Who Are the Crew on a Private Jet? Pilots, Flight Attendants & Qualifications

The Captain (Pilot in Command)

The Captain is the Pilot in Command (PIC). The PIC has final authority over every decision affecting the safety of the flight. This authority is absolute under FAA regulations and supersedes any instruction from passengers, operators, or ground personnel.

Under FAA Part 135, Under FAA Part 135, pilot-in-command qualification requirements depend on the aircraft and operation. Captains of turbojet charter flights must hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, while some non-turbojet Part 135 operations may be flown by pilots who meet the applicable Commercial Pilot, instrument, experience, and training requirements. The ATP is the FAA’s highest level of pilot certification and generally requires at least 1,500 flight hours, along with the applicable knowledge and practical tests and demonstrated proficiency for the aircraft and operation.

In addition to the ATP, the Captain must hold a type rating for the specific aircraft being flown. A type rating is an additional certification issued for each class of complex or high-performance aircraft. A Captain flying a Gulfstream G550 holds a separate type rating for the G550 in addition to their ATP. Flying a Challenger 350 requires a Challenger 350 type rating. There is no blanket private jet licence.

The First Officer (Co-Pilot)

The First Officer is the second pilot and works alongside the Captain to support safe flight operations. Under FAA Part 135, whether a Second in Command is required depends on the aircraft certification, seating configuration, type of operation, and the operator’s approved authorizations. The First Officer shares flight duties with the Captain, monitors aircraft systems, handles radio communications, and provides an additional layer of operational oversight and safety monitoring throughout the flight.

First Officers under Part 135 must hold at minimum a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating. Many hold ATPs. First Officers also carry type ratings for the specific aircraft.

On some light jets under 12,500 pounds, single-pilot operations are permitted under Part 135. Single-pilot charter operations are less common in premium on-demand charter, as most operators providing high-service charter flights use two-pilot crews across their fleet regardless of regulatory minimums.

All crew on Hogani Jets-coordinated charters hold the qualifications required by FAA Part 135 for the aircraft and operation type. The Captain holds the FAA certificate, ratings, medical qualification, experience, and aircraft-specific training required for the operation; turbojet Captains hold an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. The First Officer holds at minimum a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating where applicable, and many also hold an ATP. Both pilots hold current FAA medical certificates. Both complete recurrent training on the aircraft type at intervals required by Part 135, typically every 6 to 12 months. ARGUS and Wyvern operator audits review crew training records as part of their certification process.

When a Flight Attendant Is Required

FAA regulations require a flight attendant on aircraft with more than 19 passenger seats. This threshold means most business jets do not legally require a flight attendant. However, many operators include a flight attendant on heavy jets and ultra-long-range aircraft as a standard service element, particularly for groups of 9 or more passengers.

What the Flight Attendant Does

The flight attendant on a private jet serves two functions: safety and service. The safety function is the primary one under FAA regulations. The flight attendant is trained in emergency procedures specific to the aircraft, including evacuation, emergency equipment operation, first aid, and passenger safety briefing requirements.

The service function covers catering, beverage service, cabin comfort management, passenger requests, and coordination with the flight crew. On ultra-long-range aircraft, the flight attendant manages multiple meal periods, maintains the galley, and ensures the cabin environment for long-duration flights.

When a Flight Attendant Is Present on Smaller Aircraft

Some operators include a flight attendant on midsize and super midsize jets for specific trips, particularly wedding charters, honeymoon departures, and high-profile bookings where enhanced service is part of the brief. This is arranged at booking through Hogani Jets when the client requests enhanced cabin service.

FAA Part 135 imposes strict duty time limits on commercial charter crew. These limits exist to prevent fatigue-related errors and are not waivable by the operator or the client.

Under Part 135, the maximum flight time in any 24-hour period is 8 hours for single-pilot operations. For two-pilot crews, maximum flight time extends to specified limits depending on rest periods taken. The maximum duty period (from reporting to the FBO to completion of the flight) is 14 hours for many Part 135 operations.

Minimum rest between duty periods is 10 hours. This is a hard requirement. If a client schedules a departure that would require crew to violate rest minimums based on their prior duty, the operator will adjust the departure time. Crew rest requirements are not negotiable and are enforced by the Part 135 operator as the holder of operational control.

For multi-leg trips, overnight stays, and international operations, Hogani Jets builds crew rest requirements into the itinerary at the planning stage. A multi-city itinerary that exceeds crew duty limits will include crew accommodation costs as part of the trip budget.

The Pilot in Command is directly responsible for, and has final authority over, the operation of the aircraft under FAA regulations. Safety and operational decisions made by the PIC must be followed throughout the flight.

The Captain may deny boarding, delay departure, return to the departure airport, or divert to an alternate airport when required for safety, security, regulatory compliance, or operational reasons. These decisions do not require passenger approval when necessary for the safe operation of the flight.

These authorities exist for safety reasons and are not subject to negotiation. In practice, the vast majority of charter flights proceed without any exercise of these authorities. But passengers should understand that the Captain's judgment on safety matters is final.

Private jet crew are professionals. The Captain and First Officer are occupied with flight duties and are not available for extended conversation while managing the flight. Brief, direct communication is appropriate. If there is a catering issue, a cabin temperature concern, or a passenger medical situation, inform the flight attendant on equipped aircraft, or address the Captain directly in a non-emergency. Do not enter the cockpit without invitation. For routine requests during flight, wait for a stable cruise phase before approaching the crew.

Operator certification programmes such as ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman include crew training record review as part of their audit process. These audits verify that crew training is current, that recurrent checks have been completed, and that the operator's training programme meets or exceeds Part 135 requirements.

Hogani Jets sources aircraft from ARGUS and Wyvern certified operators for the majority of charter bookings.

Gratuity for private jet crew is customary but not required. A tip of $50 to $100 per crew member per flight leg is appropriate for a standard domestic charter. For international trips, overnight trips, or flights where the crew provided exceptional service, $100 to $200 per crew member is common.

For a flight attendant who managed a full catering and service operation on a long-haul flight, a gratuity of $100 to $250 is appropriate. Tips are given in cash at the end of the flight. The Captain and First Officer are tipped separately from the flight attendant. What is customary differs between the flight deck and the cabin crew how much to tip the crew gives the usual ranges by role and flight length.

Crew composition for any charter is confirmed at booking. Clients requesting a flight attendant on an aircraft where one is not standard can request this through Hogani Jets. Availability of flight attendants varies by operator and market.

Contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573. All charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers who hold full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.