Recordkeeping requirements

This regulation establishes what records Part 135 operators (commuter and on-demand air carriers) must maintain and make available for FAA inspection.

Operators must keep their operating certificate, operations specifications, and a current aircraft list at their principal business office. They must maintain detailed individual records for each pilot, including certificates, ratings, experience, duty assignments, medical certificates, training completion dates, competency test results, flight time, and any employment actions. Flight attendant records must also be kept to verify training compliance.

Aircraft records must be retained for at least 6 months, while pilot and flight attendant records must be kept for at least 12 months.

For multiengine aircraft, operators must prepare a load manifest before each takeoff showing passenger count, weights, center of gravity information, aircraft registration, route, and crew assignments. The pilot in command must carry one copy to the destination, and the operator must retain copies for at least 30 days. This ensures proper weight and balance documentation for every flight.

*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.*