Aircraft Management That Matters

Aircraft management is the professional, outsourced operation of a privately owned aircraft — including FAA regulatory compliance, maintenance scheduling, crew hiring and training, insurance management, financial reporting, and 24/7 dispatch. The owner retains full authority over when and how the aircraft is used; the management company handles everything else.

Most owners hire a management company because operating a private jet involves regulatory, technical, and operational complexities that are a full-time job. Aero Charter has managed aircraft for owners across the Midwest for over 40 years.

Aircraft owners who place their plane on a Part 135 charter certificate can earn charter revenue when the aircraft isn’t being used for personal travel. This typically can offset a substantial portion  of the fixed ownership costs, depending on aircraft type, market demand, and the degree of scheduling flexibility the owner allows.

Owner scheduling priority is absolute — charter bookings fill availability gaps around owner travel, not the other way around. Aero Charter manages this scheduling carefully so personal use is never compromised.

Start with safety credentials: IS-BAO registration level (Stage 3 is the highest), independent audit ratings, and the longevity of the FAA Part 135 certificate. Then verify that the company holds its own Air Operator Certificate (not all management companies do), and confirm that crew training standards exceed the FAA minimum.

Beyond credentials, ask about retention rate (high turnover signals operational problems), how the company handles unexpected situations. A reliable manager will be transparent about all costs, fees, and revenue splits before you sign anything.