Training program: Special rules

This regulation controls who can provide training for Part 135 operators (commuter and on-demand air carriers).

A Part 135 certificate holder can only outsource its required training, testing, and checking to two types of organizations: another Part 135 certificate holder or a Part 142 training center. No other entities are permitted to conduct this training under contract.

If using a Part 142 training center, the certificate holder must verify that the center meets four conditions: it holds appropriate Part 142 training specifications, has proper facilities and equipment, has FAA-approved curriculum applicable to Part 135 requirements, and employs enough qualified instructors and check pilots who meet Part 135 standards (§§135.337-135.340).

In practice, this means Part 135 operators cannot simply hire any flight school or independent instructor for their formal training programs—they must use approved providers that meet these specific regulatory 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.*