How to Verify an FAA Part 135 Operator Before You Fly
When paying for charter flight services, ensuring your operator holds proper FAA Part 135 certification isn't just recommended—it's essential for your safety and legal protection. Unfortunately, not all companies advertising charter services operate legally, and some may cut corners on safety to reduce costs. This comprehensive guide provides the tools and knowledge you need to verify any charter operator before entrusting them with your safety.
Understanding Part 135 Certification
FAA Part 135 certification represents the gold standard for commercial aviation operations involving aircraft with 30 or fewer passenger seats. This regulation establishes comprehensive safety requirements including:
Pilot Qualifications: Part 135 pilots must meet higher experience and training standards than private pilots, including Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates for most captain positions and rigorous recurrent training programs.
Aircraft Maintenance: Strict maintenance programs with detailed inspection requirements, approved maintenance facilities, and comprehensive record-keeping ensure aircraft remain in optimal condition.
Operational Standards: Formal operational procedures, flight dispatch systems, and weather minimums that exceed general aviation standards provide additional safety margins.
FAA Oversight: Regular inspections, audits, and surveillance by FAA Flight Standards District Offices ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations.
Primary Verification Methods
FAA Online Database Search
The most reliable starting point is the FAA's official database:
- Access the FAA Registry: Visit the FAA's website and navigate to their operator database
- Search by Company Name: Enter the exact legal name of the charter company
- Search by Certificate Number: If provided, use the operator's Part 135 certificate number for direct verification
- Review Certificate Status: Confirm the certificate is current and not suspended or revoked
- Check Authorized Operations: Verify the operator is authorized for the type of service you're booking
Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) Review
Every Part 135 operator receives Operations Specifications detailing their authorized activities:
Request OpSpecs: Legitimate operators will readily provide their current OpSpecs document
Verify Aircraft Types: Confirm the aircraft you'll be flying appears on their authorized aircraft list
Check Operational Areas: Ensure the operator is authorized to fly your intended route
Review Special Authorizations: Some operations require additional approvals like international flights or specialized equipment
Direct FAA Contact
For additional verification:
Contact the Overseeing FSDO: Each Part 135 operator is overseen by a specific Flight Standards District Office that can confirm certification status
Verify Certificate Details: FSDO inspectors can confirm certificate validity, any outstanding violations, and recent inspection results
Ask About Compliance History: While they may not discuss specifics, FSDOs can generally indicate if an operator has significant compliance issues
Red Flags to Watch For
Documentation Reluctance
Legitimate operators will proudly display their credentials:
- Certificate Display: Valid operators typically display their Part 135 certificate prominently
- Insurance Documentation: Current insurance certificates should be readily available
- Pilot Credentials: Professional operators will discuss their pilot qualifications and training programs
- Maintenance Records: While detailed records aren't typically shown to passengers, operators should be willing to discuss their maintenance programs
Pricing and Payment Issues
- Extremely Low Pricing: Rates significantly below market averages may indicate corner-cutting on safety or illegal operations
- Cash-Only Payments: Professional operators typically accept various payment methods and provide proper receipts
- Advance Payment Reluctance: Legitimate operators usually require advance payment but provide detailed contracts and receipts
Operational Concerns
- Vague Answers: Operators who can't provide specific answers about their certification, aircraft, or procedures may lack proper authority
- Pressure Tactics: High-pressure sales techniques or urgency to book without proper verification time should raise concerns
- Lack of Professional Facilities: While not required, most established Part 135 operators maintain professional offices and facilities
Advanced Verification Techniques
Third-Party Safety Ratings
Several organizations provide independent safety assessments:
ARGUS (Audit Standards): This organization provides safety ratings based on detailed operational audits
Wyvern Wingman: Another respected safety rating program that evaluates operators against enhanced safety standards
IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations): While not specific to Part 135, this standard indicates commitment to safety excellence
Insurance Verification
Proper insurance coverage protects both operators and passengers:
Liability Coverage: Verify adequate passenger liability coverage, typically $1 million or more per passenger
Hull Coverage: Ensure the aircraft is properly insured for its full value
Additional Coverage: Some operators carry passenger accident insurance beyond basic liability requirements
Insurance Company Reputation: Verify coverage through reputable aviation insurance companies
Pilot and Crew Verification
Pilot Qualifications: Ask about pilot experience levels, training programs, and recent flight experience
Drug and Alcohol Programs: Part 135 operators must maintain FAA-approved drug and alcohol testing programs
Crew Rest Requirements: Verify the operator follows crew rest regulations to prevent fatigue-related safety issues
Aircraft-Specific Verification
Registration and Airworthiness
N-Number Lookup: Verify aircraft registration through the FAA registry using the tail number
Airworthiness Certificate: Confirm the aircraft holds a current airworthiness certificate
Service History: While detailed maintenance records aren't typically available to passengers, operators should be able to discuss general maintenance practices
Equipment and Modifications
Required Equipment: Ensure aircraft carry required safety equipment for your specific flight (life vests for overwater flights, oxygen equipment for high-altitude operations)
Modifications: Any aircraft modifications should be properly certified through STCs (Supplemental Type Certificates)
International Operations Verification
International charter flights require additional approvals:
International Permits: Operators must obtain permits for international flights, which can be verified through destination country aviation authorities
Customs and Immigration: Verify the operator has experience with international customs and immigration procedures
International Insurance: Some countries require additional insurance coverage for foreign operators
What to Do If You Find Problems
Immediate Actions
- Don't Fly: If you discover the operator lacks proper certification or has safety concerns, don't proceed with the flight
- Document Issues: Keep records of any concerning information or misrepresentations
- Report to FAA: Safety concerns should be reported to the appropriate FSDO or the FAA's safety hotline
Legal and Financial Protections
- Credit Card Payments: Using credit cards provides additional dispute resolution options
- Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers charter flight issues
- Legal Consultation: For significant financial losses due to fraudulent operators, consult with aviation attorneys
Ongoing Verification
Even after initial verification, stay alert:
Pre-Flight Briefing: Professional operators provide comprehensive briefings about safety equipment and procedures
Crew Professionalism: Observe crew behavior and professionalism throughout your interaction
Aircraft Condition: While you're not expected to inspect aircraft, obvious maintenance issues should be reported
Conclusion
Verifying a Part 135 operator requires diligence, but the safety benefits justify the effort. Legitimate operators welcome scrutiny and are proud to demonstrate their credentials and safety commitments. By following these verification procedures, you protect yourself from potentially dangerous illegal operators while supporting the professional charter industry that prioritizes safety above all else.
Remember that the cheapest option is rarely the safest option in aviation. Investing in properly certified, professional Part 135 operators ensures not only legal compliance but also access to the highest safety standards in commercial aviation. Your life is worth the additional cost and effort required to fly with operators who prioritize safety through proper certification and professional operations.