Recency of operation

This regulation requires certificate holders (airlines and commercial operators) to maintain operational currency. If they stop conducting a particular type of operation they're authorized for, they must resume it within specific timeframes or notify the FAA before restarting:

• Domestic, flag, or commuter operations: Must operate at least once every 30 days
• Supplemental or on-demand operations: Must operate at least once every 90 days (though this doesn't apply if they're also conducting domestic/flag/commuter ops within 30 days)

If these timeframes lapse, the operator cannot simply resume operations. They must give the FAA at least 5 days' advance notice and remain available for a possible full inspection during that period. This allows the FAA to verify the operator is still properly equipped and capable of conducting safe operations after the gap in activity. The rule prevents operators from going dormant and then restarting without FAA oversight.

*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.*