There are endless perks for passengers on corporate planes, but a pilot that flies private has more responsibilities.
The Erie International Airport was at one time home to many corporate aircraft, now there are none based at Tom Ridge Field.
But there are those in the community who are fortunate enough to own their own planes.
“It’s much more convenient but much more expensive,” said Brian Martin, pilot.
“Charter typically ranges anywhere from $800 an hour from up to $5,000-$6,000 an hour for an international jet,” said Martin.
But if you can afford it, it’s worth it.
“You don’t go through security, you have somebody with a tag escort you, pull up, bags are taken from you car, you walk on the plane you’re airborne five minutes after you get to airport,” said Martin.
The planes are held in hangers at North Coast Air and are at the disposal of the owner or whoever is chartering the plane.
Flying private isn’t just a different experience for the passenger, but there are more responsibilities for the pilot.
“We do the flight planning, we do our weight and balances, fuel loads that are required, we load the planes, we pick bags up and take them off, we clean them, we service them we put snacks on board,” Martin said.