Air Charter and Taxi Businesses Industry Terminology

A form of wet lease where the lessor provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance; the lessee typically pays for fuel, airport/ATC fees, and other trip costs. Commonly used for seasonal peaks or to cover downtime. Examples: 'We secured an ACMI deal for the summer surge.'; 'Under ACMI the operator supplies the crew, but we cover fuel and ground fees.'; 'The tour operator outsourced lift via a 6‑month ACMI.'

A surveillance technology in which an aircraft broadcasts its GPS-derived position, velocity, and other data for ATC and nearby aircraft. Required in much controlled airspace and key to traffic awareness and tracking. Examples: 'Is the tail ADS‑B Out compliant for U.S. Class B?' ; 'We’ll track the flight via ADS‑B data on the ops screen.' ; 'Post‑mod ADS‑B coverage improved our flight following.'

On-demand air transportation using small aircraft or helicopters, typically point-to-point, priced per trip or flight hour, and regulated as commercial operations (e.g., Part 135 in the U.S.). Examples: 'The client wants air taxi service from Manhattan to Teterboro.' ; 'Air taxi pricing depends on legs and repositioning.' ; 'We operate air taxi under our Part 135 certificate.'

A service whereby a manager runs an owner’s aircraft day-to-day (crewing, maintenance, compliance, scheduling), often placing it on the manager’s AOC for charter revenue. Examples: 'Management handles crewing, CAMO, and dispatch.' ; 'The owner joined a management program to offset costs via charter.' ; 'Our management agreement covers compliance and trip support.'

Regulatory authorization to conduct commercial air transport. Demonstrates organization, systems, and compliance to the aviation authority. Examples: 'Without an AOC you can’t sell seats or charters.' ; 'We added the new jet to the AOC last month.' ; 'The broker verified the operator’s AOC status.'

An unplanned maintenance event grounding the aircraft, often requiring expedited parts and support; disrupts schedules and may trigger substitute lift. Examples: 'The flight is delayed due to an AOG hydraulic issue.' ; 'We’re arranging substitute lift while the G450 is AOG.' ; 'AOG logistics added to the trip cost.'

Government-mandated transmission of passenger and crew data prior to arrival/departure for border clearance. Noncompliance can mean fines or delays. Examples: 'Ops filed APIS to CBP two hours before departure.' ; 'We need passport details now to submit APIS.' ; 'APIS errors can cause denied entry and penalties.'

The primary airport or facility where an operator or aircraft is based; determines hangarage, crew domicile, and often ferry costs to the pickup point. Examples: 'Ferry time applies from the aircraft’s base of operations.' ; 'We’ll stage the aircraft closer to reduce reposition.' ; 'Changing base lowered our fixed costs.'

Elapsed time from first movement under own power to full stop at destination (chocks out to chocks in). Used for scheduling and sometimes billing. Examples: 'We charge by block time, not air time.' ; 'Block time includes taxi delays at LHR.' ; 'Plan 2.5 hours block for this sector.'

A national aviation regulator (e.g., UK CAA), responsible for certification, oversight, and enforcement. In the U.S., the FAA serves this role. Examples: 'The CAA audited our SMS last quarter.' ; 'We must submit amendments to the CAA for this LOA.' ; 'CAA rules govern our duty limits.'

Restrictions on a foreign operator carrying domestic passengers within a country. Violations lead to penalties; trips may need a local operator. Examples: 'Foreign tails can’t do U.S. domestic cabotage legs.' ; 'We split the mission to avoid cabotage issues in the EU.' ; 'Broker proposed a local operator to stay cabotage-compliant.'

EASA construct for organizations managing continued airworthiness tasks (maintenance planning, records, compliance) for aircraft. Examples: 'Our CAMO monitors ADs and SBs for the fleet.' ; 'The CAMO approved the revised maintenance program.' ; 'We’re moving the aircraft to an in-house CAMO.'

Document issued by the authority attesting that a specific aircraft meets design and maintenance standards and is fit to fly. Examples: 'No charter until the Certificate of Airworthiness is valid.' ; 'Post-maintenance, the C of A was revalidated.' ; 'Records gaps can jeopardize the C of A.'

The binding contract between the client (or broker) and operator detailing aircraft, itinerary, pricing, payment, cancellations, responsibilities, and liabilities. Examples: 'The charter agreement defines de-icing cost responsibility.' ; 'Force majeure and diversion clauses protected both sides.' ; 'We added a no-smoking rider to the agreement.'

An intermediary who arranges flights between clients and certificated operators, handling sourcing, vetting, quoting, and trip coordination. Examples: 'The broker sourced three operators for supplemental lift.' ; 'Reputable brokers verify AOC and safety ratings.' ; 'Broker margin is included in the all-in quote.'

Operational training and practices emphasizing communication, leadership, decision-making, and teamwork to enhance safety. Examples: 'CRM training is recurrent under our ops manual.' ; 'Good CRM prevented a runway incursion.' ; 'We evaluate CRM in line checks.'

Items posing risks in air transport (e.g., lithium batteries, chemicals), regulated by ICAO/IATA rules with strict packaging and documentation. Examples: 'Is DG carriage permitted on this Part 135 flight?' ; 'We need a Shipper’s Declaration for those batteries.' ; 'Some DG are forbidden on passenger charters.'

An unplanned landing at an alternate due to weather, medical issues, technical problems, or ATC constraints; may add costs and schedule impact. Examples: 'We diverted to LAS due to a medical emergency.' ; 'The charter agreement covers diversion responsibilities.' ; 'Fuel planning includes diversion reserves.'

Aircraft-only lease without crew, maintenance, or insurance; the lessee operates under its own AOC. Typically medium/long term. Examples: 'We dry-leased a light jet to enter a new market.' ; 'Under a dry lease, crew and ops are the lessee’s responsibility.' ; 'AOC coverage is required for dry lease operations.'

Regulatory limit on how long crew may be on duty and operate flights, varying by reporting time, legs, and rest. Examples: 'We’re up against the FDP; consider a tech stop tomorrow.' ; 'Fatigue rules require a longer rest before the return leg.' ; 'Ops adjusted the schedule to remain within FDP.'

The European regulator setting safety rules and approvals (e.g., Part-CAT, Part-ORO, Part-M/Part-CAMO). Recognized internationally for oversight standards. Examples: 'The operator holds an EASA AOC.' ; 'EASA FTL differs from U.S. 135 duty rules.' ; 'The mod has EASA and FAA approvals.'

Electronic information and tools (often tablet-based) replacing paper manuals and charts; may require specific authorization. Examples: 'Performance data is in the EFB app.' ; 'Our LOA covers Class 1 EFB usage.' ; 'EFB sync failed; load backup charts.'

A repositioning flight without the original customer on board, often offered at discounted rates but with limited flexibility and cancellation risk. Examples: 'We found an empty leg that matches your route.' ; 'Empty legs are subject to last-minute changes.' ; 'Pricing reflects that it’s a non-guaranteed empty leg.'

The U.S. regulations governing commuter and on-demand charter operations, setting standards for crew qualifications, maintenance, duty limits, and ops specs. Examples: 'This flight must be conducted under Part 135.' ; 'Part 135 requires additional training and recordkeeping.' ; 'We added the route to our 135 ops specs.'

Private terminal and service provider offering fuel, handling, lounges, catering coordination, and ground support for business aviation. Examples: 'We’ll use the Signature FBO for handling and fuel.' ; 'Ramp fees may be waived with a fuel uplift.' ; 'The client wants the quieter FBO on the south side.'

A non-revenue flight to move an aircraft for maintenance, delivery, or positioning; may operate under special permits. Examples: 'We’ll ferry the aircraft to the MRO tonight.' ; 'The morning sector is a ferry to pick up passengers.' ; 'A permit is needed to ferry with the MEL item deferred.'

Rules limiting cumulative flight time over specified periods to manage fatigue risk, complementing FDP/duty limits. Examples: 'The captain is near monthly FTL limits.' ; 'We swapped crew to comply with FTL.' ; 'FTL modeling shows we can add one more leg.'

A pricing component used to offset fuel price volatility or exceptional uplift costs at specific airports. Examples: 'Quote includes a winter fuel surcharge.' ; 'High island fuel prices triggered a surcharge.' ; 'We cap surcharges using the index in the contract.'

The estimated time protection provided by de/anti-icing fluids before contamination reaccumulates; determines latest safe takeoff time. Examples: 'Type IV HOT is 30–45 minutes in these conditions.' ; 'If we exceed HOT, we must re-deice.' ; 'Monitor precipitation intensity to update HOT.'

Instrument Flight Rules or Visual Flight Rules governing how a flight is conducted relative to weather and ATC services. Examples: 'We’ll file IFR due to low ceilings.' ; 'The helicopter can go VFR direct if the visibility holds.' ; 'IFR gets us priority in busy airspace.'

A voluntary business aviation safety standard (Stage 1–3) focusing on SMS, SOPs, training, and continuous improvement. Examples: 'The operator is IS‑BAO Stage 3.' ; 'Bidders with IS‑BAO certification scored higher in the RFP.' ; 'Our audit follows IS‑BAO protocols.'

Kerosene-based turbine fuels; Jet A common in the U.S. (higher freeze point), Jet A‑1 common internationally (lower freeze point). Examples: 'Request Jet A‑1 for the North Atlantic leg.' ; 'Fuel spec matters for cold-soak routes.' ; 'The FBO confirmed Jet A availability only.'

A prepaid program offering fixed or capped hourly rates, guaranteed availability rules, and service terms across a network or fleet type. Examples: 'The client prefers a 25‑hour jet card.' ; 'Peak-day restrictions apply under the card.' ; 'Rates escalate per CPI in the jet card agreement.'

Airport and ground charges for landing, parking, passenger services, and ramp handling; often linked to aircraft weight and time on the ground. Examples: 'Landing fees are higher for heavier types.' ; 'The handler quoted separate parking and GPU fees.' ; 'We budgeted handling at both ends.'

A customized list stating which equipment may be inoperative, under what conditions, and for how long, while maintaining acceptable safety levels. Examples: 'The MEL allows dispatch with one VHF inop.' ; 'Ops applied the MEL deferral with the proper placard.' ; 'We adjusted performance due to the MEL item.'

Organizations that perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, inspections, and modifications on aircraft and components. Examples: 'C-check is scheduled at the MRO in Basel.' ; 'We’re sourcing parts through the MRO’s pool.' ; 'The MRO can turn the AOG overnight.'

The certified maximum weight for takeoff; drives performance calculations, fees, and sometimes airport access. Examples: 'Runway length limits us below MTOW today.' ; 'Landing fees scale with MTOW.' ; 'Weight and balance will set our allowable fuel at MTOW.'

Time-sensitive notices about hazards, closures, procedures, or infrastructure affecting flight operations. Examples: 'There’s a NOTAM closing the ILS after 22:00.' ; 'PPR is indicated in the NOTAMs for that airfield.' ; 'Ops will recheck NOTAMs before release.'

The team or function that plans, releases, and monitors flights, manages crew/aircraft routing, obtains permits/slots, and coordinates irregular operations. Examples: 'OCC filed the permits and slot requests.' ; 'Call OCC for a weather and risk update.' ; 'OCC is arranging recovery lift after the diversion.'

Non-scheduled flights sold trip-by-trip with bespoke timing and routings, as opposed to scheduled service or long-term contracts. Examples: 'Pricing for on-demand charter depends on legs and availability.' ; 'They prefer on-demand over a jet card.' ; 'On-demand allows us to tailor the itinerary.'

Requirement in managed-aircraft programs for the owner to approve releasing their aircraft for third-party charter, often with blackout dates or client restrictions. Examples: 'Trip pending owner approval due to weekend use.' ; 'The owner restricted pets and red-wine service.' ; 'We’ll propose a substitute tail if approval is denied.'

Part 91 covers private, non-commercial operations; Part 135 covers commercial on-demand/commuter operations with stricter requirements for crew, maintenance, and oversight. Examples: 'Positioning can be under Part 91, but the revenue legs are 135.' ; 'Cabotage and compensation rules differ between 91 and 135.' ; 'Client insisted on 135 for duty-of-care compliance.'

Official list of passengers and crew with identifying details used for safety, weight and balance, and border clearance (e.g., APIS). Examples: 'We need the final manifest 24 hours out.' ; 'Ops updated the manifest when one guest canceled.' ; 'The manifest feeds both W&B and APIS filings.'

A non-revenue leg to move the aircraft to or from the pickup/drop-off point; may be billed to the client or offset by an empty-leg sale. Examples: 'Quote includes 0.8 hours of positioning from base.' ; 'We posted the positioning leg as an empty.' ; 'Smart routing minimized positioning costs.'

An airport access requirement mandating advance permission/slots due to capacity, noise, or local rules; typically coordinated via the handler. Examples: 'This island strip is PPR only.' ; 'Submit PPR and PAX list 48 hours prior.' ; 'No PPR, no landing clearance today.'

Allocated times for arrival/departure at coordinated airports to manage capacity; missing a slot can mean significant delays. Examples: 'Slot window is 10 minutes; we must be ready.' ; 'OCC secured a departure slot at Linate.' ; 'Weather compression may force a new slot time.'

A formal, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk, including policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion; required or strongly recommended for charter operators. Examples: 'Submit a hazard report through the SMS portal.' ; 'The safety review used our bow-tie analysis.' ; 'SMS metrics feed our management reviews.'

The aircraft registration identifier (e.g., N123AB) used for regulatory, operational, and tracking purposes. Examples: 'The tail number for the quote is N7XXJS.' ; 'The client requested an unbranded tail for discretion.' ; 'We filed the tail change with ATC and the handler.'

Calculation ensuring the aircraft’s weight and center of gravity are within limits for safety and performance; includes passengers, bags, fuel, and catering. Examples: 'We must reduce bags to meet W&B limits.' ; 'CG is forward; seat two aft to balance.' ; 'Final W&B depends on actual fuel uplift.'

A lease where the lessor provides an aircraft with some level of operational support (commonly ACMI); used for supplemental lift, start-ups, or maintenance cover. Examples: 'We arranged a 90‑day wet lease during heavy checks.' ; 'The wet lease includes crews under the lessor’s ops.' ; 'Costs exclude fuel and airport fees under this wet lease.'