Communication and navigation equipment: Extended over-water or IFR operations

This regulation sets equipment requirements for Part 135 operators flying IFR or extended over-water.

For extended over-water operations, aircraft need at least two independent navigation systems capable of meeting ATC accuracy requirements. For IFR operations, aircraft must have a marker beacon receiver and ILS receiver, plus navigation equipment suitable for the route. When VOR equipment is required, you must also have DME or approved RNAV. Any RNAV system must be authorized in your operations specifications.

Communication requirements vary by aircraft type. Larger turbojets and commuter multiengine aircraft need two independent communication systems (one with two-way voice). Smaller aircraft need only one transmitter for IFR operations, though extended over-water requires more. All IFR and extended over-water operations require two microphones and two headsets (or one headset and speaker).

The Administrator may authorize reduced equipment for certain extended over-water routes based on operational factors like route length and communication gaps.

*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.*