Certifications, authorizations, and prohibitions

This regulation establishes the certification framework for commercial aviation operations. The FAA issues Air Carrier Certificates to direct air carriers (typically scheduled airlines) and Operating Certificates to commercial operators who don't conduct direct air carrier operations or who operate large aircraft (20+ seats or 6,000+ pounds payload) outside common carriage.

Key practical points: You can only hold one certificate for common carriage operations (Parts 121/135) and one for private carriage (Parts 125/135), regardless of how many aircraft types you operate. You cannot operate without the proper certificate and matching operations specifications, and you cannot mix common carriage and private carriage under the same certificate. You also cannot advertise services you're not certificated to provide.

The regulation prohibits operating as a commercial operator or direct air carrier without appropriate FAA certification, valid operations specifications, and (for direct air carriers) DOT economic authority. Operations must stay within geographically authorized areas specified in your ops specs.

*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.*