The Not-So-Dreaded Fuel Stop!

If you have ever chartered a jet before, you know that each aircraft has its limitations, in terms of range. When speaking with your charter professional about your flight, they might ask you if you are willing to make a fuel stop in order to open up a few more jet options. In my experience satisfying the needs of charter clients, I have found that the idea of a fuel stop is not something most will consider when chartering a jet.

I’ll use the example of a New York to Los Angeles, area flight. A light or midsize is certainly a cost-effective solution for making this trip. Light jets and many midsize jets do not have the range to fly this east to west itinerary without making a fuel stop.

The easy answer is simply choosing a larger aircraft with a greater range. If this can be done for the same price, then I would agree is always the best solution. It is most often is the case however, that larger, longer-range jets will be significantly more expensive. Let’s face it. If you are on a business trip with a very tight timeline, or simply must minimize your travel time, then you need to choose the jet with non-stop range. This blog entry is not really for your scenario. For those that might be willing to save a few dollars, in exchange for taking longer to get there however, there are some things to think about.

The negative point first. The stop is going to add about an hour to your itinerary. Though you might only be on the ground for about 20 or 30 minutes, your crew has to slow down, descend from altitude, land, and taxi to the FBO where the fuel is being purchased. The fuel stop location will be determined prior to departure and most often the FBO facility will be expecting your jet when it arrives for the stop. This streamlines the process of getting fuel and minimizes time spent on the ground.

This time on the ground does give you a great opportunity to stretch your legs and move around for a few minutes. Enjoy some of the amenities of the FBO. Most offer free WiFi internet, a business center with fax, local and national newspapers/magazines, conference rooms, gourmet coffees, drinks and snacks. If traveling with small children the fuel stop is usually a great time to enjoy being out of the cabin for a few minutes. Traveling with you pet? Fido certainly will appreciate a short walk while the jet is being refueled. Many people that travel long distances with their dogs request the stop for this reason alone!

Next time you charter a jet and your operator or broker representative asks you if you are willing to make a fuel stop as part of your itinerary, consider a few of these things. The tolerance for a fuel stop might open up many more options as you choose a jet for your trip.

If you have specific questions about planning a charter flight, just a general private aviation question, or would like to share your experiences on this topic, please feel free to contact me directly using this form or by leaving a comment below.