Rick Colson
By Rick Colson
Founder & CEO, New Flight Charters | Private Pilot | Aircraft Owner | Serving private aviation clients since 2004
Article Overview: Many people believe the private flying experience begins when they step onto the aircraft. In reality, the flight is the result. The quality of a charter flight is largely determined before departure—through mission analysis, aircraft & operator selection, airport selection, and contingency planning. All with client communication along the way.
One of the biggest misconceptions about private aviation is that the experience begins when the aircraft arrives on the ramp. I will tell you the opposite is true.
After more than twenty years arranging private aircraft for business leaders, entrepreneurs, family offices and experienced private flyers, I have learned that the quality of a charter flight is usually determined long before passengers ever see the airplane.
The aircraft itself is important, but it is only one part of a much larger process. The planning, preparation and operational decisions that happen beforehand are what turn private jet bookings into reliable, dependable and exceptional travel experiences.
Every Trip Starts with Understanding the Mission
One of the first questions is not, “What aircraft would you like?” Instead, it is, “What do you want to accomplish?” What does the optimal result look like? That answer informs the process and every suggestion that follows.
A board meeting involving six executives has very different requirements from a family traveling with ski equipment, or an investor needing to visit multiple cities in a single day. The mission—not the particular aircraft—should drive every decision.
The Best Aircraft Is Not Always the Largest Aircraft
It is easy to assume that choosing the biggest or newest aircraft guarantees the best experience. It rarely does.
Experienced private flyers understand that every aircraft has strengths. Some are ideally suited for shorter regional trips. Others excel on coast-to-coast missions. Some provide exceptional baggage capacity, while others offer superior access to airports with shorter runways.
Selecting the right aircraft is about matching capability to the mission, not simply choosing the largest cabin.
On a recent trip, we recommended using a Citation light jet over a similarly priced but larger Hawker 850XP midsize jet because the Citation, with its slower approach speed, had a much better chance of getting into the mountain airport in weather and with the runway length than the larger Hawker did. The client agreed and the decision paid off.
Airport Selection Can Save Hours
One of the greatest advantages of private aviation is access. Experienced travelers often focus just as much on airports as they do on aircraft.
A smaller executive airport closer to the final destination can eliminate lengthy ground transfers, reduce congestion and create a much smoother overall travel experience. Choosing the correct airport can save more time than selecting a faster aircraft.
Recently with a client flying to meetings in Chicago, we recommended arriving to DuPage Airport over Midway Airport which was fewer miles to the client’s meetings; however in rush hour traffic took longer to get there. The client saved 20 minutes driving time using the DuPage airport, which was also less expensive.
Preparation Creates Confidence
Behind every successful charter flight is a considerable amount of operational planning. Many factors go into each flight. Aircraft availability, crew scheduling, weather analysis, airport operating hours, maintenance status, fuel planning and ground transportation all come together before departure.
Most passengers never see this work, and that is exactly how it should be. The smoother the trip appears, the more preparation has usually taken place behind the scenes.
Aviation done safely is a complex arrangement. Managing these factors is one reason why professional aviation is the safest form of travel in the US.
The Importance of Contingency Planning
Private aviation operates in a dynamic environment. Weather changes. Aircraft occasionally require maintenance. Airport conditions evolve.
As the charter industry has evolved to be more “operationally driven,” dispatch reliability has become increasingly important. Mechanical delays and cancellations do happen as a part of flight safety, but the chances can and should be minimized as one of the factors in planning a charter flight. Nothing else matters if your flight ends up canceled for mechanical reasons.
The difference between an average charter experience and an exceptional one is often measured by how effectively operators and aircraft are chosen, and such situations are anticipated and managed. Experienced charter professionals understand that minimizing the chance of disruptions and having alternatives before they become necessary are crucial to delivering the service level expected in private jet charter.
Communication Is Part of the Service
Many people think of communication as simply confirming departure times. Experienced private flyers know it is much more than that.
Good communication reduces uncertainty. It provides confidence. It keeps everyone informed before questions become concerns. In many cases, proactive communication prevents small issues from becoming larger ones.
One expert point of contact available 24/7, managing the charter beginning to end, is often ideal.
Relationships Matter
One lesson I have learned over the years is that private aviation remains a relationship business, with clients obviously, and also with operators.
Strong relationships and histories with operators is the other side of the equation. I have always said that we are only as good as the operator flying. Operator relationships and selection are a key component to every trip.
These relationships help create better options, faster solutions and better service for clients.
Experience Cannot Be Automated
Technology continues to improve private aviation, and that is a good thing. Online booking tools, aircraft availability platforms and digital communication have all made charter travel more efficient.
However, I would say that experience, communication, and hands-on management of a trip matter more than ever. Knowing which aircraft is truly appropriate for a mission, anticipating operational challenges, understanding airport nuances and helping clients make informed decisions all rely on judgment developed over many years. Private aviation is complex and the service level expectation is high.
Private Aviation Should Feel Effortless
The best compliment we receive is not about the aircraft. One post-flight comment we received this week was, “I think your service is perfect. Available. Fast. Excellent communication skills. Always timely on questions.” Another client said, “We had a blissful time as always.”
When that happens, it usually means the planning was thorough, communication was clear and every detail had been considered before the day of travel. That is what exceptional private aviation looks like.
About Rick Colson
Rick Colson is the Founder and CEO of New Flight Charters. A private pilot and aircraft owner, Rick has spent more than two decades helping business leaders, entrepreneurs and experienced private flyers arrange charter solutions throughout North America and internationally. His focus has always been on knowledgeable guidance, dependable service and long-term client relationships built on trust.
