This page 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.

Transition to Aviation Integrated Safety (AIS) Services FAQs

What is changing for initial Part 135 air operator/carrier certificate applications?

Starting September 30, 2026, the FAA is transitioning initial Part 135 air operator/carrier certificate applications to Aviation Integrated Safety Services (AIS Services) – formerly AVS Hub. AIS Services will provide a new, intuitive experience to submit an initial Part 135 application and documents in accordance with Notice 8900.766 - Determine Applicant Readiness for Certification.

How do applicants access the platform and create an account?

AIS Services will be available for users to access via faa.gov. To create an account or sign in, navigate to the top right corner of the AIS Services workspace where authentication is securely managed through login.gov. Existing users can sign in directly using their established credentials. First-time users should select ‘Create an account’ on the sign-in screen to register using a valid email address. 

Users can troubleshoot any login or account creation issues here or contact the FAA for assistance by using this link.

What document file types and package sizes are supported?

Applicants can upload digital application packages and supporting documentation directly through the portal up to 500MB per document. Supported file formats include standard PDFs, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and Microsoft Word documents.

Where can applicants find assistance and reference tools ahead of launch day?

Reference materials and support channels will be published on the FAA public website leading up to launch:

• Walkthrough Video will demonstrate initial application submission steps on AIS Services
• The Start–Up Guide tells you step-by-step how to log-in and begin the application process
• Self-Service FAQs Online guidance answering common intake and submission questions
• Technical Support: Contact 9-AVS-AVSH-Support-135@faa.gov for any technical issues using AIS Services

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