Flight Lessons 101

An air charter company, concerned that competitors were flying without proper licensing for air charter, recently contacted Pollstar.

The company alleged others were operating without Code of Federal Regulations part 121 certification. Those companies would be substantially cheaper, but illegal and possibly dangerous.

However, when Pollstar told the Federal Aviation Agency of some of the alleged violators, the agency verified them as licensed.

Still, FAA spokesman Les Dorr suggested that if a potential client is suspicious, 121 licensing can be verified at www.faa.gov and www.dot.gov or by calling the FAA Flight Standards district office nearest the company.

Also, one can simply ask the carrier if they are properly licensed because a false response would be a crime.

Charter planes with a capacity of 10 or fewer fall under 135 licensing, not 121.