Management personnel: Qualifications for operations conducted under part 135 of this chapter

This regulation sets minimum qualifications for key management personnel at Part 135 operators (charter and commuter airlines).

Director of Operations must hold either an ATP or commercial pilot certificate (depending on whether the operation requires ATP-qualified captains), plus either: 3 years of recent supervisory/managerial experience in Part 121/135 operations, OR 3 years as PIC in Part 121/135 operations (must be within the past 6 years if it's their first Director of Operations role).

Chief Pilot needs the same pilot certificate level as required for captains, must be qualified to fly at least one aircraft in the fleet, and needs 3 years of Part 121/135 PIC experience (recent experience required only for first-time Chief Pilots).

Director of Maintenance must hold an A&P certificate plus 3 years of recent maintenance experience on similar aircraft, or 3 years at a repair station including one year approving aircraft for return to service.

The FAA may approve deviations for candidates with comparable experience.

*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.*