Not all private jets are equal. Learn the safety certifications that matter — from ARGUS and Wyvern to FAA Part 135 and IS-BAO — so you can charter with confidence in 2025.
Introduction
Ask the wrong questions before booking a private jet, and you could still end up 40,000 feet in the air with a barely-compliant operator, an inexperienced flight crew, and a maintenance log that would make an aviation inspector sweat.
I’ve seen it up close.
I once boarded a light jet that looked pristine. Leather seating, shining fuselage, all the luxury details. But something felt off — the pilot was in his late twenties and seemed unusually vague about winds, runways, and flight plan specifics. Later I discovered this operator did not hold an ARGUS rating. Maintenance was done irregularly. The crew had minimal hours under their belt.
That was the day I realized: luxury is not security. The private aviation world is full of exceptional operators — but also some that barely meet the minimum standards to fly for hire.
If you’re going to spend $10,000–$100,000 to charter a jet, you need to know more than the model or hourly rate. You need to know exactly which safety certifications and audits the operator holds, and what that actually means.
Why Safety Standards Vary in Private Aviation
Commercial airlines are heavily regulated. Every pilot, flight attendant, maintenance process, scheduling decision — all tightly supervised. But private jet charters operate under a different regulatory system, often with less oversight unless voluntarily audited.
Some operators meet the absolute minimum FAA Part 135 standard — legally allowed to fly paying passengers, but not necessarily “gold standard.” Others go far beyond the requirement, submitting their company to third-party audits that elevate them to elite safety levels.
Your job? Choose the latter.
The Key Certifications That Actually Matter
✅ FAA Part 135 Certification (Minimum Required)
Any operator flying charter flights legally must have Part 135 certification from the FAA. This covers pilot hours, insurance liability, maintenance, duty times. But it’s simply the baseline legal requirement — like a driver’s license. You want more than that.
✅ ARGUS Ratings
- ARGUS Gold – Entry audit
- ARGUS Gold Plus – Higher operational oversight
- ARGUS Platinum – Top tier (rare). Requires in-depth operational, training, maintenance evaluations and onsite audits.
👉 When you see ARGUS Platinum, it means that company has passed one of the toughest private aviation audits in the world.
✅ Wyvern Wingman Certification
Wyvern conducts its own intensive audits, focusing heavily on real-time monitoring of pilot qualifications, medical certificates, flight time, and operational control systems.
Wingman status = internationally respected. Many large corporations will only fly with Wyvern Wingman operators.
✅ IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations)
Developed by the IBAC, this certification mirrors commercial airline safety practices. It’s a voluntary three-stage program. Stage 3 is the highest level. It means the operator uses safety management systems, quality assurance audits, risk mitigation protocols — the same approach major airlines use.
Additional Credentials & Red Flags
| Category | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Pilot Experience | Captain with 3,500+ hours flight time, at least 500 on type |
| Insurance | Liability coverage > $100M for heavy jets |
| Maintenance | Proof of regular inspections, engine hours, in-house or certified mechanic |
| Emergency Training | Crew trained in medical emergencies and procedures |
Red Flags!
- Operators without clear audit ratings
- Websites that list “Part 135” but no ARGUS or Wyvern credentials
- Pilots with minimal flight hours on that specific aircraft model
- Companies unwilling to provide safety record or pilot time logs
Questions to Ask a Charter Broker or Operator
Use this script before confirming your flight:
“Is your operation ARGUS-rated or Wyvern Wingman certified?”
“What are your crew minimums? How many hours does the captain have?”
“Is your flight operating under Part 135, and can I receive a copy of your operating certificate?”
“Do you comply with IS-BAO stage 2 or 3?”
A reputable company will answer confidently — and probably respect you more for asking.
Real Operators with Top Safety Standards (Examples*)
- NetJets – ARGUS Platinum, IS-BAO Stage 3
- Flexjet – Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO Stage 2/3
- VistaJet – ARGUS Platinum, global fleet, frequent audits
- XOJET (Vista) – Strong internal safety oversight
(*Note: These are examples; always verify current year certifications.)
Conclusion
Private jet travel only works when luxury and safety are aligned. A beautiful cabin and a champagne welcome mean nothing without a certified crew and a clean safety audit at the core of the operation.
Always go beyond marketing. Ask for the certifications. Look for ARGUS Platinum. Look for Wyvern Wingman. Look for IS-BAO. Check pilot hours. Demand transparency.
Because altitude doesn’t forgive oversight — and true peace of mind comes from knowing the aircraft under you isn’t just comfortable… it’s certified to the highest standard.