✈️ Common Private Jet Terms You Should Know
- FBO (Fixed Base Operator): A private terminal that offers fueling, ground services, lounges, and discreet boarding. When flying ALAS Air, you skip commercial terminals and enjoy the VIP experience of FBOs.
- Wheels Up: The moment your aircraft lifts off the ground. It’s also used to describe the planned departure time.
Example: “Wheels up at 10:45 AM.” - ETA / ETD: Estimated Time of Arrival and Departure—important for planning your ground transportation or meetings.
- Deadhead: A repositioning flight with no passengers, often needed to get the jet to your location.
- Empty Leg: A discounted one-way flight that occurs when a jet needs to return to base or reposition for its next client.
- Leg: Each flight segment in your itinerary is referred to as a leg.
- Ramp: The tarmac area where private jets are parked, boarded, or serviced.
- Hangar: A secure, covered structure used to store aircraft when they’re not flying—important for weather protection.
🧑✈️ Pilot & Crew Jargon
- ATC (Air Traffic Control): The ground-based service that manages all aircraft in controlled airspace, ensuring safety and order during flight.
- Flight Level (FL): The aircraft’s altitude measured in hundreds of feet. For example, FL390 = 39,000 feet.
- Turbulence: Air movement caused by weather or pressure differences. Private jets often fly higher to avoid it.
- Call Sign: The radio identifier for your aircraft, often derived from its tail number.
- Tail Number: The aircraft’s registration number, typically painted on the tail. Example: “N328PH.” It’s used in flight tracking, communication, and flight plans. To view the types of aircraft available for charter please click here.
- Copy That / Roger: Both are acknowledgment phrases used in aviation communication. “Copy that” means the message was received; “Roger” means it was received and understood.
- Pax: Short for “passengers.”
Example: “We have 5 pax on this leg.” - Estimated Takeoff Weight (ETOW): The aircraft’s total weight at liftoff, including fuel, baggage, passengers, and crew—critical for performance and safety.
- Mechanical: A general term referring to any maintenance issue or technical delay with the aircraft. At ALAS Air, we proactively manage aircraft condition to minimize disruptions.
- MEL (Minimum Equipment List): A detailed FAA-approved list of equipment that can be inoperative without compromising the safety of the flight. MELs help determine if a jet can depart safely.
- De-Ice: The process of removing ice, snow, or frost from an aircraft’s surfaces—especially wings and control surfaces—prior to takeoff. It’s essential in cold weather to ensure safety and lift performance.
💼 Charter Booking Terms
- Part 135: The regulatory framework for charter operations in the U.S. ALAS Air only works with certified Part 135 operators to ensure safety, compliance, and reliability.
- Operator vs. Broker: An operator owns or manages the aircraft and crew. A broker—like ALAS Air—works with vetted operators to match you with the ideal aircraft based on your trip, budget, and preferences.
- Jet Card: A prepaid private jet membership offering guaranteed availability, fixed rates, and flexible scheduling. Ideal for frequent flyers who value convenience and control.
Fly with Confidence — Fly with Alas
Understanding aviation lingo makes the experience even smoother. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or a seasoned jet-setter, Alas delivers expert-level service, white-glove coordination, and unmatched peace of mind.
For a free quote, please use the form below, or call us at 720-312-4021.
Private jet charter. Redefined for the modern traveler by Alas.