In the private aviation sector, the increase in illegal private jet charter flights, also referred to as grey charter flights, or Part 134 and a half (almost Part 135) has raised serious concerns.
Particularly during COVID-19, these illicit charters have multiplied, creating what some call a “whack-a-mole” scenario in which stopping one activity just causes another to spring up. Fraud, frauds, and unlawful charters are all motivated by the desire to make money; some operators or brokers provide flights without the intention of completing them, resulting in lost money for unwary customers.
Muhammad Fadzil Abdullah
CEO
Myjets Asia
As I am the CEO of MyJets Asia, the publisher of Myaviation Magazine, and the producer of the Air Crash Investigation Podcast, I have firsthand knowledge of the negative aspects of private aviation. I often encounter operators, brokers, and clients seeking assistance to resolve situations where they have been deceived. One notable case involved a broker who sent $167,000 to an international operator for a flight that was never scheduled to take place. Scammers in this sector employ sophisticated tactics; for instance, research revealed that the photographs on the fraudulent operator’s website were taken from a legitimate operator’s site.
A more thorough investigation into the offshore operator’s fraudulent activities was undertaken. As MyAviation and Uncover Journalists delved deeper, they uncovered that the scam was much more widespread than initially thought. In addition to deceiving one broker, the dishonest operator swindled many other unsuspecting customers, operators, and brokers within the private aviation sector.
By collaborating, the affected parties managed to expose this extensive hoax. As news of this particular operator’s deceitful tactics spread within the industry, more victims stepped forward to share their own experiences of being deceived. These collective accounts clearly illustrated a sophisticated scam that took advantage of the sector’s trust and the absence of proper due diligence.
An Illegal Private Charter: What Is It?
Grey charters, also known as illegal private charters, operate without meeting legal requirements. These requirements include having licensed pilots, adequate insurance, properly maintained aircraft, and air charter certification. It’s important to understand the distinction between Part 91, which governs private, non-commercial flights, and Part 135, which covers commercial charter operations. The latter has strict regulations regarding crew qualifications, aircraft maintenance, insurance, and ongoing safety training. Engaging in an unlawful charter puts everyone on board at significant financial and legal risks, particularly in the event of an accident or flight cancellation.
It is not uncommon for someone to offer money to a friend who owns a jet in exchange for a private flight or for the owner or operator of a Part 91 aircraft to accept payment for an illegal flight. However, such arrangements are risky and should be avoided. If an unauthorized charter flight results in an accident, any losses or liabilities will not be covered by the aircraft’s insurance. Furthermore, violating aviation regulations can lead to significant fines and potentially even jail time for those involved.
Identifying Scammers and Fraudsters
The market is filled with scammers and fraudsters who pretend to be brokers, operators, or even customers. They employ various dishonest tactics, such as credit card theft, creating fake customer reviews, and using stolen photos to make their websites seem legitimate. The demand for services increased during the pandemic, leading to a surge in illicit charter operations. However, incidents of client credit card fraud unexpectedly decreased, possibly due to stricter travel inspections.
Using blacklist aero can effectively expose the involved operator or broker on social media, applying pressure for them to return your money if you fall victim to fraud.
Due Diligence:
Always verify the legitimacy of brokers and operators, especially if they are new. Visit the FAA website to check the operator’s certificate number or their Part 135 certification.
Red Flags to Watch For:
Be cautious of separate invoices for pilots and flights, any suggestions on how to respond to civil air direction inspections, deals that seem too good to be true, and invoices that do not include Federal Excise Taxes.
Consult Reputable Sources:
Utilize knowledgeable private charter brokers and consider joining safety organizations like ARGUS and Wyvern, as well as respected associations such as The Air Charter Association (BACA).
Read Reviews:
In addition to the provider’s website, look for independent reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews.
Investigate the Business
Research the company and its owners using Google.
Fraud, scams, and illegal charter flights pose global threats that require attention from brokers, operators, and customers alike. To protect themselves in the high-stakes world of private aviation, individuals must stay informed and take proactive measures. MyJets Asia is committed to ensuring safety and compliance by rigorously reviewing operators, aircraft, and crews, as well as conducting real-time third-party safety assessments to provide customers with peace of mind.
For additional information or to connect with a charter provider with nearly six years of experience who prioritizes ethics and transparency, please contact Myjets Asia. You can send an email to charter@myjets-asia.com.
