An air charter — also known as commuter or on-demand operations under 14 CFR part 135 — requires a higher level of pilot training and certification, maintenance procedures, and safety rules, than pilots who may take family or friends for an airplane ride. 

Illegal air charter operations pose a serious safety hazard to the traveling public. The FAA works aggressively to identify and shut down rogue operators and to help passengers ensure the company they hire is legitimate. FAA inspectors perform more frequent checks on pilots, crewmembers, and aircraft than they do on private pilot operations. Pilots undergo regular proficiency checks to maintain their FAA certifications.