How to Vet a Charter Operator: Part 135 Explained

Chartering a private jet should feel simple. But behind the polished cabin and smooth booking process is a regulatory system that determines who is legally allowed to fly you for hire. Knowing the basics can protect your safety and your wallet.

Here is how to vet a Part 135 charter operator before you book.

What Is Part 135?

In the United States, commercial charter flights on smaller aircraft are governed by Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. A company that holds a Part 135 air carrier certificate has been approved by the FAA to carry passengers or cargo for hire, and must meet standards for pilots, maintenance, operations and oversight.

This is different from Part 91, which covers private operations. A private owner flying friends and family under Part 91 is not offering transportation for hire. If someone is paying for the flight, the operation generally must be conducted under the right certificate.

Why It Matters

Part 135 requirements generally include:

• Pilot qualifications and training, including recurrent checks and flight and duty limits
• Maintenance standards and approved inspection programs
• Drug and alcohol testing programs
• FAA oversight, including operations specifications that define what the operator may do
• Operational control, meaning the certificate holder is responsible for each flight

A flight arranged outside this framework may involve weaker oversight and, in some cases, insurance that does not cover passengers. That is the heart of the "illegal charter" problem.

Operator vs. Broker: Know Who Is Who

This is the single most important distinction.

• The operator (or air carrier) holds the Part 135 certificate, employs the pilots and maintains the aircraft. This is the company legally responsible for your flight.
• The broker arranges the charter between you and the operator. A broker does not operate the aircraft and must not hold itself out as the carrier.

Brokers can add real value by comparing options and handling logistics. But you should always be told which operator will actually fly you.

Step-by-Step Vetting Checklist

1. Ask for the operator's name and Part 135 certificate number

A legitimate operator or broker can give you the name of the air carrier and its certificate information. If they hesitate or cannot answer, treat that as a red flag.

2. Verify the certificate with the FAA

Use the FAA's public tools to confirm the company holds a current Part 135 certificate. Check that the legal name matches what appears on your contract.

3. Confirm the specific aircraft is on the certificate

A Part 135 operator can only use aircraft listed on its operations specifications or aircraft it has authority to use. Ask for the tail number (see our tail number guide) and confirm it is covered.

4. Ask about pilots

• Are they employees or contractors?
• What are the minimum qualifications and experience?
• Will there be two pilots, or one if the aircraft allows it?
• How are pilots trained and checked?

5. Check insurance

Request a certificate of insurance showing liability coverage that includes passengers. Ask whether you can be named as an additional insured for your trip.

6. Look at the safety record

• Search for any accident or incident history in public safety databases.
• Ask whether the operator has an independent safety audit or rating.
• Third-party audit programs, such as ARGUS, Wyvern and IS-BAO, evaluate operators against industry standards. Ratings are not a guarantee of safety, but they signal a commitment to oversight.

7. Review the aircraft's condition and maintenance

Ask about the aircraft's age, maintenance program and recent major inspections. Operators serious about safety are comfortable discussing this.

8. Read the charter agreement carefully

Check:

• The legal name of the air carrier
• Who has operational control
• Pricing, taxes and fees, including repositioning and peak-day charges
• Cancellation and change policies
• What happens if the aircraft is swapped or unavailable
• Weather and mechanical delay policies

9. Understand the price

Beware of quotes dramatically lower than the market. Charter pricing reflects crew, fuel, maintenance, insurance and positioning. Unusually cheap rates sometimes signal an operation cutting corners, or a flight offered under the wrong certificate.

Red Flags to Watch For

• The company will not name the operator or provide its certificate number
• The "charter" is offered by an individual aircraft owner who is not a certificated carrier
• Payment requests that go to a personal account or ask for unusual methods
• Pressure to book immediately
• Pricing far below competing quotes
• Reluctance to provide insurance documentation
• Inconsistent information about the aircraft or tail number

Jet Cards, Fractional Programs and Management

Charter is not the only way to fly private:

• Jet cards typically prepay flight hours, with flights operated by Part 135 carriers. Vet the operator behind the card just as you would for a single charter.
• Fractional ownership programs generally operate under a different part of the regulations (Part 91K). They have their own safety and compliance requirements.
• Aircraft management companies run aircraft for owners. Owners may place the aircraft on a Part 135 certificate to generate charter revenue, but the operator remains responsible for the flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a broker safe to use? Yes, when the broker is transparent, uses certificated operators and tells you who will operate the flight.

Can I verify a Part 135 operator myself? Yes. The FAA provides public information on certificate holders.

What if I booked with a company that turns out not to be certificated? Contact the FAA and consult a lawyer. Do not board if you have concerns about the operation.

Fly With Confidence

At The Jet Guys, we believe transparency comes first: who is flying you, in which aircraft, and what the trip will cost.

Related reading: holiday private jet charter and how much it costs to own a private jet.