Operational control briefing and acknowledgment

This regulation requires program managers in fractional aircraft ownership programs to brief owners about their operational control responsibilities whenever they sign, renew, or extend a management services contract. The owner must review and sign a written acknowledgment that becomes part of the contract.

The acknowledgment must clearly explain when the owner has operational control and spell out three key areas:

• The owner's responsibility for following management specifications and regulations
• That the owner can face enforcement actions for violations
• The owner's potential liability for injuries or property damage from flight operations

By signing, the owner confirms they understand and accept these responsibilities. Program managers must keep these acknowledgments accessible to both the aircraft owners and the FAA. This ensures fractional owners understand they retain legal responsibility and liability even though a management company operates their aircraft.

*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.*