Comprehensive Crew Management Services

Managing aviation crew is a specialized discipline that extends far beyond simply hiring pilots. It encompasses recruitment, background verification, ongoing training, duty time management, payroll administration, benefits coordination, performance evaluation, and compliance with an ever-evolving web of national and international regulations. Plane Selection's dedicated crew management division handles every aspect of this complex process, allowing owners to enjoy world-class crew without the administrative burden.

Our crew management team includes former chief pilots, aviation HR specialists, and training coordinators who understand the unique demands of business aviation. They work closely with each aircraft owner to develop a crew program that matches your operational profile, travel patterns, and personal preferences. Whether you operate a single light jet or a fleet of ultra-long-range aircraft, our approach is tailored to your specific requirements.

Pilot Recruitment and Selection

Finding the right pilots for your aircraft is critical. Beyond holding the appropriate type rating and meeting minimum flight hour requirements, your crew must demonstrate exceptional professionalism, discretion, judgment, and service orientation. Private aviation demands a different caliber of pilot than commercial operations — one who combines technical excellence with the interpersonal skills necessary for operating in a high-net-worth environment.

Our recruitment process is rigorous and multi-layered:

• Candidate sourcing: We maintain an extensive database of pre-vetted aviation professionals and actively recruit through industry networks, aviation career platforms, and professional referrals. Our reputation in the industry attracts top talent who specifically seek positions with well-managed operations.
• Background verification: Every candidate undergoes comprehensive background checks including criminal history, employment verification, flight record review, FAA/EASA certification validation, medical certificate confirmation, and reference checks with previous employers.
• Skills assessment: Beyond paper qualifications, we conduct simulator evaluations, technical knowledge assessments, and scenario-based interviews to verify each candidate's actual capabilities and decision-making abilities.
• Cultural fit evaluation: We assess each candidate's personality, communication style, and service orientation to ensure they align with your expectations and preferences. In private aviation, the crew-owner relationship is personal, and chemistry matters.
• Drug and alcohol screening: All candidates undergo pre-employment substance screening in accordance with FAA and EASA regulations, with ongoing random testing throughout their employment.

The typical recruitment timeline is 4-8 weeks from initial requirement definition to crew placement, though we maintain a pool of immediately available, pre-vetted pilots who can be deployed on shorter notice when needed.

Recurrent Training Programs

Initial type rating is just the beginning. Maintaining crew proficiency requires a structured, ongoing training program that meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements. Plane Selection manages the complete training lifecycle for your crew:

• Initial type rating: For pilots new to your aircraft type, we coordinate type rating courses at approved training organizations (ATOs) worldwide, including FlightSafety International, CAE, and SimCom. We select the training provider based on aircraft type, crew location, and scheduling requirements.
• Recurrent simulator training: Every six months, your pilots undergo recurrent simulator training that covers normal operations, abnormal procedures, and emergency scenarios. These sessions are conducted at FAA/EASA-approved training centers and include proficiency checks by designated examiners.
• CRM (Crew Resource Management): Annual CRM training reinforces teamwork, communication, situational awareness, and decision-making skills. In single-pilot operations, this training is adapted to focus on single-pilot resource management.
• Safety Management System (SMS) training: Regular training on our SMS protocols, hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety reporting procedures.
• International operations training: For aircraft operating internationally, crew receive specialized training on RVSM, MNPS, oceanic operations, PBCS requirements, and region-specific procedures.
• Aircraft-specific differences training: When avionics upgrades, modifications, or configuration changes are made to your aircraft, we coordinate appropriate differences training for your crew.
• Emergency procedures: Annual emergency equipment training including fire suppression, emergency egress, first aid, water survival (where applicable), and security awareness.

All training records are maintained in our digital crew management system, with automated alerts for upcoming training deadlines. You can view your crew's training status at any time through the owner portal.

Cabin Crew Services

For larger aircraft that warrant dedicated cabin crew, Plane Selection provides the same level of management excellence for flight attendants as we do for pilots. Our cabin crew management includes:

• Recruitment and selection of experienced cabin crew with private aviation backgrounds
• Safety and service training including food safety certification, wine service, and VIP hospitality
• Catering coordination and menu planning tailored to owner and guest preferences
• Cabin configuration management and interior maintenance oversight
• Wardrobe standards and grooming requirements
• Language capabilities — our cabin crew pool includes professionals fluent in English, French, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish

For aircraft that do not justify full-time cabin crew, we provide access to our pool of freelance cabin crew professionals who can be booked on a per-trip basis, ensuring your guests always receive first-class service.

Duty Time Management

Flight and duty time limitations are among the most complex and critical regulatory requirements in aviation. Violations can result in certificate actions, insurance voidance, and significant liability exposure. Our scheduling team employs sophisticated duty time tracking software that ensures full compliance with applicable regulations:

• FAR Part 91/135 duty and rest requirements: For US-registered aircraft
• EASA FTL (Flight Time Limitations): For European operations under ORO.FTL
• ICAO Annex 6 standards: For international operations
• Fatigue Risk Management: Beyond regulatory minimums, we implement fatigue risk management principles that consider cumulative fatigue, circadian disruption, and workload complexity

Our scheduling system provides real-time visibility into crew availability, duty time balances, and upcoming rest requirements. When travel plans conflict with duty time limitations, our team proactively coordinates solutions — whether that means adjusting departure times, positioning supplemental crew, or arranging overnight stops to ensure crew rest.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

Aviation crew compensation involves unique considerations that general payroll providers often mishandle: per diem calculations, international duty pay, training period compensation, standby pay, and benefits specific to aviation professionals. Plane Selection's crew payroll services include:

• Competitive salary benchmarking against industry standards to ensure retention of top talent
• Per diem and travel expense management compliant with applicable tax regulations
• Health insurance, dental, and vision benefits administration
• Retirement plan coordination (401(k), pension contributions as applicable)
• Loss of license insurance to protect pilots against medical disqualification
• Annual leave management and scheduling
• Workers' compensation and aviation-specific insurance coordination

All payroll costs are transparently reported in your monthly financial statements, with detailed breakdowns by crew member and cost category.

Crew Insurance and Risk Management

Protecting your crew is both an ethical obligation and a legal necessity. Plane Selection ensures comprehensive insurance coverage for all crew under our management:

• Workers' compensation: Meeting or exceeding requirements in all applicable jurisdictions
• Loss of license insurance: Protecting pilots' livelihoods against medical certificate loss
• Travel insurance: Covering crew during international operations, including medical evacuation
• Crew liability coverage: Integrated with your aircraft's overall insurance program

Our risk management approach extends beyond insurance to include comprehensive safety programs, fatigue management protocols, and a non-punitive safety reporting culture that encourages crew to identify and report hazards without fear of retribution.