Safety Tips

A Safety Guide for Aircraft Charter Passengers

Introduction

This information is provided to increase your safety awareness when flying in a small, chartered propeller aircraft. While the flight crew will provide the mandatory pre-flight passenger safety briefing, please take full responsibility for your own safety. Here is an overall guide with tips for passengers to help make the journey smooth, comfortable and enjoyable, whether you are a frequent traveler or flying for the first time with us. When preparing for your flight please take an active interest in enhancing your own safety by following the guidelines on this page.This information is not intended to replace any instructions given by flight crew members.

Planning

Start safely by reading this page and then discuss your trip with the aircraft operator. Explain any details, such as destination, number of passengers, additional personal information etc., that are of interest to the airline. Depending on the airline and flight duration, in-flight service may be limited. It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle and light snacks, especially for longer flights. Wear appropriate and comfortable clothing and footwear for the conditions in the area you are travelling to.

Propeller aircraft

Propeller aircrafts are typically smaller and fly at lower altitudes and speeds compared to jet aircrafts. This may result in a more intimate flying experience, with closer proximity to the crew and fellow passengers. These aircrafts are often used for shorter, regional routes or in areas where airports are smaller and less equipped to handle larger jets. Expect more noticeable engine noise and vibrations due to the propellers. These are normal and part of the aircraft's operation. Be aware that these aircrafts do not have built-in entertainment systems or Wi-Fi.

Weather

Air operators and pilots are trained and qualified to evaluate the weather for any intended flight. However, some aircrafts may be more sensitive to weather conditions such as strong winds or thunderstorms, which may result in experiencing turbulence during the flight. If you are prone to motion sickness consider bringing motion sickness remedies. Carry adequate reserves of anyspecialized medication you require. Check your flight status regularly for updates, especially if traveling in adverse weather conditions. If possible, consider keeping your travel dates flexible to accommodate any changes in flight times due to operational needs. We do our best to ensure punctual departures, but weather or operational factors may occasionally cause delays.

Dangerous Goods

It is dangerous and illegal to pack dangerous goods in baggage or to carry them on board. Don't pack matches in your luggage; carry them on you. Check with the flight crew before packing or carrying gases, corrosives, aerosols, flammable liquids, explosives (includes ammunition), poisons, magnetic materials or any other material or substance of which you are uncertain. Generally, passengers and crew members are not permitted to transport dangerous goods on board an aircraft in their carry-on or checked baggage, or on their person. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Please consult the following website for the Provisions for dangerous goods carried by passengers or crew: https://gumair.sr/dangerous-goods /

Weight and Balance

It is dangerous and illegal to pack dangerous goods in baggage or to carry them on board. Don't pack matches in your luggage; carry them on you. Check with the flight crew before packing or carrying gases, corrosives, aerosols, flammable liquids, explosives (includes ammunition), poisons, magnetic materials or any other material or substance of which you are uncertain. Generally, passengers and crew members are not permitted to transport dangerous goods on board an aircraft in their carry-on or checked baggage, or on their person. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Please consult the following website for the Provisions for dangerous goods carried by passengers or crew: : https://gumair.sr/baggage-allowances-andlimits/

Safety Equipment

An air operator must provide a life preserver for each person when operating from water and for long flights over water. Also, the air operator must carry survival equipment capable of providing a means for starting a fire, providing shelter, purify/providing water and visually signaling distress given the geography, season and anticipated seasonal climate changes of the area over which
you will be flying. Ask the pilot where this equipment is stored and how to access it when needed. Consider carrying safety equipment of your own, such as some strong cords, a signaling mirror and extra clothing. You can also take suggestions from survival books when traveling to remote areas. Ask about the location and operation of the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). The ELT is a battery-powered radio that transmits an emergency signal to enable search aircraft to locate you in the event of a crash.

Security Measures

New security measures now prohibit the possession of knives, pocket-knives and all knife-like objects, straight razors, scissors or ice picks in the passenger cabin of an aircraft, including chartered aircraft. Such objects can be carried in checked-in baggage only and which are inaccessible in flight.

Flight Crew

All flight crew are highly trained and experienced in operating the aircraft. There is no flight attendant onboard these flights, only the pilots. Trust the judgement of the pilots and follow their instructions, especially in non-standard situations and emergencies. Feel comfortable to ask questions such as how to open the emergency exits or operate the ELT. Ask about anything that concerns your safety.

Pre-boarding Safety Briefing

Gum Air will provide a pre-boarding safety briefing prior to having the passengers approaching the aircraft before departure. This briefing will include safety measures while walking to and around the aircraft and the need to closely supervise children or other passengers with special needs. Keep your clothing footwear on during any phase of the flight. A whirling propeller or rotor can be very dangerous, so pay close attention to the safety briefing and learn location of the exits, emergency procedures, boarding and leaving the aircraft safely. If you did not receive this information, ask for it.

Pre-flight Briefing

Gum Air will provide a pre-boarding safety briefing prior to having the passengers approaching the aircraft before departure. This briefing will include safety measures while walking to and around the aircraft and the need to closely supervise children or other passengers with special needs. Keep your clothing footwear on during any phase of the flight. A whirling propeller or rotor can be very dangerous, so pay close attention to the safety briefing and learn location of the exits, emergency procedures, boarding and leaving the aircraft safely. If you did not receive this information, ask for it.

Takeoff

For takeoff, make sure your seat belt is tightly fastened, and your carry-on baggage is stowed. Do not distract the flight crew during this important part of your flight.

Cruise

When you reach cruise altitude, keep your seat belt on at all times while seated as a precaution against unexpected turbulence.

Landing

Preparation for landing is the same as that for takeoff. Seat belts are fastened, your carry-on baggage is stowed. Again, do not distract the crew during the landing.

After Landing

Follow the flight crew’s instructions for leaving the aircraft and be mindful of your surroundings. If no instructions are given, then ask. Watch out for those propellers! In the unlikely event of an emergency on an aircraft, it's important to stay calm, be cooperative and always follow the crew’s instructions.

By preparing in advance and understanding what to expect, you can make your journey comfortable and pleasant. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, these tips will help ensure that your flight is smooth and stress-free. We look forward to welcoming you onboard Gum Air, we are committed to making your journey safe, comfortable, and enjoyable

For more information, please read the company policy section on our website: https://gumair.sr/company-policy/