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What is the history of Clay Lacy Aviation?
Clay Lacy Aviation’s roots begin in the early 1960’s when Clay Lacy and Bill Lear offered the first Learjet available in the Western United States. The Lacy Lear gained instant acceptance and notoriety with the high profile entertainment industry. In 1968 Clay Lacy Aviation incorporated the name and concept of Clay Lacy Aviation. Clay Lacy Aviation operates the largest, diversified, fleet of charter aircraft in the West. Today, Clay Lacy Aviation flies more charter flights than any other West Coast carrier.
With a variety of short, mid and long-range aircraft, Clay Lacy Aviation is able to accommodate travel needs, both local or globally.
What separates Clay Lacy Aviation’s service from other carriers?
Clay Lacy Aviation’s high level of service is derived from over 35 years in the private jet industry. Having this level of experience becomes evident in the details and personal care for our clientele.
Every CLA team member has been trained by an experienced member of the team in all aspects of customer service and understanding. Our customer service is based on a dedication to the quality our clientele expects from Clay Lacy Aviation.
As a service organization, we fill in the details.
Tell me about safety?
Safety, comfort and convenience are the foundation of Clay Lacy Aviation. These three items are the reason clients choose private jet travel over the airlines. Safety and security, both at home and abroad, is paramount in customer service, flight crew training and aircraft dispatch, scheduling and maintenance.
Clay Lacy Aviation’s professional team is dedicated to providing the highest level of customer care,
while focusing on safety as our number one priority. This attitude comes from experience, focus, training and modernization.
How are Clay Lacy Aviation pilots trained?
Clay Lacy Aviation’s commitment to passenger safety, comfort and convenience is the number one priority of our pilots. CLA’s FAA approved and inspected pilot training program is ongoing and active. Pilots receive constant in-house training and recurrent simulator training at FlightSafety International & SimuFlite Training Centers. FlightSafety International & SimuFlite are considered the leading flight simulator training centers of t
he world.
A few of the subjects covered in the Clay Lacy Aviation train syllabuses are:
- Duties & Responsibility
- Federal Aviation Regulations
- Emergency Training
- International Procedures
- Company Procedures
- Meteorology & Winter Operations
- Flight Planning
- Aircraft Performance & Airport Analysis
- Crew Resource Management
- Security Issues
What is the flight experience level of Clay Lacy Aviation Pilots?
Many CLA pilots have well over 10,000 flight
hours and all CLA are required to carry 1st Class
FAA Medical and ATP (Airline Transport Certificates),
which is Aviation’s highest certificate given a pilot.
CLA pilots are handpicked from countless applicants for
more than flight hours. Pilots must demonstrate to Clay Lacy, the highest time
jet pilot in the world and our President, a level of competence and judgment which
instills confidence in our clientele. Clay Lacy Aviation crews are recognized within the air
charter industry as some of the most experienced and well trained crews in their craft. CLA crews also understand
there is more to passenger comfort than flying.
How are Clay Lacy Aviation aircraft maintained?
Proper and thorough aircraft maintenance is important for both customer safety and the overall value of an aircraft. Our clients and flight crews rely on it and a well maintained aircraft stands out amongst peers.
No aircraft leaves the CLA Maintenance Department, until it is carefully checked and rechecked. Clay Lacy Aviation takes a proactive maintenance approach and works with aircraft, engine, avionics, component manufacturers and their respective support facilities to assure our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards.
Clay Lacy Aviation’s Maintenance Department operates around the clock and
our maintenance programs are approved and regularly inspected by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Can Clay Lacy Aviation fly me anywhere I need to go?
Clay Lacy Aviation is a global company. In the United States alone commercial aviation services a little over 500 airports. Private business jets reach thousands.
CLA is authorized to fly to all of the continents on the globe and has
over flight privileges other carriers may not have. As a global carrier,
CLA monitors weather, world events and situations which may effect a
particular flight. CLA keeps in constant communication with aircraft, crews and pertinent government agencies abroad.
How does Clay Lacy Aviation deal with security issues?
Clay Lacy Aviation has dealt with passenger security issues for decades. CLA uses the following policies and procedures to ensure our passengers the highest level of security:
- Clay Lacy Aviation keeps all records and client lists strictly confidential.
- Flight crew must pass a rigorous background exam and criminal history check.
- Flight crew members wear photo identification badges which are recognizable to our passengers.
- Parked aircraft are secured and inspected prior to flight and passenger boarding.
- Proper identification and travel documents (passports, etc. for overseas travel) are required for all passengers traveling with CLA.
- Clay Lacy Aviation works with foreign & domestic government and private security organizations world-wide to determine necessary
security measures for our clientele.
- Flights are monitored and tracked by CLA’s operations department.
How does Clay Lacy Aviation handle an in-flight medical emergency?
CLA has provided air ambulance services for decades. Our experience in this field of aviation has provided a strong base in the event of an in-flight medical emergency.
In the unfortunate event of a medical emergency, the flight crew through radio and telephone will reach a major
medical clinic and speak directly with emergency medical personnel and make flight diversion recommendations if
it is determined the passenger needs immediate critical care treatment.
What factors should I always compare when looking at charter operators?
A careful look should be given to history, flight standards, crew experience and diversity of a
carrier’s aircraft fleet. Your comfort level should be based upon safety and ability to perform your requests.
When I choose an airline, I choose the lowest price carrier. Can I do the same with charter?
Long-term, high-quality carriers provide value through a much higher level of operating standards, crew experience, aircraft maintenance, safety auditing, aircraft condition and overall client comfort level.
At the end of the day there will always be a carrier that may appear to cost less. Like anything else, read the fine print and ask a few questions. Never buy on price alone.
How do I choose a particular aircraft for a trip?
Clay Lacy Aviation’s charter coordinators will assist in the selection which meets your travel and personal requirements. CLA offers a large selection of light, mid-size and large cabin jets to fulfill your transportation needs.
CLA charter coordinators a well versed in assessing the
needs and personal requirements of our clients and
combining them with aircraft which fit the profile for
the trip.
Are there ways to get discount pricing for charters?
Clientele who fly over 50 hours a year are encouraged to join Clay Lacy Aviation’s Executive Traveler Program. We offer
block time discounts based on your annual projected flying hours. Ask a charter representative for details.
Does Clay Lacy Aviation offer one-way charters?
Yes; when aircraft are being repositioned, the unoccupied segment of the flight may be offered as a one-way charter. Generally speaking; one-way charters are restricted to a specified departure date and time range.
One-way charters are a great way to save money, while receiving the full service of a private jet.
Membership in MyClayLacy is the best way to purchase and keep informed of one-way
charter availability. The program allows you to view, select and notify CLA, you would like to
purchase a charter from our private posting of available one-way charters.
What is included in the hourly cost for a charter?
The hourly rates include use of the aircraft, flight crew and basic amenities. Additional charges apply for overnight, international handling & landing fees, catering, flight phone usage and federal excise tax and segment fees.
All applicable fees will be outlined in your Clay Lacy Aviation charter quote.
Your aircraft are not based near my home town or office. How is this handled?
Clay Lacy Aviation will reposition an aircraft at the airport most convenient for you.
This convenience is one of the most important differences between airline and private jet travel.
How can I reserve an aircraft?
Clay Lacy Aviation charter coordinators are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
by calling 800-423-2904. You may also contact a charter coordinator, or schedule and aircraft on-line
at www.claylacy.com and look for the scheduling button.
Depending upon trip requirements, location and aircraft availability, CLA can have you enroute to your
destination in as little as 2 hours, though it is considered best to schedule in advance. During holiday season and peak travel days, advance notice is a preferable.
If I must cancel my flight, what is your cancellation policy?
If a trip is cancelled within 24 hours of departure time, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $1,200.
What if I need to change my trip itinerary?
Private jet travel allows flexibility. The lead time required, depends on the change requested. Changes of destination,
passenger count and time windows which require crew changes, require more lead time. Certain itinerary changes require no lead time.
Can I always get an aircraft through Clay Lacy Aviation?
This question has been a competitive selling point many organizations, from private carriers through fractional operators, thrive upon.
Clay Lacy Aviation offers one of the largest fleets, most diverse fleets of private jets in the industry. In the event CLA needs to reserve
an aircraft from a remote location, we act in your behalf, using known quality carriers who meet the training and safety standards we employ within
our organization. This practice is known as ‘additional lift’ and is used by all quality carriers globally. In many cases CLA acts as additional lift for
carriers and fractional ownership companies who use a ‘guarantee of aircraft availability’ themselves. The key component in allowing your carrier to choose
an aircraft from another fleet for you is the carrier’s focus what serves your best interest.
Do coast-to-coast non-stop charters save time over an aircraft which may stop for fuel enroute?
In certain cases, the answer is yes. In aircraft which require a fuel stop, the stopping points are locations specializing in
quick-turnaround service. Many passengers enjoy the quick break and a stretch.
Do I have to fly with in-flight cabin hosting?
No. Small and medium size cabin aircraft do not require in-flight cabin hosting. In certain medium cabin aircraft, like
a Hawker series aircraft, in-flight cabin hosting may be optional. Large cabin aircraft require cabin hosting on board. This is
for your safety, comfort and to provide the in-flight service you deserve from a quality carrier.
Can excess baggage and things like skis and fishing rods be placed on the cabin floor?
All baggage must be safely stowed or strapped down. These Federal Aviation Administration rules are for your safety.
Can I fly coast to coast, for a meeting, and return on the same day? What about Europe and back in a day?
Clay Lacy Aviation has handled this type of trip itinerary for decades. We handle all of the details required to make the trip seamless.
Here is a true example of an actual trip: A client needed to go to London from Los Angeles,
have a 2 hour meeting and return home immediately. The aircraft flew from Los Angeles to London, was met by a second Clay Lacy
Aviation crew in London, while the client was at his meeting, and flew home on schedule.
How do I handle catering & ground transportation?
Catering is your request and may be completely customized. Your CLA charter coordinator works with the best caterers and restaurants and will arrange the best in
in-flight food and beverage services.
Clay Lacy Aviation will arrange your ground transportation or coordinate with your prearranged ground transportation.
We also can arrange helicopters or other forms of transportation, to help you reach your end destination in comfort and safety.
When flying over the water, what survival equipment is on-board your aircraft?
Over-the-water gear is included, life vests, life rafts, water survival gear, location and emergency communications equipment.
Safety is first for our passengers and flight crews. CLA flight crews are trained in the use of this equipment and water survival.
How do I sleep on board a private jet?
Most long range aircraft offer seating which converts to sleeping berths and others have couches which convert to beds. Long range jets
usually have sunshade windows which will darken the cabin for rest during daylight hours when crossing multiple time zones.
How fast are private aircraft versus airliners?
Generally speaking; private jets are as fast as airliners. Private jets make further time in time savings in boarding and the ability to fly
directly to destination airports not serviced by the airlines.
As an aircraft owner myself, will Clay Lacy Aviation consider managing and/or charter marketing my aircraft?
Yes…
Clay Lacy has managed aircraft of all cabin sizes, for decades. CLA’s management approach saves time, money and provides the level of convenience you were after when the aircraft was purchased. Please call for details on aircraft management and the services we offer.
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