1. Are You an FAA Part 135 Broker or an Operator?
This is the most important distinction in private aviation. Operators hold their own FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate — they own or lease aircraft and employ their own crews. Brokers (like En Route Jets) act as intermediaries, searching a network of Part 135 operators and matching clients to certified aircraft without owning aircraft themselves.
Neither model is inherently better — but you need to know which one you're dealing with. If a company presents itself ambiguously, implying they own aircraft they don't, that's a trust signal worth noting.
2. What Aircraft Safety Standards Do You Use?
A reputable broker should have a documented vendor vetting process. At minimum, this should include confirming FAA Part 135 certification, current aircraft airworthiness, pilot training and currency requirements, and operator insurance coverage. Some brokers go further and require third-party safety ratings from organizations like ARGUS or Wyvern — ask which rating level they require for recommended operators.
3. How Do You Price Your Quotes?
Understanding the fee structure protects you from surprises. Ask: Is the quote all-in, or will additional fees appear later? Are landing fees, fuel surcharges, and repositioning costs included? A transparent broker provides itemized quotes and explains every line item. If a broker is vague about how they're compensated, proceed carefully.
4. What Happens If My Aircraft Becomes Unavailable?
Maintenance issues, weather holds, and crew availability problems happen in aviation. Ask about the broker's contingency protocol. A good broker has 24/7 contact availability, active relationships with backup operators for alternative aircraft, and clear policies on rebooking and cost management when the issue is operator-caused.
5. What Is Your Cancellation and Rebooking Policy?
Charter contracts vary significantly on cancellation terms. Understand: how far in advance you can cancel with a full refund, what the penalty is for late cancellation, whether you can reschedule rather than cancel, and whether the policy differs for empty legs vs. standard charters. Get the answers in writing before you sign.
6. How Long Have You Been Operating and What Markets Do You Specialize In?
Experience matters in aviation brokerage. Brokers with deep relationships in specific markets can access aircraft faster, negotiate better, and solve problems more effectively than generalist brokers with no regional roots. Local knowledge — which operators are most reliable in a given region, which FBOs have the best service — adds real value.
7. Can I Reach You After Hours or During My Trip?
Private aviation is inherently unpredictable. Weather, scheduling changes, and last-minute adjustments happen at 11pm on a Saturday. Confirm your broker provides genuine 24/7 contact — and find out whether that means a live person or a voicemail box.
The En Route Jets Approach
En Route Jets operates as an FAA Part 135 charter broker, exclusively placing clients on certified operator aircraft. We're transparent about our structure, upfront about pricing, and reachable throughout every trip. Our primary markets are Raleigh-Durham (RDU) and Las Vegas (LAS), with access to the full national operator network for any departure point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a broker, or can I book directly with an operator?
You can book directly with operators. The advantage of a broker is access to multiple operators simultaneously, competitive pricing through comparison, and an independent advocate if problems arise. A good broker costs nothing extra compared to booking the same operator direct.
Is a charter broker liable if something goes wrong?
The FAA Part 135 operator remains the legally responsible party for the safety of the flight. A broker's responsibility relates to the booking arrangement — confirming operator certification, accurate trip pricing, and logistics coordination.
How do I know if a charter price is fair?
Getting two or three quotes from different brokers for the same trip is the best way to benchmark pricing. Transparent brokers welcome this comparison.