General requirements

This regulation establishes the basic requirements for operating commercial aircraft under Parts 121 or 135.

To operate as a direct air carrier (like an airline), you must be a U.S. citizen, obtain an Air Carrier Certificate, and receive operations specifications (OpSpecs) that detail exactly what operations you're authorized to conduct and how.

If you're conducting commercial passenger or cargo operations under Part 121 or 135 but aren't a direct air carrier (such as operating aircraft for another company), you need U.S. citizenship, an Operating Certificate, and OpSpecs.

Before receiving either certificate, applicants must complete proving tests—essentially demonstration flights that show the FAA you can safely conduct the proposed operations. These tests must follow the same rules that would apply once you're fully certificated. The FAA issues a letter of authorization specifying how these proving tests will be conducted.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*