Management personnel required for operations conducted under part 121 of this chapter

This regulation establishes the management team required for Part 121 airline operations. Certificate holders must employ qualified full-time personnel in five key positions: Director of Safety, Director of Operations, Chief Pilot (for each aircraft category operated), Director of Maintenance, and Chief Inspector.

The FAA may approve fewer or different positions if the airline demonstrates it can maintain the highest safety standards given its specific operation type, fleet size, and service area.

All management personnel must be qualified through training and experience, thoroughly understand aviation safety standards and relevant FARs, and fulfill their duties to maintain safe operations. Anyone with control over operations falls under these requirements.

The airline must document these positions, duties, and current personnel in its operations manual, and notify the FAA within 10 days of any personnel changes or vacancies. This ensures regulatory oversight of the leadership responsible for safe airline operations.

*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.*