Operating information required

This regulation requires Part 135 operators to provide specific materials at the pilot station, and pilots must use them. At minimum, every aircraft needs a cockpit checklist covering before starting engines, before takeoff, cruise, before landing, after landing, and stopping engines. Current aeronautical charts must be available, plus IFR charts if flying IFR.

Multiengine aircraft and aircraft with retractable gear need an additional emergency checklist covering fuel, hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical system emergencies; emergency operation of instruments and controls; engine-out procedures; and any other necessary emergency procedures.

Multiengine aircraft must also have one-engine-inoperative climb performance data accessible. If that aircraft is approved for IFR or over-the-top operations, this data must be sufficient to determine compliance with the climb performance requirements of §135.181(a)(2).

The key point: these aren't optional—operators must provide them in current form, and pilots must actually use them.

*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.*