Inspections and tests

This regulation requires Part 135 operators (charter and commuter airlines) and their employees to allow FAA inspectors access to conduct inspections and tests at any time and any location. This includes inspections while aircraft are actually in flight (en route inspections).

The FAA uses this authority to verify that operators comply with federal aviation laws, FAA regulations, and the specific requirements in their operating certificate and operations specifications. Inspectors might examine aircraft maintenance records, observe flight operations, review crew qualifications, or ride along on flights.

In practical terms, this means you cannot refuse an FAA inspector's request to examine your operations, even if it's inconvenient timing or location. The "any time or place" language gives inspectors broad authority to conduct surprise inspections rather than only scheduled audits, helping ensure continuous compliance rather than operators preparing specifically for known inspection dates.

*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.*