Flying on a Private Jet | Private Air Travel | Camber

Flying Private

Glossary of Terms

Private air travel is one of the best ways to reach your favorite vacation spot, make business trips, or transport the whole team for a game or event. Flying on a private jet is a unique experience and comes with many different terms to know before you take off. Camber offers ease in private jet booking, but our customer support also continues with you from booking to arrival. To speak with a flight advisor, contact us today. View the full glossary of terms for private aviation.

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Aft Cargo Hold

The aft cargo hold is found onboard the aircraft and is located at the back of the aircraft. It is not accessible during flight.

Balanced Field Length

The balanced field length is the distance required for an aircraft to safely take off, or stop, based on the takeoff weight of the aircraft and conditions of the runway.

Ceiling

In aviation, the ceiling refers to the lowest layer of clouds present and the visibility available based on weather conditions, such as having fog present.

FBO/Executive Terminal

An FBO is a fixed-base operator. FBOs are airport service centers that offer several services to fliers and operators including aircraft maintenance, lounge facilities, cabin supplies, and hangars for aircraft before and after flight. FBOs are colloquially known as the Executive Terminal, where customers board their respective aircraft.

Flight Crew

The flight crew is the staff aboard an aircraft which operates the aircraft during flight. Depending on the size of the aircraft, the flight crew will range in size from just a single pilot to two pilots and a cabin crew. 

  • PIC: The PIC is the pilot in command and is the pilot who is responsible for operating the aircraft during flight and maintaining the safety of everyone aboard the aircraft.  
  • SIC: When a flight has a second pilot, that pilot is known as the SIC, or second in command. All SimpleCharters flights are operated by two pilots.
  • Flight Attendant: On larger aircraft, one or more flight attendants make up the cabin crew and work to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers during flight. 

Fuel Stops

Many charter flights are nonstop, but when refueling is required to reach the destination, a typical fuel stop will take anywhere from 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the aircraft.

Headwind

Air that is moving in the opposite direction that the aircraft is traveling is known as a headwind.

Knot

The most common unit of measurement for the airspeed of an aircraft is a knot. A knot is equivalent to one nautical mile per hour.

Lavatory

An aircraft lavatory can be defined in one of three ways: a room similar to a bathroom with a washbowl and toilet, an area with just a washbowl, or an area with just a flush toilet. Many private charters include a full lavatory onboard, but depending on the size of the aircraft, this may vary.

Mechanical/Recovery

If there are ever mechanical or maintenance needs that arise with the aircraft you have chartered for your flight, SimpleCharters will procure a new aircraft for your trip. Our recovery guarantee ensures that your trip continues as scheduled.

Nautical Mile

A nautical mile is the unit of measurement used to calculate distances in air navigation.

Payload

Cargo or passengers on a flight are referred to as the payload, or the revenue- generating items aboard the aircraft during operation. The payload is not necessary for the operation of the flight itself.

Precipitation

Precipitation is defined as water, in any form, that is present in the atmosphere. Precipitation comes in several forms ranging from fog to snow.

Ramp Access

Ramp access is offered by many FBOs and allows passengers to drive their car right up to the jet. This dramatically reduces boarding time and alleviates the stress of flying with multiple suitcases, pets, and other cargo.

Statute Mile

A statute mile is a measure of distance which equals 5,280 feet.

Tail Number/Call Sign

A tail number is the registration number assigned to a particular aircraft and is painted on the tail. Similar to a license plate, the tail number is a form of identification. A call sign is a combination of letters and numbers used to identify an operator and sometimes the tail number and call sign for a particular aircraft will be the same.

Tailwind

A tailwind is air that is moving in the direction that an aircraft is flying (blowing from behind). For takeoff and landing, headwinds are more favorable than a tailwind.

Turbulence

When there are sudden changes to the airflow during flight, turbulence occurs. During periods of turbulence, and depending on the severity, a pilot may reduce airspeed to alleviate discomfort and avoid plane damage. Turbulence is completely normal and nothing more than a nuisance. It helps to remember that hitting a patch of turbulence during a flight is similar to hitting a bump in the road while driving in a car.

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