14 CFR Part 135 Air Carrier and Operator Certification

ANNOUNCEMENT

The FAA Flight Standards Service (FS) is making key improvements to application processing by combining elements of the certification process.

Effective January 24, 2024, FS is utilizing a new process to increase applicant readiness for initial certifications, which is applicable to applicants for an air carrier, air operator, or air agency certificate, or the issuance of management specifications (MSpec) in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91 subpart K (part 91K), 125, 133, 135, 137, 141, 142, 145 (Domestic), and 147.

This new process is a continuation of our efforts to enhance the certification process.  FS is committed to designing long term, sustainable improvements that reduce certification wait times and improve application processing times. Please see FAA Notice 8900.687 for further information.

 

This website contains general information on Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 135 certificates, requirements for certification, and the certification process. This site is designed to assist an applicant in determining if their proposed operation could be conducted Part 135, in determining what type of 135 certification they wish to pursue, general requirements for certification, and the FAA certification process.

  1. General Information
    1. General Information
    2. Types of 14 CFR 135 Operations
    3. Kinds of 14 CFR 135 Certificate Operating Authorities
    4. Scope of Part 135 certificates
  2. General Requirements for Certification
    1. General Requirements for Certification
    2. Company Ownership
    3. Principal Base of Operation
    4. Aircraft
    5. Maintenance Requirements for Part 135 operations
    6. Economic Authority
    7. Insurance
    8. Management Personnel
    9. Manuals
    10. HazMat Manual- Will or Will-Not Carry Program
    11. Training Programs
    12. Drug and Alcohol Program Requirements
    13. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security program requirements for Part 135 certificate holders
    14. Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
    15. Proving and Validation Testing
    16. Pilots Record Improvement Act (PRIA) of 1996
  3. Certification Process
    1. Certification Process General Information
    2. Phase 1 — Pre-application
    3. Phase 2 — Formal Application
    4. Phase 3 — Design Assessment
    5. Phase 4 — Performance Assessment
    6. Phase 5 — Administrative Functions
  4. Resources
Last updated: Wednesday, January 24, 2024