The aviation website credibility checklist.

24 things owners, passengers and operators check on your site before they pick up the phone. Tick off what your site already does. Your progress stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere. Written by Nick Crookston, an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic who builds websites for aviation businesses.

The first five seconds

What a visitor should see before they scroll.

Your business name and what you do, in plain words"Part 135 charter out of Akron-Canton" beats a tagline. If someone can't tell what you sell from the top of the page, they leave.
Where you're basedAirport name or identifier and city, near the top and in the footer. Owners and passengers check this first.
A phone number you can tapA visible, tap-to-call number on every screen, the same number that's on your Google listing.
One obvious next stepOne main button: request a quote, book a discovery flight, or request service. Not five competing links.
It loads fast on a phoneOpen it on your own phone over cellular. If it takes more than a few seconds, people back out before they see anything.

Credentials: only what you hold

This is where aviation sites lose trust, or get into real trouble.

Certificates match your paperwork exactlyShow the certificates and ratings you actually hold, worded the way they appear on your certificate or operations specifications. Nothing implied, nothing "pending" shown as current.
Charter: the operator is namedIf you're the Part 135 operator, say so and name the certificate holder. If you're a broker, see the next item.
Brokers: the required disclosure is on the pageUnder 14 CFR 295.23, an air charter broker's web pages must clearly and conspicuously state that it's a broker, not a direct air carrier in operational control of aircraft, and that the flights are provided by a properly licensed direct air carrier.
Repair stations: certificate and ratings listedIf you hold a Part 145 certificate, list it with your ratings and capabilities. If you're not a certificated repair station, don't use the words.
Flight schools: Part 61 vs. Part 141 is accurateOnly say Part 141 if the school holds a Part 141 certificate for that course.
Safety audits and ratings are current and used by the rulesIf you show an IS-BAO, ARGUS or Wyvern status, make sure it's current and follow that program's rules for using its name and logo. Remove anything that has lapsed.

Proof that you're real

Owners and operators look for evidence, not adjectives.

Your own photosYour hangar, your aircraft, your team. Stock photos are fine for backgrounds, but never present a stock aircraft as your fleet.
Real reviews, from real customersLink or embed your Google reviews. Never write, buy or swap reviews; it breaks Google's rules and destroys trust when spotted.
People with namesA short bio for the owner or key staff, with the certificates each person actually holds.
Capabilities or fleet, specificallyShops: aircraft types and the work you do on them. Charter: aircraft type, seats and the routes you fly most. Specific beats "we do it all".

Contact paths that match how aviation works

Make it easy for the right call to reach the right person.

Shops: an AOG or after-hours pathA clearly labeled number or process for aircraft-on-ground calls, and honest hours for everything else.
A quote or service form that asks the right questionsCharter: route, dates, passengers. Shops: aircraft type, tail or serial if they want, the squawk and preferred dates. Short enough to finish on a phone.
Forms actually arriveSubmit your own form today and confirm the email lands in an inbox someone checks, not spam.
You answer within a business dayWrite down who replies to website leads and how fast. A form nobody answers is worse than no form.

Getting found

So the right people land on the site in the first place.

Google Business Profile is complete and verifiedCorrect category, hours, phone, website link, photos and services. It's free and it's what shows on Google Maps.
Name, phone and city match everywhereWebsite, Google, Bing, Apple Maps and directories should list the same business name, phone and location.
Each page has a clear titlePage titles like "Aircraft Maintenance at KCAK | Your Shop" tell Google and searchers what the page is about.
The site is secure and has no broken pagesThe address starts with https://, every menu link works, and old pages redirect instead of erroring.
Search Console is set upGoogle Search Console (free) shows which searches find you and flags problems. Submit your sitemap there.

What your score means

Start ticking. Be honest.

There's no passing grade. Every unchecked box is a reason a careful customer might call someone else, and the credentials section matters most.

Want a second set of eyes? Send your site and we'll reply within 2 business days with 3 quick fixes, no strings.

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This checklist is general marketing guidance, not legal or regulatory advice. Check current FAA and DOT rules, and your own certificates, before publishing claims.