That is why we follow stringent safety procedures throughout every step of your journey, from pre-flight to post-flight. At Flexjet, we employ a comprehensive safety curriculum of programs and protocols, furthering our robust safety platform. We enforce our deeply rooted approach to safety through processes, policies, proprietary data and some of the industry’s most respected experts. The Flexjet Safety Board holds accredited audits and risk assessments above standard levels to reflect our ongoing adherence to the highest order of safety.

This commitment to your security is also reflected in our aircraft themselves. The Sikorsky S-76 employs dual-redundancy safety measures on all critical lift elements and Flexjet always operates our helicopters with two IFR-certified pilots. Our protocols call for all dual safety measures and checklists to be completed and confirmed before flying. Safety and security are the most critical components of every Flexjet flight – an ethos reflected throughout all aspects of our operations.

It would also be wise to inquire about the third-party safety audits a helicopter operator voluntarily subjects themselves to. For example, just as with our fleet of private jets, our helicopter operation upholds a Platinum rating from ARGUS — the most prestigious and demanding aviation safety assessment organization in the U.S. Beyond that, our helicopter operations comply with the full integration audit protocols of the International Business Aircraft Council and are certified as IS-BAO Stage 3, their most stringent standard.

2. Who are Your Pilots?

Understanding how a provider selects and vets their pilots gives a thorough glimpse into an operation’s safety and service standards. Our helicopter Captains average over 5,000 hours of flight time, making them exceptionally qualified to lead your mission. Often joining our team with backgrounds in military, logistical and rescue operations, Flexjet helicopter pilots are held to some of the highest standards in aviation. All Flexjet helicopter pilots are IFR qualified and receive bi-annual check rides.

We empower our helicopter pilots to take full control of mission status based on the weather conditions, logistical windows or operational considerations often present in a helicopter travel environment. If their comfort and standards do not align with circumstances, they are emboldened to use only one criterion to decide to fly or not, and that is safety.

3. What are Your Service Areas?

A service area refers to the regions or routes in which a helicopter operates. With the holidays on the horizon, many of our aircraft Owners are seeking a warm respite in some of Florida’s finest beachside escapes. There are also many traveling to metropolises like New York City and London for business and then looking for a quick way to return to their countryside or suburban properties. You want to ensure a helicopter provider not only is able to get you where you need to be but also has intimate knowledge of the specific region they are flying in. Our pilots work diligently to learn the most optimal routes between common helicopter destinations, offering speed and precision for your journey.

4. Do You Practice ‘Friendly Flying’?

Friendly flying is the method used to minimize noise and other disturbances to communities near or along helicopter flight routes. Flexjet is proud to be one of the few fractional providers that practices friendly flying – including intentionally taking routes specially designed to fly over less populated areas and maintaining a flying altitude of 3,000 ft. – high enough to reduce noise pollution for neighborhoods located below. Our helicopters themselves also offer a smaller noise footprint than comparable models and follow a voluntary curfew of 10 PM, reducing additional strain on the areas they operate in.

5. What Sustainability Measures Do You Take?

Along with friendly flying, Flexjet helicopters are proud to utilize environmentally conscious practices as part of our standard operations. This involves not allowing our helicopters to run for extended periods of time on the ground, offsetting the carbon emissions of every flight at no expense to our customers and even electing to use SAF (sustainable aviation fuel). We do our part to ensure we are employing sustainability measures to a higher degree than anyone else in the industry.

A Pristine Reputation Amongst Influential Communities

When it comes to navigating the specific nuances that accompany responsible helicopter operation, you want a provider that understands and anticipates industry regulations. For example, many private airports and municipalities have strict rules helicopter operations must follow. A pristine reputation like Flexjet’s carries an unparalleled commitment to safety, performance and responsibility. This respect is recognized not only by enforcement entities but also by the prestigious communities in which we operate.

Our helicopter offering is a thoughtful extension of Flexjet’s superior fleet, helping you avoid traffic and arrive in a timely, safe manner closer to your destination. For those who have not already appreciated our helicopter offerings, the holidays are the perfect time to do so. Please contact our team to learn more.