What Is FAA Part 135?
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 135 governs the operation of commercial air carriers for small aircraft. Any aircraft that legally carries passengers for compensation — including charter flights — must operate under a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. Part 135 certification requires operators to meet stringent standards across pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, operational procedures, and insurance requirements. The FAA issues certificates only after a rigorous initial qualification process and maintains ongoing oversight through unannounced ramp checks, record audits, and operational surveillance.
Part 135 vs. Part 91: The Critical Difference
Private aircraft can also fly under FAA Part 91, which governs non-commercial general aviation. Part 91 flights are entirely legal — but they are not commercial charter. Part 91 flights can only legally carry passengers who share the operating expenses with the pilot. If someone is paying to be transported by a crew being compensated for the service, that is a commercial operation and must be conducted under Part 135.
Why this matters: Some operators market what are effectively charter flights as "cost-sharing" Part 91 arrangements to avoid the regulatory burden of Part 135 certification. This is illegal, and it puts passengers on aircraft that haven't met the higher safety standards Part 135 requires. Always confirm your charter is operating under Part 135.
Wait the best part about verifying charter saftey is that En Route Jets does all of the verifying of all aircraft, operators, and operating properties invovled in every single flight. These are manually checked monthly to ensure that everything is in order before you even board. Our guarentee is in your making to your destination safely. If there's any questions feel free to reach out to our team!
How to Verify Part 135 Certification
The FAA maintains a public database of all certificated air carriers. You or your broker can verify any operator's certification status through the FAA Air Carrier Certificate Database. Third-party safety rating organizations provide additional independent verification:
- ARGUS Registered: Operator has provided basic records demonstrating Part 135 compliance.
- ARGUS Gold: On-site audit evaluating procedures, training, and records above FAA minimums.
- ARGUS Platinum: The highest ARGUS rating — detailed operational audits, in-flight assessments, and comprehensive safety management system review.
- Wyvern PASS: Wyvern's standard audit program for Part 135 operators.
- Wyvern Wingman: The highest Wyvern designation, indicating exceptional operational safety standards.
What to Ask Your Broker About Safety
Before confirming any charter, ask:
- "Is the operator Part 135 certified?" The only acceptable answer is yes, with confirmation.
- "What third-party safety ratings does the operator hold?" ARGUS or Wyvern ratings are a positive signal.
- "How do you vet operators in your network?" A good broker has a documented process.
- "Can I see the aircraft's tail number?" With the N-number, you can verify aircraft registration and accident history through the FAA and NTSB databases.
En Route Jets Safety Standards
En Route Jets places clients exclusively on FAA Part 135-certified aircraft. Every operator in our network has been reviewed for certification status, insurance coverage, and operational standing. We do not place clients on Part 91 "cost-sharing" arrangements or grey-market charter operations. We believe that clear safety standards aren't a marketing differentiator — they're a baseline obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to fly on a private jet?
FAA Part 135 commercial charter has an excellent safety record. A properly certified, maintained, and crewed aircraft operating under Part 135 regulations represents a high standard of safety.
What is the difference between a charter flight and a private flight?
A charter flight is a commercial operation under Part 135, where you pay for transportation. A private flight typically refers to Part 91 operations, where the aircraft owner or pilot flies for personal use or legitimate expense-sharing — not commercial transportation.
How often are private jets inspected?
Part 135 operators follow mandatory inspection cycles — typically every 100 hours and 12 months at minimum, with many aircraft undergoing inspection at shorter intervals. Specific requirements vary by aircraft type and operator program.
Do I have any recourse if something goes wrong?
Yes. Part 135 operators carry mandatory liability insurance. The FAA and NTSB investigate incidents and accidents, and legal remedies under contract and tort law are available. A documented, certified operator provides far more recourse than an informal arrangement.