Understanding Private Jet Safety Regulations for Charter Guests

The Federal Aviation Administration requires jet charter companies, also known as Part 135 Charter operators, to meet specific standards for domestic and international flights. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has similar rules for flights going into or leaving Europe. 

Your charter company may go further with third-party certifications from companies like WYVERN or ARGUS. Those that do show a high commitment to passenger and crew safety.

What Is FAA Part 135? Why Does It Matter?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a government agency that’s responsible for managing air safety. The FAA monitors the safety and compliance of all sorts of flights and operators, including private and corporate. 

For example, the FAA’s Part 91 regulations apply to operating an aircraft for private use. FAA Part 135, on the other hand, regulates the operation of an aircraft for hire, such as a charter. The Part 135 certification from the FAA allows someone to operate an on-demand air charter service. 

These regulations matter, as they ensure that consumers can charter a jet and know that their trip meets at least the minimum acceptable safety requirements. Consumers who don’t know anything about airline safety can be comfortable booking a trip with a certified company, even if those consumers don’t perform safety checks themselves.

How to Get an FAA Part 135 Certificate

To obtain an FAA Part 135 certificate, which authorizes an operator to conduct commercial air charter operations (on-demand or commuter), the FAA requires a comprehensive application and compliance process.

Here’s an overview of what’s required:

Basic Requirements

• 1. Legal entity: The operator must be a U.S. citizen or U.S.-based legal business entity and must have “operational control” of the aircraft (owned, leased, or managed).
• 2. Aircraft: The operator must have at least one airworthy aircraft suitable for the intended operations, which must meet all applicable maintenance and equipment requirements.
• 3. Personnel: This includes a director of operations, a chief pilot who must have Part 135 experience and ratings, a director of maintenance, and an accountable executive who has financial control.
• 4. Facilities: The operator must have appropriate office and storage space, as well as maintenance facilities or contracts in place.

Certification Process (5 Phases)

You’ll go through these steps in the certification process:

• 1. Pre-application: Submit Letter of Intent and Pre-application Statement of Intent (PASI).  The FAA then assigns a certification team.
• 2. Formal application: During this step, you’ll submit an operations manual, general maintenance manual, training program, compliance statement, managed resumes and org chart, a maintenance program description, and aircraft information
• 3. Document compliance review: The FAA then reviews manuals, training, and safety procedures. You’ll be given the opportunity to revise and resubmit as needed.
• 4. Demonstration and inspection: The FAA observes training sessions, maintenance, and at least one proving run (test flights under observation). They’ll also check aircraft conformity, manuals, and record-keeping systems.
• 5. Certification: If compliant, the FAA issues Operations Specifications and the Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate.

How Long Does It Take? 

The exact timeline will vary depending on region and individual circumstances, but on average, expect this process to take 6 to 12 months.

International Charter Flights & EASA’s Role

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is responsible for the safety of flights in Europe. If your jet charter flight involves countries like Ireland or England, your operator will need to pass another layer of safety certifications. 

EASA provides air operator certificates (AOCs) that allow an operator to do things like provide a charter jet trip. Without an AOC, an operator can’t do business in Europe. The AOC is specific to companies that run businesses in Europe. 

If a company operates outside of Europe but wants to fly within that region, that operator would need a third-country operator (TCO) authorization from EASA. This check ensures that the operator follows both the safety rules of its own country as well as those of Europe. 

While rules from the EASA and FAA are similar, they’re not equivalent. Your operator can’t skip one due to the presence of the other. To fly legally on an international trip, both are required. 

For example, if you’re chartering a jet for a trip that starts in New York and ends in Dublin, your operator would need to take the following steps:

• 1. Your operator must have a 135 certificate from the FAA.
• 2. Your operator must have a TCO from the EASA.
• 3. Your operator might be required to pass an on-site inspection by the EASA upon landing.

FAA vs. EASA: Regulations Between Agencies 

Both the FAA and EASA are tightly focused on safety, and their basic safety rules are very similar. For example, both agencies have regulations regarding seatbelts, emergency exits, and aircraft maintenance. 

However, differences exist. How quickly things are approved and how risks are managed are not the same. 

This table can help you understand the differences between these two agencies:

Category	faa (USA)	easa (europe)
Overall Safety Goal	Keep flying safely for everyone in the U.S. airspace	Keep flying safe for everyone in the U.S. airspace
How Strict Are They	Strict, but sometimes slower to adopt new ideas	Also strict, but often quicker to update rules
Approach to Risk	More rule-based (follows detailed rules)	More risk-based (focuses on outcome and flexibility)
Regulation Updates	Slower to change – prefers tried-and-true methods	Faster to evolve – more open to innovation
Use of Technology	Cautious about new tech; requires lots of testing before approval	Encourages innovation, but is still very careful
Safety Management	Airlines must have formal safety systems; small operators have fewer demands	All operators, big or small, are expected to actively manage safety risks
Pilot Training	Focuses heavily on flight hours and procedures	More emphasis on decision-making and scenario-based traininig
Accident Investigation	Done by the NTSB with FAA support	Independent national bodies do it, but EASA often shares lessons learned
Aircraft Certification	Very thorough and based on long history	Also very thorough; may allow newer designs sooner
Drone Safety Rules	Focus on weight and airspace limits	Focus on risk level and where the drone flies (urban, rural, etc.)
How Rules Are Shared	FAA sets rules for the entire U.S.	EASA sets baseline rules, but each country can add more if needed
Passenger Protection	Prioritizes clear safety instructions and oversight of airlines	Similar focus; often stricter on things like carry-on rules or crew duties
Cultural Style	More conservative and process-driven	More progressive and flexible, but still careful

Third-Party Safety Audits & Certifications 

Private jet operators are required to meet specific guidelines from their home and destination countries. However, some operators go above and beyond to keep their passengers and crews safe.

Third-party companies, like those we outline below, provide stricter safety guidelines that operators must meet to get certified. If you choose an operator with these certificates, you’re working with a partner who has a demonstrated commitment to safety. 

ARGUS 

ARGUS provides a Charter Operator Rating based on a company’s safety history, pilot experience, compliance with regulations, and more. The ratings are ranked by precious metals (like gold and platinum). 

Earning an ARGUS rating isn’t easy, and it isn’t free. However, going through the process can help an operator examine its policies, staff, and aircraft to ensure they are as safe as possible. 

WYVERN 

The WYVERN company was founded in 1991 by industry professionals who wanted to create standards for air charter operators. No such certification existed before, and it’s become a standard within the United States. 

WYVERN offers registered operator and wingman ratings. The assessments typically involve the crew, maintenance, training, and compliance with industry regulations.

IS-BAO 

The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) was created in 2002 by business aviation professionals. 

Unlike the other third parties we’ve mentioned, the IS-BAO doesn’t dictate rules. Instead, it guides companies and helps them meet ideal operational and technical standards.

How to Verify a Charter Company’s Regulatory Compliance 

All customers should discuss safety before they finalize a chartered jet trip. It’s just as important as choosing a destination and flight dates. 

Start by confirming your operator’s FAA status. The Federal Aviation Administration maintains a searchable list of legal Part 135 certificate holders. Use that to ensure the operator is authorized to fly within the United States. 

If your flight is international, you should also confirm the operator’s EASA certification. The European Union provides a database you can search before the flight begins. 

You can also ask your operator for confirmation of their regulatory compliance, including certificates from third parties. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you feel like you’re not getting the details you need. 

Book Your Private Charter With Element Aviation 

At Element Aviation, we lead the way in implementing safety standards. We ensure that all of our operators meet the strictest guidelines, rules, and regulations. We won’t work with anyone who doesn’t share our passion for safe air travel. 

Contact us today to find out more and book your next charter flight.