Most of our pax are all repeat customers for the most part and the ones that are not are asked the "basic" questions when reserving our equipment since we need the exact weights to compute the weight and balance. We (the crew) have a trip sheet with all contact numbers on it and we also make it standard practice to give the lead pax our cell phone numbers as well as the number to the FBO and when applicable the hotel numbers where we can be reached. Our office staff does a wonderful job of making our lives relatively very easy and uneventful when it comes to any security concerns since we are being paid to fly the aircraft ( nothing more & nothing less)
IF anything is out of the ordinary or any red flags appear then it is dealt with in a business like manner and everyone is made aware of the situation.
Background checks? Do you know who is getting on your aircraft? Lets say your a 135 operator? Who checks them out?
Like I said we know most if not all our pax and chances are that if we do not know them then the other pax onboard will know them in some way so this is not a "major" concern of ours. I do see where you are trying to lead with these questions and the FAA is in the process of implementing changes to ensure that the 135 operators are making sure that their are no loop holes where someone can take advantage of the less than perfect security procedures that are currently in place.
What about last minute changes? Do you call in and let someone know who else is comming?
YES and this really causes a problem when you are going to Canada and ALL paperwork has been prepared for customs. Gotta luv taking pax duck hunting in Canada.
Does someone know when your airborn and when you land back at home?
YES- Our procedures are to call in are off times and also 15 minutes out from destination IF we have pax onboard. Part 91 flights really isn't a concern. Most of the pax onboard also know when we are airborne
(sorry just had to get that in)!
Most 135 operators have some type of procedures that have been put into place and they will vary from operator to operator. For the most part the "risks" are very minimal and someone attempting to cause harm really isn't worth worrying about due to the size of our equipment that we operate.
If any warning flags go up it is usually going to happen initially when the charter quote is given and the "mood" of the person (s) wanting to charter our aircraft out. I personally have never had a concern or worry about any pax that I have flown in the previous 1.5 years.
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