Are you crunched for time or worried about all the trip details? Then you might
consider working with a charter broker. The broker represents your interests and
deals directly with operators and other trip service providers. What can a good
broker bring to your charter trip? The short answer is quite a lot.
The longer answer includes issues like competitive rates, contingency planning,
organizing all the logistics of a trip, and how to get the customer to their
destination in the wee hours of the morning if the weather won't permit the
flight.
While operators are strongly inclined to use the aircraft in their own fleet, it
can be strongly argued that a broker is more inclined to look for the right tool
for the job, meaning the correct aircraft for your trip.
How do you pick a good charter operator in the first place? Some are a whole lot
safer and better equipped than the airlines. Some are not. An experienced broker
knows how to find the answer to this question. A diligent broker will take the
time to call the FAA to check on any violation history, and the nature and
severity of anything discovered. This is very definitely "value added."
Brokers can handle the details of trip planning when you don't have the time to
do so. The broker will survey most aspects of the trip, obtaining copies of FAA
flight certificates, literature about the aircraft to be used, as well as backup
aircraft available. In addition, the broker will usually review the operator's
flight manifests for FBOs, mileage enroute, anticipated departure and arrival
times, and plans for overnight arrangements for aircraft and crew.
What does the operator carry for insurance? What level coverage does your company
expect for your senior people? Often policy riders must be constructed for
certain trips. Most air charter brokers have dealt with related insurance issues
enough to know when and where to inquire. They know how apparent problems can be
solved quickest and at the least expense.
In short, the broker is representing your interests. Use them as such! Work with
them. Ask them questions. Insist on answers. Help them plan all the details of
your trip (not just the airplane part). This is what they're really good at -
service.