FAQs

How many passengers can fly?

The Cirrus has three passenger seats. As with all small aircraft there is a trade-off between payload and distance. For a typical one-hour flight, the Cirrus can carry up to 590 pounds including baggage and still carry a full one-hour of fuel reserves, in excess of FAA requirements. That usually translates into three adults, or two adults with weekend baggage. These cities are within a one-hour flight from Norwood, MA:

• Westchester, NY
• Albany, NY
• Rutland, VT
• Augusta, ME

Where can I fly?

Most destinations in New England are within 60 to 90 minutes from the Boston area. Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod airports are less than 30 minutes in the air. Steward Air Charter is based at Norwood Airport but there are several satellite airports in the Boston area that are a short distance away including:

• Bedford (Hanscom Field)
• Lawrence
• Beverly,
• Plymouth

What is the cost to fly privately vs. commercially?

Long haul flights on major air carriers are generally very reasonably priced. However, for smaller airports, commercial flights are infrequent and pricey. If you’re going to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket on Cape Air you are generally going to pay around $500 round trip per person plus $70 for parking at Logan airport. The same flight on Steward Air from Norwood Airport would run about $1,400 for a weekend trip. If you are filling all three passenger seats, it will save you some money. If not, it will cost more but will definitely save you time.

What if the weather is bad?

There are only so many things within our control. Unfortunately, if the weather is bad, you should make alternative plans for your travel. We’ll generally know within 24 to 48 hours if the weather will not allow us to fly. We’ll never launch a flight if there is any question about its safe outcome. There is a saying in aviation:

“It’s better to be down here wishing you were up there, than to be up there wishing you were down here.”

Can I take my golf clubs?

Yes. The rear seats fold down allowing for transporting golf clubs. However, transporting golf clubs limits the available seating. We can generally accommodate two passengers and two sets of golf clubs. There are several golf courses next to or close to small airports.

Can I take my pets?

Yes! Our Golden Retriever, Islay, flies with us regularly. We offer “Mutt Muffs” for dogs to help reduce cockpit noise.

Where do I go, and when do I need to arrive?

Smaller airports have terminals operated by Fixed Base Operators, called FBOs. They generally have well-appointed waiting areas and facilities for passengers and commercial pilots. The FBO at Norwood Airport is FlightLevel Aviation at 125 Access Road. We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes before your flight. In addition to actual flight time, we conservatively estimate an additional 30 minutes for taxi time and pre-flight checks. Thus, if traveling to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard plan on 1:15 hours from parking your car to arriving in the terminal.

Do I need to go through TSA screening?

No, private air travel does not require TSA screening.

Is there in-flight service?

Obviously, there is no bathroom on board. Passengers are prohibited from consuming their own alcoholic beverages but with prior notice drinks and snacks may be provided by Steward Air. Passengers are allowed to carry limited quantities of alcohol in the cargo hold if less than 5 liters, or 1.3 gallons of not more than 70% alcohol.

Can I take pictures or make a recording of my flight?

Yes. We encourage you to use airplane mode on your cell phone and you are very welcome to document your flight. We can even provide you with an on-line record of our flight path that allows you to re-play a portion of your flight in Google Earth.

How is the price of my flight determined?

Each flight is priced primarily by the flight time required to get to your destination. Remember, you are chartering the entire plane, not just one seat on the plane. Although it’s generally more expensive for one person, if filling two or three seats, the overall cost may be much less than flying commercially. The price may also be affected by any dead legs to reposition the plane to pick you up and the length of any waiting time at your destination, if we are flying a one-day round trip.