Is Crew Leasing Right for Your Business Aviation Operation
Crew leasing provides dedicated pilots without full-time employment burdens, ideal for certain operations. It offers stability of permanent crews with provider-managed admin, but requires evaluating fit against your needs.
Operators weigh leasing against contracts or hiring based on flying patterns and growth. The model suits steady but variable demand.
This guide helps determine if leasing aligns with your operation.
1. What Crew Leasing Means in Business Aviation
- Provider supplies dedicated crew
- Key characteristics:
- Long-term assignment (months-years)
- Provider handles payroll/benefits
- Crew works exclusively for you
- Flexible contract terms
- Hybrid between hiring and contracting
2. Benefits of Crew Leasing
- Stability meets flexibility
- Advantages include:
- No recruitment overhead
- Admin burdens lifted
- Scalable team sizes
- Compliance managed
- Ideal for growth phases
3. When Leasing Fits Your Operation
- Steady demand without permanence
- Perfect scenarios:
- Expanding fleets
- Seasonal workload increases
- Testing before full hires
- International route coverage
- Avoids over/under staffing
4. Comparing Leasing to Other Models
- Different tools for different needs
- Leasing vs:
- Full-time: Less commitment
- Contracts: More dedicated
- In-house: Reduced admin
- Match model to mission profile
5. Operational Considerations for Leasing
- Evaluate department fit
- Key factors:
- Annual flight hour projections
- Fleet type consistency
- Route complexity
- Integration requirements
- Ensures smooth adoption
Flight Crew International (FCI) customizes leasing solutions.
6. Compliance and Insurance with Leasing
- Provider manages complexities
- Built-in advantages:
- Pre-vetted qualifications
- Recurrent training handled
- Insurance alignment
- Regulatory documentation
- Reduces liability exposure
7. Crewlocator Complements Leasing
- Technology enhances leased crews
- Platform utility:
- Backup pilot sourcing
- Real-time availability
- Location tracking
- Surge capacity support
- Perfect leasing supplement
8. Partnering for Leasing Success
- Experts optimize leasing value
- FCI strengths:
- Tailored crew packages
- Seamless onboarding
- Performance monitoring
- Flexible scaling options
- Flight Crew International (FCI) makes leasing work
Leasing: Strategic Fit or Not?
Crew leasing bridges hiring gaps for growing operations.
Evaluate against your flying profile and goals.
Right model delivers optimal crew performance.
Choose staffing that scales with success.
FAQs
Typically months, customizable by provider
Providers usually handle recurrent requirements
Steady demand needing dedicated crews
Provides backups for leased crew gaps
Leasing provider manages all employment admin
Yes, with proper provider vetting
Customized solutions with full operational support