Emergency operations

This regulation allows Part 135 operators (charter and commuter flights) to deviate from certain rules during emergencies involving safety of persons or property. Both the certificate holder (the company) and the pilot in command have this authority, though the certificate holder's authority is limited to rules about aircraft, equipment, and weather minimums, while the pilot in command can deviate from any Part 135 rule to the extent necessary.

The key requirement is reporting: anyone who deviates under this emergency authority must send a complete report to the responsible Flight Standards office within 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays). The report must describe the operation, explain what rule was violated, and justify why the deviation was necessary.

This provides legal protection for doing what's necessary in a true emergency, but the reporting requirement ensures the FAA can review whether the deviation was appropriate.

*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.*