Chantilly Air FAQs
Insight for a Seamless Private Travel Experience
We’ve gathered essential information about private aviation, from charter operations and scheduling to aircraft services and safety, giving you the clarity and confidence you need before you fly.
Why not just fly via the airlines?
Airlines work well for many trips, but not all. When schedules are tight, destinations are hard to reach, or productivity matters, private aviation can be the more efficient and cost-effective option. Business aircraft save time, simplify complex itineraries, and help teams maximize travel that may not be practical, or even possible, on commercial airlines.
Why are business aircraft sometimes a better alternative to commercial air travel?
Business aircraft can access nearly 3,500 U.S. airports, far more than commercial airlines, making travel faster and more direct. Shorter, more efficient itineraries reduce hotel, meal, and ground-transportation costs. Onboard, the private, quiet, office-like environment supports focused work, collaboration, and productivity that simply isn’t possible on most commercial flights.
How does using chartering aircraft for business help ensure safety?
For many companies, protecting personnel from uncontrolled public exposure alone justifies the use of business aircraft. Avoiding eavesdropping, reducing travel visibility, and eliminating unwanted and unnecessary conversations and interruptions all support the use of business aircraft to safeguard company employees and the sensitive information they carry.
Do I have to go through TSA?
Yes, TSA will screen you and your baggage, but the process is quick and private with no lines. Screening usually takes only a few minutes once you're ready to board. You also don’t need to arrive early or “check in” like you would with an airline; we depart as soon as you arrive. The only exception is DCA flights, where it’s important to be on time since TSA may not always be able to adjust screening for last-minute schedule changes.
How do I select a charter operator?
Choose a charter operator with strong safety credentials, experienced crews, well-maintained aircraft, and transparent operating practices. Look for FAA certification, third-party safety audits, comprehensive insurance, reliable maintenance programs, and proven international operating experience. Also confirm customer service standards, crew training, and 24/7 support.
Click here to view the NBAA Aircraft Charter Consumer Guide.
Why do we have to go through a gateway airport?
TSA requires all flights to or from DCA to be screened at approved “gateway airports.” Only these airports have the staff and facilities to complete the mandatory security check for passengers, crew, and aircraft. Your Chantilly Air scheduler will help select the appropriate gateway. Flights to DCA must stop at a gateway, while flights from DCA can go directly anywhere. Choosing the right gateway ensures compliance and avoids unnecessary delays in your itinerary.
What baggage can I have access to on the flight? May I take a carry-on bag?
Yes, you may bring a carry-on bag. DCA flights follow Chantilly Air’s standard security rules, which are less restrictive than the airlines. Carry-ons cannot include items that could be used as weapons, but liquids over 3 oz are allowed. Checked bags may contain some prohibited items and will be stored in an exterior compartment that isn’t accessible in flight. Because space can vary by aircraft, your scheduler can guide you on what to bring and how much baggage to plan for.
Can I use any FBO I choose at the gateway?
No. Only certain FBOs at each gateway airport are approved to handle the required TSA security procedures for DCA flights. Your Chantilly Air scheduler will help you select the correct FBO.
Until what time can I make changes to my itinerary?
We must submit your itinerary to TSA 24 hours before departure. After that, TSA may allow departure time changes, but we cannot add passengers or change gateway or destination airports. You may remove passengers up until departure. If someone is uncertain, it’s best to include them on the manifest, we can always delete a name but cannot add one within 24 hours.
Does your stop at a gateway before picking me up at DCA affect the crew's duty day?
Since our crew must reposition the aircraft to a gateway airport, where aircraft and crew can be security-screened by TSA, this reduces the crew's remaining available duty day. However, we may be able to reposition the aircraft to DCA the day before your flight. In that case, you will have the crew's full-duty day for your trip.
Why do you need an armed guard on board? I'm not a criminal.
TSA requires an Armed Security Officer (ASO) on all passenger flights to and from DCA to prevent unauthorized access to the flight deck, since most general aviation aircraft don’t have lockable cockpit doors. This rule is about protecting the aircraft, not about the passengers. Chantilly Air uses only highly trained current or former law enforcement officers with strong customer service and aviation backgrounds.
Why is the cost so expensive?
DCA operations are more costly because of the strict TSA requirements needed to offer this highly secure and convenient service. Some travelers may save by using Manassas or Dulles, but many value DCA’s unmatched proximity to Washington, D.C.
Note: TSA does not support departures from DCA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., so early or late flights must use another airport.
Why wouldn't I just save myself the hassle and depart from Dulles instead?
Many travelers choose Dulles or Manassas for potential cost savings, but others prefer DCA for its unmatched proximity to Washington, D.C. Chantilly Air meets the strict TSA requirements that allow us to offer this convenient option.
How close is Chantilly Air Jet Center to Washington, D.C.?
We’re located just 36 miles from downtown D.C., making us one of the region’s most convenient FBOs.
What amenities are available at the Jet Center?
Amenities include VIP passenger screening, customs support, snooze rooms, a gym, conference rooms, pilot lounge, and 24/7 concierge services.
Can crews access rental or courtesy vehicles on-site?
Yes. We offer rental cars, crew cars, and valet/ramp parking for seamless ground transportation.
Does the Jet Center provide maintenance services?
Yes. Our FAA Part 145 Repair Station offers scheduled and unscheduled maintenance with 24/7 availability.
What aircraft can your hangars accommodate?
Our hangars can house everything from light jets to heavy jets such as the Global 7500. With multiple bays and flexible layouts, we accommodate a variety of aircraft sizes. Door clearance specifications are designed to support large-cabin business jets, ensuring ample space for safe maneuvering and storage.
Do you offer heated storage?
Yes. Chantilly Air hangars are climate-controlled and heated, providing year-round protection for aircraft systems and interiors. This ensures reliability during winter operations and safeguards sensitive avionics, upholstery, and equipment from extreme temperatures.
Can I reserve short-term or overnight space?
Yes. Transient hangarage is available by request and subject to availability. Whether you’re visiting Washington, D.C. for a single night or a week-long trip, our team can coordinate storage along with fueling and ground handling for a seamless experience.
Do you offer maintenance support?
Yes. Through our on-site FAA Part 145 Repair Station, we provide inspections, repairs, and routine maintenance with priority access to certified technicians. This allows operators to minimize downtime and keep aircraft flight-ready while based or stored at our facility.
How do I know my aircraft will be safe and compliant?
We operate an FAA Part 145 repair station, maintain IS-BAO certification, and uphold strict pilot training standards to ensure safety and compliance at all times.
What makes Chantilly Air different from other management companies?
With 30+ years in the D.C. market, we provide stability, a single point of contact, and the convenience of FBO, maintenance, and management services under one roof.
Where will my aircraft be based?
Most owners base with us in secure hangars near Washington, D.C., but we can also manage aircraft at the airport location of your choice.
Can you generate charter revenue with my aircraft?
Yes. Our team handles FAA approvals and aggressive charter marketing to maximize utilization and offset ownership costs.
How do you handle crew hiring and retention?
We attract and retain experienced pilots with competitive benefits and stable scheduling, ensuring both consistency and safety.
What kind of reporting will I get?
You’ll receive monthly reports with full transparency, pass-through costs, and custom dashboards for clear visibility into expenses and revenue.
What does it mean that Chantilly Air is an FAA Part 145 Repair Station?
Being Part 145 certified means our facility meets strict FAA standards for aircraft maintenance, testing, calibration, and documentation - ensuring your aircraft receives the highest level of safety and compliance.
Which aircraft types and engines do you service?
We provide maintenance for major turbine aircraft including Bombardier Learjet, Cessna, Gulfstream, Falcon, and Hawker Beechcraft. We also support piston and turboprop aircraft such as Piper, Twin Commander, and King Air. Engine capabilities include Pratt & Whitney PT6, JT15D, and PW305 series.
How experienced are Chantilly Air’s technicians?
All technicians receive ongoing training through manufacturer-approved programs, including FlightSafety International, ensuring the most up-to-date skills and procedures.
What maintenance services can I schedule?
We offer a wide range of services, from airframe repair and battery maintenance to RVSM inspections, borescope evaluations, pressurization tests, and more.
How quickly can my aircraft be scheduled for maintenance?
Timing depends on the service level and priority you select. Provide your aircraft details and timeframe in the form below, and our team will contact you to confirm availability and next steps.