Part 135 Charter FAQ

A Part 135 certificate is an FAA-issued operating certificate that authorizes commercial operators to conduct on-demand charter flights and scheduled commuter operations with smaller aircraft. This certificate ensures that operators meet stringent safety standards, including pilot training requirements, aircraft maintenance protocols, and operational procedures. When booking a charter flight, choosing a Part 135-certified operator guarantees you're flying with a company that meets federal safety standards and undergoes regular FAA oversight and inspections.

You can verify a Part 135 operator's certification through several methods: Check the FAA's online database at faa.gov for current certificate status, request to see their Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) which detail their authorized operations, ask for their certificate number and verify it directly with the FAA, and ensure their insurance coverage is current and adequate.

Part 91 governs private, non-commercial flights where no compensation is involved, while Part 135 covers commercial operations that carry passengers for hire. Part 135 operators must meet much stricter requirements including: higher pilot qualification standards, more rigorous aircraft maintenance programs, formal training curricula, operational control systems, and regular FAA inspections.

Booking a charter flight involves several steps: First, determine your travel requirements including departure/arrival airports, dates, passenger count, and any special needs. Contact certified Part 135 operators or use reputable charter brokers to request quotes. Compare proposals considering safety records, aircraft type, total cost, and operator credentials.

Charter flight costs vary significantly based on several factors: Aircraft size and type (turboprops start around $1,200-2,500 per hour, light jets $2,500-4,000 per hour, mid-size jets $3,500-6,000 per hour, and large jets $6,000-15,000+ per hour). Additional costs include positioning fees, overnight fees, catering, ground transportation, and international fees.

Research a charter operator's safety record through multiple sources: Review FAA enforcement actions, check safety ratings with organizations like ARGUS or Wyvern, examine insurance coverage, ask about maintenance practices, and inquire about pilot training programs. Reputable operators will be transparent about their safety practices.

Part 121 governs major scheduled airlines operating large aircraft (typically more than 30 seats), while Part 135 covers smaller aircraft operations including charter flights and commuter airlines. Part 121 has more stringent requirements including mandatory copilots, more extensive pilot training, stricter maintenance, required dispatchers, and more frequent inspections.

Obtaining Part 135 certification is a comprehensive process requiring: demonstration of adequate financing, submission of detailed operations manuals, proof of appropriate aircraft and facilities, qualified personnel, completion of proving flights under FAA observation, and establishment of training programs. The process typically takes 6-12 months.

Part 135 operators must maintain substantial insurance coverage including liability insurance for passenger injury and property damage (minimums vary but typically start at $300,000 per passenger), hull insurance covering aircraft value, and often additional coverage for international operations.

Empty leg flights occur when charter aircraft fly without passengers to position for another flight. These are often available at 25-75% off regular charter rates. Find them through charter operator websites, specialized marketplaces, broker networks, and social media. However, they have limitations including fixed schedules and potential cancellations.

Charter flights can access many more airports than commercial airlines, including smaller regional airports and private airstrips. However, factors affecting accessibility include runway length, fuel availability, customs facilities, noise restrictions, and operating hour limitations.

Most charter companies will work to find alternative routing or timing. Aircraft may use alternate airports with better conditions. Safety always takes priority, and flights will be delayed or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. Review the operator's weather policy and understand associated costs.