Equipment requirements: General
Read the official ruleThis regulation establishes minimum equipment requirements for aircraft operating under Part 135 (commuter and on-demand operations).
Every Part 135 aircraft must have a sensitive altimeter adjustable for barometric pressure—essential for maintaining proper altitude separation and approach minimums. Aircraft must also have carburetor heating/deicing equipment, or an alternate air source for pressure carburetors, to prevent ice from blocking fuel-air flow.
Turbojet aircraft face an additional requirement: beyond the two attitude indicators (artificial horizons) already required at pilot stations, they must install a third indicator meeting Part 121 standards. This provides critical backup for attitude reference in instrument conditions.
The regulation also gives the FAA authority to require additional equipment for turbine-powered aircraft as needed. These requirements ensure Part 135 aircraft have essential instruments for safe operation in the varied conditions commercial operators encounter, with extra redundancy for jets operating at higher altitudes and speeds.
*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.*