If you have purchased an aircraft, you might have heard of a Part 135 certificate that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues. Understanding what this document is and how you can get it can help you avoid any setbacks to future plans.
The reach of Part 135 certification
Part 135 is the set of federal rules that govern commuter airlines and on-demand air carriers. If you plan to fly passengers or cargo for pay using smaller planes or rotorcraft, this certificate is what allows you to do so legally.
There are two types of authority under Part 135. Commuter authority applies to non-turbojet planes with nine or fewer seats or rotorcraft on set routes, while on-demand authority covers planes with up to 30 seats or rotorcraft flying charter trips.
The FAA also issues certificates based on the size of your operation. A Single-Pilot certificate restricts operations to one named pilot but places no limit on the number of aircraft. A Single Pilot in Command certificate expands on this by allowing one pilot to command a small crew. Finally, a Basic certificate permits the use of up to five pilots and five aircraft.
Federal benchmarks for eligibility
The FAA reviews the following before granting a Part 135 certificate:
- U.S. citizenship: Individual applicants require U.S. citizenship. Corporate entities need a U.S. citizen president, a board with at least two-thirds citizens and 75% domestic voting interest.
- Exclusive aircraft use: Operators must own or lease at least one airworthy, registered aircraft for at least six months after certification.
- Required management: Standard certificate holders need to appoint a qualified director of operations, chief pilot and director of maintenance.
- Compliance manuals: The process entails submitting a General Operations Manual and, depending on aircraft size, a General Maintenance Manual.
- Safety and training programs: The FAA mandates approved crew training, a drug and alcohol testing program and a hazmat plan, even if you do not plan to carry hazardous materials.
- Insurance and Department of Transportation (DOT) authority: Interstate carriers must secure DOT economic authority and file proof of accident liability insurance.
Gaps in any one of these areas can slow down or stall your progress through the approval process.
State-level nuances in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not have its own Flight Standards District Office. The Portland, Maine office handles aviation certification for the state, so you will work with an out-of-state office from start to finish. Building a solid working relationship with that office early on can be helpful as your case moves forward.
The state does have its own aircraft registration laws that are separate from FAA requirements. Under these laws, all aircraft owned by state residents or businesses must be registered each year with the Bureau of Aeronautics, whether or not the aircraft is airworthy or stored in the state. This applies within 10 days of a purchase.
Stages of the approval process
The FAA uses a five-phase system with three gates that you must pass through in order. The stages move from a pre-application inquiry through formal document review, manual and program checks, proving tests and finally certificate issuance. If your operation involves turbojet aircraft or requires two pilots, you should expect to complete at least 25 hours of proving tests that mimic full revenue flights.