Equipment requirements: Carrying passengers under VFR at night or under VFR over-the-top conditions

This regulation sets the equipment requirements for Part 135 operators carrying passengers under VFR at night or VFR over-the-top conditions.

The aircraft must have a turn coordinator (or rate-of-turn indicator), slip-skid indicator, attitude indicator, and heading indicator—essentially requiring a full instrument panel. There are limited exceptions for airplanes and helicopters with third attitude instrument systems, and for small helicopters under 6,000 pounds maximum takeoff weight, which don't need the turn coordinator.

The aircraft must also have adequate electrical generating capacity to power all continuous electrical loads and recharge the battery. For night operations specifically, you need an anti-collision light system, instrument panel lighting that doesn't shine in the pilots' eyes, and a flashlight with at least two D-cell batteries.

This ensures Part 135 passenger flights conducted in reduced visibility conditions have the instruments and lighting necessary for safe operation when outside visual references may be limited.

*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.*