Private Aviation Glossary
Learn the most important terms in private and executive aviation. A complete guide to understanding the world of private jets.
A
AOC (Air Operator Certificate)
Certificate issued by the civil aviation authority (in Mexico, the DGAC) authorizing a company to operate aircraft commercially. Without a valid AOC, a company cannot legally offer charter flight services. The AOC certifies that the operator meets all safety, maintenance, and crew training requirements.
B
Block Time
Total time measured from when the aircraft begins moving from its parking position (block off) until it stops at its final position at destination (block on). Block time includes taxiing, takeoff, cruise, and landing. It is the standard unit for calculating flight costs in private aviation — hourly rates are based on block time.
C
Cabotage
Regulatory restriction that prohibits foreign-registered aircraft from conducting commercial flights between two points within the same country. In Mexico, air cabotage is prohibited, meaning only Mexican-registered aircraft (XA-, XB-, XC-) can operate domestic charter flights.
Charter
A charter flight is the complete rental of an aircraft for a specific trip, as opposed to buying individual seats on a commercial flight. The client defines origin, destination, date, time, and number of passengers. The aircraft operates exclusively for the contracting client.
Crew Rest
Mandatory rest period for flight crew between work shifts. Regulations establish minimum rest times for pilots based on hours flown. For long flights or multiple segments in a day, crew rest may require overnight stays at the destination, which adds to the quote.
D
DGAC
Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil). Mexico's civil aviation authority that regulates and certifies all civil aviation activity in the country, including aircraft, pilots, operators, airports, and maintenance facilities. It is the Mexican equivalent of the US FAA.
De-icing
Process of removing ice, snow, or frost from aircraft surfaces before takeoff by spraying a special fluid. De-icing is essential for flight safety as ice accumulation alters the aircraft's aerodynamics. Common at cold-climate airports during winter.
Deadhead
When crew travels as passengers on a commercial or other flight to position themselves where they need to operate their next flight. Also refers to non-marketable empty aircraft movements (as opposed to empty legs). Deadhead costs may be included in the charter quote.
E
Empty Leg
Also known as a "ferry flight" or repositioning flight. A flight an aircraft must perform without passengers after completing a charter or to position for the next one. Empty legs are offered at significant discounts (30-75% off regular rates) since the operator needs to move the aircraft anyway.
ETA / ETD
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) and ETD (Estimated Time of Departure). These times are calculated considering flight route, winds aloft, and air traffic restrictions. In private aviation, ETD is much more flexible than commercial flights — the plane departs when you're ready.
F
FBO (Fixed Base Operator)
Private or executive aviation terminal at an airport. FBOs provide services to general and private aviation aircraft including: fuel, hangar space, VIP lounges, handling services, flight dispatch, catering, ground transportation, and expedited immigration/customs at international airports.
Ferry Flight
Transfer flight of an aircraft without passengers, typically to position the plane at an airport where it will be needed for a charter, for maintenance, or to move it to a new base. Unlike empty legs, ferry flights are typically not sold at reduced prices.
G
Gulfstream
American manufacturer of high-end executive aircraft, owned by General Dynamics. Gulfstream produces some of the world's most prestigious private jets, including the G450, G550, G650, and G700. They are synonymous with luxury, intercontinental range, and cutting-edge aviation technology.
H
Handling
Ground assistance services an aircraft receives at an airport: parking guidance (marshalling), external power, fuel service, stairs or jetbridge, cabin cleaning, lavatory service, baggage loading/unloading, and customs/immigration coordination. Handling costs vary by airport and are typically included in flight quotes.
I
IATA / ICAO
IATA assigns three-letter airport codes (e.g., CUN for Cancun, MEX for Mexico City). ICAO assigns four-letter codes (MMUN for Cancun, MMMX for Mexico City). Private aviation uses both: IATA for client communication and ICAO for flight plans and air traffic control.
J
Jet Card
Membership program that allows purchasing flight hours upfront at a guaranteed fixed rate. Jet Cards are typically sold in 25, 50, or 100-hour packages and offer benefits like: fixed hourly pricing, guaranteed availability with 24-48 hours notice, access to a specific fleet, and dedicated concierge service. Ideal for travelers with 5+ flights per year.
P
Positioning Flight
Flight needed to move an aircraft from its current location to the airport where the client needs to depart. If a jet is based in Monterrey and the client needs to leave from Cancun, a positioning flight MTY-CUN is required. This cost may be included in the quote or absorbed by the operator.
R
Ramp
Paved area of the airport where aircraft are parked, fueled, and where passengers board and disembark. In private aviation, the FBO ramp is where your vehicle can drive directly to the aircraft stairs — no terminals, metal detectors, or boarding lounges. This "drive-to-plane" experience is one of the most valued conveniences.
S
Slot
Time window assigned by air traffic control for an aircraft to take off or land at an airport. Congested airports (like AICM in Mexico City) require requesting slots in advance. Slot availability can affect departure times, especially during peak hours at major commercial airports.
T
Turboprop
Aircraft powered by turboprop engines combining a gas turbine with a propeller. Turboprops like the King Air 350 or Pilatus PC-12 are slower than jets (400-550 km/h vs 700-900 km/h) but more fuel-efficient on short routes (under 1.5 hours) and can operate from shorter runways.
V
VIP / VVIP Configuration
Aircraft interior designed for maximum luxury. A VIP configuration reduces standard seating to offer more space, throne-style seats, conference tables, convertible bed sofas, and separate rest areas. VVIP goes further with private suites, showers, full kitchens, and ultra-luxury materials.
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