Where Do Private Jets Land?
Most people who prefer using private jets do not land in class B airports that are usually use by commercial planes. This is because of all the hustle involved and the additional expenses that come with it. For example, an executive who is flying to Boston will not land at an international airport such as Logan but will rather land in a smaller airport such as Norwood. Satellites airports like Norwood will give you an opportunity to taxi straight to the ramp or hangar where your limo will be waiting. Every major city has these small airports to allow private pilots to land and take off without having to go to a major airport.
There are Fixed Base Operators (FBO’s) whose job is to direct private jets and organize transportation for their clients. Some even have lounges where pilots and other crew members can stay and offer them rental cars for them to use as they wait for their VIPs to return. When they return, they are allowed to drive up to the plane and get in. The work of FBOs is to cater to their clients and ensure that they have a stress-free experience while boarding or alighting from the aircraft.
Most major airports have several fees that each plane needs to cover when they use their facilities; they include; landing fee, “security” fee, handling fee, parking fee. To get to the general aviation ramp in a major airport, you will have to go through a security check. It may not be as cumbersome as that of commercial passengers, but it is still an inconvenience that most people who fly private would like to avoid.
Commercial hubs are a circle in the center and have a cargo ramp above them. Private jets use the General Aviation ramp. This is the building where their passengers are screened before leaving. This area is quite discernable due to the limos parked next to it.
When you are flying to another country, regulations dictate that you should land at an Airport of Entry (AoE). Several airports are designed so that they can have customs available to clear you and your plane. They are on site and on call and have to clear you before you leave to your next destination. This also happens when you are entering the country. You have to land at an AoE before heading to your private airstrip.
General aviation, including all private aircraft, is required to research on all the regulatory requirements of any airport before landing. This includes customs information. Failure to these may lead to significant inconveniences.
Typically, this means that a pilot will have to call customs beforehand and inform them of their Estimated Time of Arrival and file a trans-border flight plan. If their destination does not offer customs, they have to divert to an airport that provides this service. Once a private jet has arrived, the occupants are not allowed to leave the plane; they are directed to taxi to a specified area where they meet with customs officials.
