Applicability

This regulation introduces the aircraft and equipment requirements section for Part 135 operations (commuter and on-demand air carriers). It establishes three key points:

First, Part 135 operators must meet both the basic requirements in Part 91 (which apply to all aircraft) and the additional requirements specific to Part 135. You can't ignore Part 91 rules just because you're operating under Part 135.

Second, these Part 135 requirements are supplemental—they add to what Part 91 already requires for commercial operations.

Third, if a piece of equipment satisfies requirements in both parts, you only need one unit of that equipment. For example, if both Part 91 and Part 135 require an ELT, you don't need to install two separate ELTs.

In practice, this means Part 135 operators face stricter equipment standards than general aviation pilots, but they're not required to duplicate equipment unnecessarily when a single item meets multiple regulatory requirements.

*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.*