Whether you’re curious about the terms you hear when you charter a private jet—or just want to feel more informed—this guide explains the language of private aviation in a way that’s clear, concise, and jargon-free. You don’t need to know all of this (that’s what we’re here for), but it’s here if you’d like to understand the references, avoid confusion, and feel confident every step of the way.
This glossary is your guide to decoding private aviation. From “AOG” to “wet lease,” we’ve explained the essentials in clear, accessible language.
Acronyms are popular in many sectors and air travel is no exception. The most familiar abbreviations are airport codes—the three-letter abbreviations used globally to identify airports. Some make sense (LHR = London Heathrow, JFK = New York John F. Kennedy), while others are less obvious. For instance, FUN stands for Funafuti in Tuvalu, and OMG refers to Omega Airport in Namibia. No matter the code, Bookajet will ensure a smooth journey from start to finish.
Use this glossary to feel informed, confident, and just a little more fluent in the language of private jet travel.
Glossary of private aviation terms
Navigation:
A / B / C / D / E / F / G / H / I / J / K / L / M / N / O / P / Q / R / S / T / U / V / W / X / Y / Z
A
AOG (Aircraft on Ground)
A status indicating that an aircraft is grounded due to technical issues, often requiring urgent repairs to avoid delays.
APIS (Advance Passenger Information System)
A security protocol requiring passenger information to be submitted to border authorities before international flights.
ATC (Air Traffic Control)
The service responsible for ensuring safe, orderly air traffic—both in the sky and on the ground.
Airport code
Three letter code to identify the departure and destination airport e.g. LHR, JFK.
B
Base
The airport where an aircraft is normally stationed. If your departure point is different, a positioning flight may be needed.
Block hour
Time measured from when the aircraft’s engines are started to when they’re shut down—used to calculate flight time and costs.
C
Cabotage
Laws that prevent a foreign aircraft from operating domestic flights within another country. A factor in complex multi-leg itineraries.
Cat C Airport
Airports that present unique operational challenges due to terrain, weather, runway characteristics, or other factors, requiring specialized training for pilots. These are often airports in the mountains like Chambery and Innsbruck, but can also include windy or steep approach airports like Madeira and London City.
CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
The UK’s national aviation regulator, responsible for safety, compliance, and licensing.
🔗 Visit the UK CAA
Charter broker
An intermediary that arranges private flights on behalf of clients. Bookajet acts as a broker, giving you access to over 5,000 aircraft worldwide.
Crew duty time
The maximum number of hours a flight crew can legally operate before needing rest. It influences flight planning and scheduling.
D
Deadhead
A repositioning flight with no passengers, often used to bring the aircraft to or from a booking location.
E
EASA The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
The body responsible for ensuring safety and environmental protection in air transport in Europe.
EBAA (European Business Aviation Association)
A Brussels-based organisation representing business aviation across Europe. It promotes access, safety, and sustainable growth.
🔗 Visit the EBAA
Empty leg
A discounted one-way flight available when an aircraft is flying without passengers to reposition for another trip.
🔗 Browse available empty legs
ETD / ETA
Estimated Time of Departure / Arrival. Subject to change depending on air traffic, weather, or routing.
F
FAA (Federal Aviation Authority)
The US equivalent of the CAA.
FBO (Fixed Base Operator)
A private terminal offering services such as customs clearance, lounges, and discreet boarding for private jet clients.
Ferry flight
A non-commercial flight without passengers, usually to position the aircraft or return it to base.
Flight plan
A document submitted to ATC that outlines the route, altitude, timing, and other essential flight details.
G
Ground handling
Airport services including baggage loading, fuelling, catering, and de-icing—organised on your behalf by Bookajet.
H
Handling agent
A person at the airport who oversees your flight’s logistical needs and ensures a seamless ground experience.
Home base
Where the aircraft is permanently located. Influences cost if the aircraft must travel to meet you.
I
IATA (International Transport Association)
IATA works to support the development of the commercial standards that underpin the global air transport industry, and also provides services to airlines, travel agents, and passengers.
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
A UN agency that sets international aviation standards in safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.
🔗 Visit ICAO
IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations)
A globally recognised safety code for private aviation. Operators audited under IS-BAO meet high operational standards.
J
Jet card
Our Jet card programme is called JetBlack, it enables clients to purchase a block of hours with us for their worldwide flying requirements and provides premium, flexible terms over booking on-demand flights.
K
L
Light / Midsize / Heavy jet
Categories based on size and range:
- Light jets (up to 6 passengers, ideal for short-haul)
- Midsize jets (6–8 passengers, suitable for Europe and North Africa)
- Heavy jets (up to 16 passengers, capable of intercontinental travel)
M
MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight)
The total weight an aircraft can legally take off with, including fuel, luggage, and passengers.
N
NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)
A US-based association representing business aviation, providing advocacy and resources for operators and brokers.
🔗 Visit the NBAA
O
Operator
The licensed company responsible for the safe and legal operation of the aircraft. Bookajet works only with accredited operators.
Owner’s approval
Some charter aircraft are privately owned, and certain owners may require approval before accepting third-party bookings.
P
Part 135 / Part 91
US FAA regulations: Part 135 governs charter flights; Part 91 covers non-commercial, owner-operated flights.
Passenger manifest
A required list of all passengers for customs and safety purposes, prepared prior to departure.
Positioning
When an aircraft flies empty to reach the departure airport. May be included in your quote depending on aircraft location.
Q
R
Ramp access
Allows passengers to be driven directly to the aircraft on the tarmac—available at select FBOs and subject to security clearance.
Range
The maximum distance an aircraft can fly without stopping for fuel. Determines the suitability for certain routes.
Routing
The specific flight path taken, which can affect travel time, efficiency, and air traffic considerations.
S
Safety audit
An independent review of an operator’s practices, aircraft, and crew. Bookajet only works with operators who pass strict audits.
Slot
A designated take-off or landing time, allocated by ATC. Especially relevant at high-traffic airports like LTN (London Luton) or GVA (Geneva).
T
Tail number
The aircraft’s unique registration code (e.g. G-XXXX in the UK or N-XXXX in the US), used for identification and tracking.
Taxi time
Time spent taxiing on the runway before take-off or after landing. Counted within the block hour.
Trip sheet
A flight summary outlining passenger details, timings, aircraft type, and crew information.
U
V
VAT on private flights
Value Added Tax may apply depending on the route and locations. Bookajet provides transparent cost breakdowns.
W
Wet lease / dry lease
A wet lease includes aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance. A dry lease is for the aircraft alone, without crew or services.
X
Y
Z
Start planning your private jet trip
If you’d like help planning your next flight, our team is here to help.
We provide personalised advice, complete discretion, and round-the-clock support to ensure every detail is taken care of.
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