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Part 135 operators cannot take off with contamination adhering to critical surfaces. Here is what an approved ground de-icing and anti-icing program has to cover, and why it should be built in late summer.
Part 91 or Part 135? The answer turns on compensation, common carriage, and operational control — not aircraft size. Here is how the FAA draws the line and what crossing it requires.
The FAA's Part 5 final rule makes SMS mandatory for every Part 135 operator. This guide covers the 2027 deadline, the four required components, and how to build a compliant, audit-ready program.
How FAA Part 135 certification actually works: the five phases and three gates, a realistic timeline, the documents you submit, and what it costs to get certified.
Understand how the FAA defines operational control, the difference between legal and illegal charter arrangements, and how to protect your Part 135 certificate.
A practical roadmap for Part 135 operators facing the FAA SMS mandate — covering the four pillars, phased timeline, documentation, and how to build SMS without enterprise resources.
Understand Part 135 CAMP requirements under 14 CFR 135.431 for aircraft with 10+ passenger seats — including AD/SB tracking, reliability programs, and the transition from standard maintenance.
Understand Part 135 hazmat compliance including will-carry vs. will-not-carry OpSpecs, crew training, prohibited items, and preparing for FAA hazmat inspections.
Understand Part 135 recordkeeping expectations, retention timelines, and how to structure records for fast retrieval during inspections.
Understand TSA security programs for Part 135 charter operators — Twelve-Five Standard Security Program, TFSSP, and PCSSP based on aircraft weight and configuration.
Avoid medical expiry surprises with a simple tracking model, alert logic, and audit-ready documentation for Part 135 crew records.
Learn how to run a Part 135 drug and alcohol program with proper enrollment, random testing evidence, and audit-ready documentation.
What FAA inspectors ask during a Part 135 ramp check and how to produce records quickly without creating new risk.
Understand FAA Part 135 OpSpecs in plain English: what each section authorizes, common mistakes, and how to build operational controls around them.
Define operational control under Part 135, understand the FAA's four-part test, clarify certificate holder vs. PIC responsibilities, and document it properly in your GOM.
Learn how to implement an Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) for your Part 135 operation through the ACSF consortium model — eliminating the $60K+ individual setup cost.
What an aviation SMS is, who is required to implement one, and how SMS controls connect to your existing compliance system.
Understand CASS requirements under 14 CFR 135.431, including maintenance monitoring, records analysis, RII procedures, and practical implementation for small fleets.
Understand how the FAA's Safety Assurance System (SAS) has changed surveillance for Part 135 operators — what triggers visits, how inspectors prioritize, and how to prepare.
Plain-English explanation of FAA Part 135 flight time limitations and rest requirements including single-pilot and two-pilot operations.
A plain-English breakdown of FAA Part 135 recurrent training requirements for pilots and crew, including frequency and tracking controls.
What the FAA requires in a Part 135 operations manual including required sections, revision controls, and practical version management.
Step-by-step guide to preparing your Part 135 operation for an FAA FSDO audit including what inspectors look for, common findings, and readiness controls.
A complete checklist of FAA Part 135 compliance requirements for on-demand charter operators covering training, documentation, aircraft, and crew currency.