Aircraft requirements

This regulation establishes what aircraft a Part 135 operator (commuter/on-demand air carrier) can use. Generally, aircraft must be U.S.-registered civil aircraft with current airworthiness certificates and maintained in airworthy condition.

The operator must have "exclusive use" of at least one aircraft suitable for each type of operation they're authorized to conduct. Exclusive use means sole possession and control for at least six consecutive months, either through ownership or written agreement covering maintenance. For operations where they lack exclusive use, they need written agreements ensuring aircraft availability.

There's an important exception: operators can use foreign-registered aircraft leased without crew if the country is party to the Chicago Convention, the aircraft has that country's airworthiness certificate, meets U.S. type design standards and all applicable U.S. requirements, is flown by U.S.-certificated airmen employed by the operator, and the lease is filed with the FAA Aircraft Registry. This allows flexibility for international operations while maintaining safety standards.

*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.*