The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stands as the cornerstone of aviation safety and compliance in the United States. Its Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) govern nearly every facet of air travel, from aircraft maintenance and pilot training to operational standards and passenger safety.
The Federal Aviation Regulations are organized within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically under Title 14, which covers aeronautics and space. Each 'part' of the FAR corresponds to a specific regulatory area within this code and title structure, providing legal clarity and organization for aviation rules. An Air Carrier certificate is issued to an applicant authorized to conduct interstate, foreign, or overseas transportation, or to carry mail. An Operating certificate is issued to an applicant who will conduct intrastate transportation.
For any operator conducting on-demand or commuter flights, understanding these federal regulations is not optional; it’s fundamental. Whether managing a charter service or exploring fractional jet ownership, these guidelines ensure every flight adheres to the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and reliability.
The FAA’s regulatory oversight extends to all aspects of aviation operations. From approving flight operations and aircraft certifications to enforcing maintenance protocols, the agency ensures that every air carrier meets strict compliance benchmarks. In particular, Part 135 of the FARs defines the framework for commuter and on-demand operations, an essential standard for both private and commercial aviation entities.
The Regulatory Framework: What Part 135 Covers
Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations establishes the rules governing commuter and on-demand operations, distinguishing them from other forms of private and commercial flight. There are important differences between each part: Part 91 governs general aviation (private, non-commercial flights), Part 121 applies to major airlines, and Part 135 bridges the gap, each regulation applies to different types of operations, with Part 135 regulating smaller air carriers and charter operators that provide flexibility with safety. Part 91 is the least restrictive of the three parts of the FAR concerning aircraft operations.
This section of the regulations defines key operational elements, including:
Requirements for air carrier certification
Pilot qualifications and training
Aircraft maintenance standards
Operational control and accountability
Passenger safety and equipment compliance
Under Part 135, operational control is a central concept. It ensures that air carriers retain full authority over flight decisions, crew management, and aircraft readiness. The FAA issues certification only to carriers that can demonstrate adherence to these standards through documented systems, qualified personnel, and ongoing oversight. Part 135 operators must utilize flight-following technology for operational control.
For businesses and individuals exploring fractional aircraft ownership, understanding the Part 135 framework is critical. Many fractional jet programs operate under Part 135 to allow their owners to use aircraft more flexibly while maintaining FAA-certified safety standards.
Operations and Specifications (Ops Specs)
Once certified, every Part 135 operator receives Operations Specifications (Ops Specs), a detailed document that outlines the scope and limitations of their authority.
These specifications define how an operator may conduct flights, including:
Aircraft types and registration numbers authorized for use
Approved geographic areas of operation
Pilot training and duty requirements
Maintenance programs and inspection intervals
Safety procedures and emergency protocols
Ops Specs also designate key management personnel, such as the Chief Pilot, Director of Maintenance, and Director of Operations, who are each responsible for ensuring compliance within their domain.
The FAA provides extensive guidance through appendices, such as Appendix D and Appendix E, which help operators understand the operational nuances of their certification. Specific operational requirements and limitations are contained within the Operations Specifications and relevant FAA appendices. Each operator must not only meet these requirements during certification but also maintain compliance through regular audits, reporting, and inspections.
For fractional jet programs, these specifications are what ensure that owners and passengers benefit from a safety-certified operational structure without the administrative burden of managing their own aircraft.
Certification and Authorities
The certification process under Part 135 is both rigorous and comprehensive, reflecting the FAA’s commitment to maintaining the highest operational standards. Air carriers seeking to operate under this part must demonstrate complete adherence to all applicable regulations and safety protocols.
The process generally involves several key stages:
Pre-application Phase – The operator meets with FAA representatives to discuss eligibility, operations, and expectations.
Formal Application – The operator must apply to the FAA for certification by submitting the required documentation, including manuals, training programs, and management structure.
Document Evaluation – The FAA reviews all submissions for completeness and regulatory compliance.
Demonstration and Inspection – The applicant must conduct demonstration flights and inspections to verify readiness.
Certification Issuance – Once approved, the operator receives their Air Carrier Certificate and Operations Specifications.
Only certificate holders are authorized to conduct operations under Part 135. Certificate holders must comply with all FAA requirements and are responsible for maintaining operational standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance when they conduct operations.
This certification authorizes the holder to conduct flights in accordance with Part 135 standards. However, certification is not a one-time event; operators are subject to ongoing surveillance, including audits, check rides, and compliance checks. The certificate holder must have aircraft accident liability insurance on file with the Department of Transportation.
For fractional ownership programs, partnering with a Part 135-certified operator ensures peace of mind. Every flight is subject to the same rigorous safety oversight as commercial air carriers, while still maintaining the privacy and flexibility of private aviation.
Pilot and Crew Requirements
Ensuring the safety and reliability of air transportation under Part 135 hinges on strict pilot and crew requirements, as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and detailed in federal aviation regulations. These requirements are designed to address the unique demands of both on-demand operations, such as charter flights, and commuter operations, which involve scheduled service between two or more points. Pilots operating under Part 91 have no legally required rest periods, unlike those under Part 121 and Part 135.
Types of Operations and Key Comparisons
Part 135 operations fall into two primary categories:
On-Demand Operations
These include charter flights and other non-scheduled air transportation. They provide flexibility for passengers who value convenience and time efficiency. On-demand operations can be conducted in airplanes that have a passenger seating configuration of 30 seats or fewer, or in any rotorcraft.
Commuter Operations
These involve scheduled flights between designated points, typically using smaller aircraft and serving niche routes or regional destinations.
Both require adherence to distinct FAA rules regarding crew rest, maintenance, and flight scheduling.
To put this into context, here’s how Part 135 differs from Part 91 and Part 121 operations:
Part 91: Governs non-commercial, private operations. Ideal for personal aircraft owners or corporate flight departments that do not sell air transportation services.
Part 135: Applies to commercial charter and fractional operations. It balances flexibility with FAA oversight and applies to aircraft with 30 or fewer seats or a maximum payload capacity of 7,500 pounds.
Part 121: Covers major airlines and large-scale passenger operations with highly standardized routes and schedules. Part 121 operators typically operate larger aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats or a maximum payload capacity of over 7,500 pounds. Operating under Part 121 governs scheduled air carriers and has the strictest safety regulations, requiring multiple pilots and extensive maintenance.
As an example, a Part 121 airline must operate at least one route with a set schedule, typically offering a minimum of five round-trip flights per week on that route to meet regulatory requirements. This ensures consistent service and safety standards for scheduled commercial flights. In contrast, Part 135 operations are more flexible, allowing on-demand flights without the need to maintain a fixed route or weekly schedule. Additionally, aircraft under Part 135 are subject to maximum payload capacity limitations, which restrict the size and weight of aircraft that can be used for these operations. Part 121 operations mandate a requirement for two pilots, whereas Part 135 allows for one pilot.
For companies and high-net-worth individuals considering fractional jet ownership, Part 135 is often the most practical operational framework. It allows aircraft to be utilized efficiently across multiple owners while maintaining FAA certification for safety and compliance, a combination that neither Part 91 nor Part 121 can fully deliver in this context.
Key Considerations for Air Carriers and Fractional Programs
Operating under Part 135 involves multiple ongoing responsibilities that ensure continued compliance with FAA standards (as noted in FAA guidance). These include:
Operational Control: Maintaining clear authority over every flight decision, including weather evaluations, crew assignments, and aircraft condition.
Pilot Training: Ensuring pilots undergo recurrent training, check rides, and proficiency testing as outlined in FAA guidelines (as noted in FAA guidance).
Maintenance Compliance: Adhering to strict maintenance schedules and record-keeping practices (as noted in FAA guidance).
Safety Management Systems (SMS): Implementing formal systems to identify, analyze, and mitigate operational risks.
Passenger Safety: Upholding requirements for passenger briefings, emergency equipment, and security measures.
Expert consultants can assist operators in navigating complex FAA requirements, helping them efficiently manage private aircraft operations. The FAA, through the Principal Operations Inspector (POI), plays a key role in determining whether an operator continues to meet all compliance standards.
These responsibilities underscore why fractional aircraft ownership programs rely on certified Part 135 operators. Owners enjoy all the benefits of private flight, convenience, flexibility, and privacy, without assuming the complex regulatory responsibilities of running an air carrier.
For air carriers, compliance is not only a legal requirement but a competitive advantage. Clients seeking fractional jet solutions increasingly look for operators who demonstrate the highest commitment to safety and transparency.
Why Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations Matters in Fractional Jet Ownership
In the context of fractional jet ownership, Part 135 certification provides the regulatory backbone that makes shared aviation viable.
Here’s why it matters:
Safety Assurance: Every aircraft and crew member operates under FAA oversight, meeting the same safety standards as commercial airlines.
Operational Flexibility: Fractional owners can enjoy the ability to fly on demand without the scheduling restrictions of airline travel. Fractional programs are specifically designed for efficiently utilizing aircraft among multiple owners under Part 135 regulations, allowing for both private use and charter operations depending on the intended utilization scenario.
Cost Efficiency: By distributing ownership and maintenance costs among multiple parties, participants gain access to private jets at a fraction of full ownership expense.
Regulatory Protection: The FAA’s certification process ensures that passengers and owners are protected by enforceable safety and operational standards.
This framework allows programs like those offered by FractionalJetOwnership.com to deliver a trusted, compliant, and client-focused experience for discerning travelers and corporations.
Staying Compliant in a Changing Regulatory Landscape
The aviation industry is dynamic, and regulations evolve to address emerging technologies, environmental considerations, and safety data.
Air carriers operating under Part 135 must continuously adapt to these changes, whether through updated training programs, revised maintenance practices, or compliance with new safety management mandates.
For fractional programs, this adaptability is a defining strength. Working with FAA-certified operators ensures that every flight benefits from real-time compliance with the latest regulatory updates, without requiring owners to manage the details themselves.
Final Thoughts: Why Part 135 Is the Standard for Safe, Smart Private Aviation
Understanding Part 135 is not merely a regulatory exercise; it’s the foundation for safe, reliable, and efficient private aviation.
Under Part 135, operators are allowed to conduct on-demand and commuter operations, providing the freedom to serve a wide range of airports and routes not always accessible under more restrictive regulations. This regulatory part grants more operational flexibility compared to scheduled airline operations, while still maintaining strict safety standards. Weather minimums are stricter under Part 121 and Part 135, prohibiting takeoffs under certain conditions, unlike Part 91.
Operators who wish to offer flights for hire or receive compensation must obtain Part 135 certification. Compensation is only permitted under specific circumstances defined by the FAA, ensuring that any paid flights comply with all regulatory requirements. The rules also specify when and how payment is allowed, distinguishing commercial operations from private use.
Part 135 also sets requirements for persons on board, including passengers and crew, and emphasizes the importance of command authority, such as the role of the pilot in command, to ensure operational control and safety. Additionally, there are detailed standards for landing and visibility, requiring operators to meet minimum visibility and landing distance requirements to maintain the highest levels of safety. Passengers aged 18 years and older must provide photo identification for Part 135 operations, whereas passengers flying under Part 91 do not need to provide identification for domestic flights.
For air carriers, it represents a commitment to operational excellence. For fractional jet owners, it guarantees that their investment and travel experience are supported by the industry’s highest safety and performance standards.
When choosing a fractional ownership program, partnering with an operator that meets Part 135 certification requirements ensures every journey is backed by FAA oversight, expert management, and a focus on safety without compromise.
Ready to explore the smarter way to fly private?
Visit FractionalJetOwnership.com to learn how fractional ownership can transform your travel experience, combining the convenience of private aviation with the confidence of FAA-certified operations.
Sign up with google
Sign up with Apple
