The Private Jet Pilots Considerations
Ever wondered why some private aircraft can takeoff or land at a particular airport and time while others can not? Many factors influence a pilot’s decision when filing a flight plan including: aircraft performance, operational control procedures, weather, altitude of the airport and weight of the passengers, crew and fuel. These factors make it difficult to predict flight times, fuel stops and airport selection. I have listed below each category and how it may affect your particular flight.
Aircraft Performance
Not only does each aircraft type have its own performance characteristics, but each individual plane may have different weights, modifications and operating procedures. For example: a typical Citation II has a shorter range than one with a High Gross Kit modification, which allows it to take off and land with additional fuel onboard. Also, different avionics can affect the weight and balance of an aircraft. So, it is entirely possible for one Citation II jet to have a range of 1,000nm while another can travel 1,900nm on the same day and route.
Operational Control Procedures
There are over...