Welcome aboard the two latest aircraft to join our charter fleet – Cessna Citation XLS+ and Embraer Phenom 300
We are excited to announce the addition of two aircraft that were delivered in the same week. Anyone who is casually watching the private aircraft industry or fully engaged in the process of buying and selling private aircraft understands the vast amount of time and energy it takes to deliver an aircraft to a new owner, yet alone to two at the same time. Latitude 33 Aviation’s finely tuned global aircraft sales and acquisition team handles every aspect of the jet acquisition process, starting with a detailed market analysis and ending with aircraft home-base delivery.
The two aircraft to join our fleet are a 2017 Cessna Citation XLS+ and a 2013 Embraer Phenom 300. Both aircraft are based out of Latitude 33 Aviation’s headquarters at McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ) in Carlsbad, CA and are currently available for charter.
The 2017 Cessna Citation XLS+ has a maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles and features seating for 8 passengers. With extra wide, full reclining leather seats, the cabin can transform from a workspace to a comfort lounge. The spacious interior allows for plenty of room for you and your passengers to move around the cabin with ease. This aircraft is Latitude 33 Aviation’s only midsize jet to be available for charter out of McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ).
The addition of the 2013 Phenom 300 makes this the fourth Phenom 300 currently under Latitude 33 Aviation’s management and the third based out of McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA. The Embraer Phenom 300 has a range of 2,010 nautical miles and features seating for up to 8 people. The fit and finish of this aircraft is top notch with neutral cool tones and features forward divan seating.
FROM INQUIRY TO FINAL SIGNATURE
At Latitude 33 Aviation, we look at aircraft transactions from an operator’s point of view. We understand that value goes well beyond price and our experts know which details matter. The purchase of an aircraft is a complex process with many pitfalls. Our team achieves better financial results through superior valuations and in-depth oversight of the process. Latitude 33 provides the guidance and expertise to make aircraft acquisitions an enjoyable experience. No matter what stage of private aircraft ownership you’re in, our unsurpassed experience and knowledge of the marketplace make us the one true source for your private jet needs.
When choosing a charter jet flight, you have access to information about each operator’s safety compliance. You can evaluate an operator’s ratings with ease due to the designation systems in place across the industry. Regardless of when or where you’re flying, safety should always be your first priority, and you can ensure your safety by understanding charter ratings.
In the charter aviation industry, safety ratings appear in a few different ways. The Aviation Research Group United States (ARGUS), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and the WYVERN rating systems help to set the highest safety standards. Though each serves the same purpose, they hold companies to different standards and offer unique designations. It’s vital for jet flyers to be able to interpret these designations. A thorough understanding of these safety rating systems will help you make informed decisions when booking charter flights.
ARGUS is an independent safety rating system, producing safety grades and maintaining records for thousands of aircraft and pilots. ARGUS International was founded in 1995 and is the most detailed source of third-party ratings for charter operations. If you’ve viewed safety documentation for chartered flights before, you may be familiar with ARGUS safety rating levels.
What Information Is in ARGUS CHEQ Reports?
The ARGUS Charter Evaluation and Qualification (CHEQ) is the system for determining ARGUS ratings and other information. It includes details about:
Red: Red indicates a known deficiency or refusal to disclose information.
Yellow: Yellow means some data is missing, data is unverified, or data does not meet ARGUS standards.
Green: A green rating shows an ARGUS rating of Gold, Gold Plus, or Platinum, meaning all requirements are met.
In addition to the color-indicated status, the CHEQ report also includes information about the broker, flight summary, operator, ARGUS rating, pilot, second in command, and any important aircraft information. To earn a green status, the flight must meet the following requirements.
Pilot-In-Command
For the flight to receive a green status, the pilot-in-command must have:
At least 3,000 hours total flight time.
At least 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command time.
At least 250 hours of pilot-in-command time for the aircraft type.
An Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
A type rating for the aircraft.
A current first class medical certificate.
A current instrument proficiency check, line check, and route check.
A lack of significant accidents, incidents, and enforcement actions within the last three years.
A salaried employment with the operator, not a contract.
These qualifications ensure a well-qualified, professional pilot for your chartered flight.
Second-In-Command
The second-in-command must also meet strict standards for the flight to earn a green status. The second-in-command must have:
At least 1,000 hours total flight time.
At least 500 hours pilot-in-command time.
A commercial and multi-engine instrument rating.
Current second class medical certificate.
A current instrument proficiency check, line check, and route check.
A lack of significant accidents, incidents, or enforcement actions within the last three years.
Aircraft
In addition to the standards for the pilot and co-pilot, the aircraft itself must be under the operational control of a certified operator, with no damage or maintenance concerns and qualified insurance.
As you can tell, the CHEQ report provides access to vital safety information. Among the information it provides is the ARGUS safety rating, illustrated with a seal of the corresponding color. It’s important to understand the hierarchy of ARGUS ratings and what each seal signifies.
ARGUS Rating Levels
Using past information and detailed analyses, ARGUS produces safety ratings. Once ARGUS has gathered all necessary data, the due diligence company utilizes a proprietary algorithm for scoring. The ARGUS rating system indicates performance compared to peers. ARGUS compares safety history and data with that of peers in an aggregate group. Ratings have three levels — gold, gold plus, and platinum — with additional standards for each. Some may not qualify for any of the three ratings.
Does Not Qualify (DNQ)
A failure to meet ARGUS standards will result in a rating of Does Not Qualify (DNQ). A DNQ rating can result from poor safety history shown in the collected data. It can also derive from a significant safety issue with a pilot or aircraft or a failure to complete an on-site safety audit. In most cases, it’s possible to correct the issues leading to a DNQ rating.
ARGUS Gold
The ARGUS Gold rating indicates the charter operator meets or exceeds ARGUS standards — the company does not have outstanding safety issues or a poor safety history. To qualify for a Gold rating, the charter operator must have:
An operating certificate of at least a year.
At least one turbine aircraft on certificate.
A historical safety analysis.
A pilot background check.
An aircraft operational control validation.
ARGUS Gold Plus
Gold Plus represents an upgrade from Gold. To earn a Gold Plus rating through ARGUS, the operator must meet all of the standards to achieve Gold, along with an ARGUS on-site safety audit or registration with the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations. The audit must result in uncorrected findings to qualify for Gold Plus.
ARGUS Platinum
The highest ARGUS rating level is Platinum. To achieve a platinum rating, the operator must meet all of the standards of Gold Plus, as well as have an emergency response plan and a functioning safety management system. The emergency response plan must be clear and easy to follow, and the safety management system must be well-developed.
Only operators with the most effective policies and procedures and excellent records can hope to earn an ARGUS Platinum rating. Among the ARGUS platinum charter companies is Latitude 33, demonstrating a high commitment to safety. Only 5% of all charter companies have achieved ARGUS Platinum status, so this is a major achievement.
How to Check ARGUS Ratings
Checking ARGUS ratings is an important way to ensure the highest safety standards. You can check ARGUS operator ratings using the CHEQ ARGUS operator registry. The registry shows each company’s name and logo along with their ARGUS rating, certificate number, homebase code, and the number of aircraft on the certificate. You’ll have the option to search by airport, distance, name, or rating. The database does not include companies that do not qualify or are not rated.
What Is an ARGUS Certified Broker?
ARGUS addressed the lack of regulation in charter brokerage by creating a certification process. The company provides certification to brokers following a thorough evaluation. To determine qualification, ARGUS evaluates financial reports, policy and procedure manuals, insurance filings, and other documents. Then, ARGUS conducts an on-site audit, which includes interviews, management analyses, and an evaluation of organizational processes. Throughout the audit, ARGUS notes a commitment to safety standards and best practices. With the broker certification program, ARGUS allows brokers to demonstrate their competency.
What Is the WYVERN Rating System?
WYVERN is another independent company supplying ratings and certifications. The company creates and updates safety criteria and conducts regular audits. It also provides safety intelligence data, leader training, and software solutions. Through WYVERN, charter operators and brokers can achieve certification.
What Is the WYVERN Wingman Certification?
The WYVERN Wingman program offers safety certification for charter operators. WYVERN Wingman operators show an elevated commitment to safety. They have to meet strict criteria, undergo regular audits, and keep WYVERN updated about any operational changes to maintain their Wingman status. WYVERN registration and Wingman certification are not equivalent.
Registered
To be WYVERN Registered, an operator must simply supply WYVERN with their records, which WYVERN makes available to clients. Registered operators maintain accurate, detailed, and accessible records. The WYVERN Registered program offers improved visibility among brokers, corporations, and other operators. It also helps reduce legal liability and ensure safety.
Certified
Not all WYVERN registered operators have Wingman certification, which involves compliance with much more stringent standards. Earning the status of a WYVERN Wingman operator requires:
Minimum piloting hours.
An initial audit, including an on-site, two-day safety advisor visit.
Follow-up audits every 24 months.
Regular updates about operational changes.
WYVERN often updates its Wingman standards. Certification is an ongoing process. Operators that earn Wingman status have access to WYVERN’s safety data and Aviation Compliance Enhancement System.
What Is the Pilot and Aircraft Safety Survey (PASS)?
WYVERN publishes Pilot and Aircraft Safety Survey (PASS) reports. A flight’s PASS report designates whether or not the operator, aircraft, and crew have met basic safety standards or WYVERN safety ratings. The PASS report is based on:
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines.
Safety Management International Collaboration Group standards.
Industry best practices.
How to Check an Operator’s Registration Status
Wingman certification shows an ongoing dedication to high safety standards — it’s recognized around the globe as a symbol of high-quality aviation. It’s easy to find Wingman-certified operators or check an operator’s registration status using the WYVERN registered directory. It allows you to search by operator name or by city, state, or country.
What Are WYVERN Certified Brokers?
WYVERN’s recently implemented certified broker program provides a competitive edge to aviation brokers. To qualify for certification, a broker must submit to an audit by an accredited aviation safety auditor and demonstrate high ethical standards in all of their policies and procedures. You can check the WYVERN broker directory to find certified brokers or check a broker’s membership status. You can search by member name, city, state, or country.
Authorized WYVERN brokers can let their clients have access to WYVERN Wingman flights. They can send their clients PASS reports as proof of an operator’s commitment to safety, as well as provide data about aircraft operators.
How Do ARGUS and WYVERN Ratings Compare to IS-BAO?
Another system for charter safety ratings is the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), first developed in 2002. IBAC created this standard to establish best practices among operators. It’s accepted worldwide as a benchmark for aircraft safety. The guidelines it provides are based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS).
IBAC is always improving IS-BAO standards, seeking input from aviation organizations. To qualify for IS-BAO certification, an operator must:
Meet Safety Management System (SMS) requirements.
Undergo regular audits, each of which takes place over several days.
Hold up to scrutiny about personnel, training, maintenance, security, and other standards.
After conducting regular audits and evaluating an operator’s safety standards, the IBAC awards companies with certification at Stage One, Two, or Three, in ascending order:
Stage One: At IS-BAO Stage One, an operator has demonstrated the establishment of an appropriate SMS.
Stage Two: It takes several years to reach Stage Two, which shows effective and ongoing management of safety risks.
Stage Three: Maturing to IS-BAO Stage Three shows an ingrained and evolving safety management culture.
What Do the Safety Ratings Mean for Charter Jet Passengers?
Safety ratings help charter jet passengers make informed decisions. When booking a private charter flight, you may find yourself overwhelmed with operators to choose from. You can narrow down similar options and make the safest choice by using the rating systems in place. You’ll want to pay attention to the ARGUS rating tier system, WYVERN Wingman certification and PASS reports, as well as the IS-BAO stages.
Simple to Interpret
These three rating systems are the most common. They’re also simple for non-aviation experts to interpret, with their complex regulations summarized in seals or certificates. You do not need to research everything about aircraft safety to ensure your charter jet operator will comply with the highest standards. Instead, all you have to do is look for an ARGUS medal, Wingman seal, or IS-BAO registration stage.
Easy to Vet Operators
The rating systems make it easier and quicker to vet operators. You can use one of the third-party directories to search only operators with specific certifications or check that a preferred operator meets safety standards. To help you choose the best charter jet operator, always request safety reports.
Book Your Next Charter Flight With Latitude 33 Aviation
Charter safety rating systems have created industry standards that ensure pilots and co-pilots are experienced and have flown without incident. They also ensure aircraft are in excellent condition.
When the time comes to book your next charter flight, look for official safety ratings through ARGUS, WYVERN, or IS-BAO. Pick from the top-rated companies, who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to their passengers’ safety.
Among the highest safety-rated charter jet companies is Latitude 33 Aviation. Here at Latitude 33, our stringent protocols and practices have earned us a Platinum ARGUS rating — the highest possible rating in the system. Latitude 33 Aviation is part of the top five percent of U.S. private jet charter operators to achieve the stringent ARGUS Platinum safety rating. Our Platinum rating means we’ve had an excellent safety history, and our pilots have passed rigorous background checks. In addition, we maintain a highly functional SMS and an emergency response plan.
When you fly with us, you’ll know your safety is in capable hands. We also offer a range of aircraft in various sizes to meet your exact requirements. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, our services prioritize your convenience and privacy along with your safety. Enjoy the unmatched experience of Latitude 33 Aviation — get in touch to request a quote today.
The start of 2021 marked Latitude 33 Aviation’s 15-year anniversary.
With tremendous thanks to clients, aircraft owners, partners, and employees, Latitude 33 Aviation was able to reach this milestone and continue the trend of exponential growth year over year since its start in 2006.
Look back on the first ten years of Latitude 33 Aviation and how two owner-pilots with an intense passion for aviation came together to create a successful, industry-recognized private jet charter, management, and sales company that has grown to manage a wide fleet of aircraft across the nation.
See the accomplishments that were achieved during the first ten years and how Latitude 33 Aviation celebrated its success in 2017.
Over the past five years, Latitude 33 Aviation has continued to exceed expectations and meet company goals despite the many challenges the aviation industry faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some accomplishments over the past five years:
Evolved fleet composition with the needs of clients to include 34 aircraft additions – 16 of those in the midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jet categories
Diversified fleet with additions of new aircraft types including Global 5000, Pilatus PC-24, Praetor 600, and Legacy 500
Hired 26 new employees and expanded operations to 4 new U.S. cities
When asked what he was most proud of over the past five years, Casey Miller, President & Owner of Latitude 33 Aviation, said, “The discipline we have as a company. We’ve been fortunate to experience significant growth over the last five years, but we have managed to keep our service at a high level. We’ve passed on several aircraft management opportunities that would have been profitable for the company but were not in line with our long-term strategy of continuing to provide a high touch service from the top down. As with every other industry, COVID had a major impact on our business. The business basically went to zero at the start of COVID, then immediately increasing to record levels. I’m incredibly proud of the way we have balanced the added business and workload, while not losing site of our core values.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“Our pilots were very professional, helpful, and friendly. They worked hard to ensure we were comfortable for the entire flight!”
– Charter client, San Diego
“Thanks again for your superior service. All the way around, Latitude 33 is the best I have seen in the private jet charter business. I’ve been around charter now for 25 years. Kudos to the whole team.”
– Charter client, Los Angeles
“Efficient, knowledgeable and professional. I trust the experts at Latitude 33 with all my aircraft management and aviation needs.”
Latitude 33 Aviation, a private jet management, charter, and sales and acquisitions company, based at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA is an industry-recognized expert in delivering professional, full-service management programs while maintaining a safety, security, and customer service record that its clients can count on. Founded and run by current, professional pilots, Latitude 33’s leadership has the unique perspective of the private jet industry’s pulse from the front lines, not from behind a desk.
We manage one of the newest and largest fleets of light, midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jets in the United States. Our team of professionals specialize in creating private charter flights that make luxury travel your new standard, and they likewise assist with aircraft acquisition, management, and brokerage services in order to make aircraft ownership a smooth and stress-free process.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 15 years. We look forward to future flights!
Latitude 33 Aviation is proud to announce the addition of a 2015 Cessna Citation Sovereign+ to its charter fleet. This jet offers increased capacity in the super-midsize aircraft category and provides even more availability for true transcontinental flights while still being excellent on short-range performance. The powerful, range-enhancing winglets on the Sovereign+, combined with the powerful engines, allow the aircraft to whisk charter clients off to even more locations like The Bahamas, New York City, and Miami from its home base in Carlsbad, California. This state-of-the-art super-midsized aircraft will join Latitude 33 Aviation’s fleet of managed and chartered aircraft, bringing the total fleet size to over 30 aircraft, nine of them falling under the super-midsize category.
ABOUT THE CESSNA CITATION SOVEREIGN+
The Citation Sovereign+ was designed with a maximum range of 3,200 nautical miles. At high-speed cruise, the Sovereign+ delivers a premium passenger experience featuring a completely restyled interior with more fluid cabinetry and enhanced LED lighting to brighten up the cabin. Optimizing cabin comfort for passengers and crew alike, the cabin volume for the Citation Sovereign+ is 571 cubic feet with a layout configuration that features comfortable seating for up to nine passengers. The aircraft’s wireless cabin management system equips each passenger with productive connectivity and entertainment through their personal electronic devices. Clarity cabin-management system integrates the cabin electrical system, avionics, and communications through a fiber-optic backbone. All this to ensure passengers will enjoy every nautical mile in luxurious comfort where the journey becomes as enjoyable as the destination.
FLY NONSTOP IN OUR 2015 CESSNA CITATION SOVEREIGN+
As a center of fashion, finance, creative expression, music, food, and entertainment, New York City is truly unique. Experience “the City that Never Sleeps” with a trip on our 2015 Cessna Citation Sovereign+.
The Bahamas
Fly to the tropical islands of The Bahamas in our 2015 Citation Sovereign+ and explore the most beautiful destination in the Caribbean region. Spend the day on a luxurious beach or try out some fun water actives like snorkeling.
Well-known for its glamorous beaches and beautiful sunny weather, Miami, Florida is the perfect vacation destination year-round. Start your Miami trip with a flight on our 2015 Cessna Citation Sovereign+
SUPER-MIDSIZE SOVEREIGN+ MEETS HIGH TRAVEL DEMAND
This aircraft is a welcomed addition, as Latitude 33 Aviation has seen massive growth in the demand to fly privately. This super-midsize aircraft enables Latitude 33 Aviation to supply that demand, fulfill more charter requests, offer more backup options for when travel plans changes, and reach more locations to service clients.
Solomon Short, Owner and Director of Operations at Latitude 33 Aviation, added, “The hourly price point of this aircraft is the perfect addition to the Latitude 33 Aviation fleet as it offers long range capabilities at a rate well below some of its competition. With the private jet travel industry seeing record demand and limited supply, the timely addition of this Sovereign+ allows Latitude 33 Aviation the ability to offer another industry leading solution to our charter customers.” From pre-arrival and in-flight amenities to one-of-a-kind destination experiences, Latitude 33 Aviation curates memorable and customized journeys for passengers.
