Anchorage Flight Standards District Office

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CERTIFICATION INFORMATION FOR OPERATING UNDER PART 135

INTRODUCTION

Generally, with few exceptions, if a person provides air transportation of persons or property for compensation or hire, that person must become certificated as a operator under Part 119 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. This certification package was developed by Mark Wilson of the Anchorage Flight Standards District Office to assist individuals desiring to become certificated in a minimum amount of time. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Debbie Media at 907-271-2000 or 907-271-2145.

Most first time applicants are initially intimidated by the certification process. This is due, in part, to the large amount of information provided to an applicant in the initial certification meeting. Actually, the certification process is not difficult if an applicant takes it one step at a time. The following information is tailored toward an applicant conducting on-demand intrastate operations, visual flight rules, 9 passengers or less, utilizing only one pilot (single pilot operator) under Part 119 and 135. Applicants who wish to conduct a more complex operation such as interstate operations, scheduled service, instrument flight rules or use multiple pilots will find this information provides a solid basic foundation, but will need to develop additional documents to become certificated.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING SUBMISSIONS

We recommend applicants review the following information, complete the required documents, and submit a complete package. This will help expedite the certification process. To complete the package use the Table of Contents as a checklist and complete each section as you go. When you have completed that section and want to return to the Table of Contents use the (back/arrow) button. Forms provided in the package are for printing only. Sample letters need to be modified to fit individual situations. The documents were created in Word 6.0/95. When the submissions are complete or if you need any additional assistance please contact the FAA Alaskan Flight Standards District Office nearest you.

Documents and Circulars

• Advisory Circular 120-49: This advisory circular provides an overview of the certification process. Each applicant should review this document during the initial stages of the certification process.
• PASI (Preapplication Statement of Intent): This form must be completed by all applicants and submitted to the FAA. A blank form is provided. Detailed instructions for completing this form can be found in Appendix 1 of AC-120-49.
• Formal Application Letter: A formal application letter must be completed by all applicants and submitted to the FAA. A sample letter is provided, Choose the correct Flight Standards Office and fill in the required information as indicated. Additional information detailing the contents of a formal application letter can be found in AC120-49.
• Letter of Compliance: A letter of compliance (LOC) must be developed by all applicants and submitted to the FAA. The development of the LOC is normally the most time consuming portion of the certification process. A sample LOC will be provided here in the near future for your convenience.
• Corporation Papers: If a corporation makes the application, the FAA must have a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation by the State and any accompanying documentation to evaluate the eligibility of the applicant. In Alaska you can apply for a corporation by contacting the State Department of Commerce & Economic Development at one of two offices:
  In Anchorage (907) 269-8140
  In Juneau (907) 465-2530
• Pilot Resume (to include Pilot flight times): All applicants must submit a pilot resume in the certification package indicating their work history and flying experience to meet Part 135 requirements.
• Pilot Certificate & Medical Certificate: All applicants must provide a copy of the pilot certificate & medical certificate for pilots utilized during initial certification.
• Exclusive Use of One Aircraft: Applicants must have exclusive use of at least one aircraft (6-month minimum) for each type of operation authorized. All applicants must provide a copy of the aircraft registration for the aircraft to be used and a copy of a lease agreement if the applicant does not own the aircraft.
• Drug and Alcohol Program: All applicants must provide a drug and alcohol program to be approved by the FAA. The applicant can choose to join a consortia or develop a program of their own. A list of approved consortia's located in Alaska is provided.
• Ground Deicing Program & Training: Applicants intending to operate aircraft in ground icing conditions must develop a training program for approval. Information on developing a ground de-icing program is provided.
• Seat Removal Training: Applicants wanting the pilot to install and remove seats in the aircraft under the provisions of Part 43.3(i) must submit a seat removal-training program to be approved. A sample seat removal training program is provided.
• Deviations: If the applicant requests any deviations where the rule allows it (Parts 119.69, 135.21, and 135.341) must be submitted to the FAA for evaluation in letterform. A sample deviation request is provided.
• Exemptions: Any exemption requests by an applicant must be accomplished in accordance with Part 11.25.
• Minimum Equipment List: If the applicant wishes to operate with inoperable equipment it may only be accomplished in accordance with a MEL. Additional information for developing a MEL can be found on the Internet at (ftp://www.opspecs.com/AFS/Data/MMELs/Final/).
• Passenger Briefing Card: Applicants must provide a passenger briefing card for each occupied passenger seat. Information is provided for the development of passenger briefing cards.
• Aircraft Discrepancy Log: All applicants must develop an aircraft discrepancy log to be utilized by the pilot. A sample aircraft discrepancy record is provided for the applicant may develop one.
• Pilot Training and Flight & Duty Records: All certificate holders are required to keep documentation of training and flight and duty times. Sample forms are provided for flight and duty and pilot training or the applicant may develop their own.
• State of Alaska Insurance Requirements: The State of Alaska requires all Part 135 operators to register and show proof of insurance. An application form has been provided.
• Appropriate D.O.T. Economic Authority: If the applicant conducts interstate operations (across state line) or transports mail they must apply for economic authority from the Federal DOT. (Not required for "Operating Certificate")
• Aircraft Conformity Inspection: Aircraft being utilized in Part 135 operations must undergo a conformity inspection by the FAA. The conformity inspection checklist contains all the required information that will be verified by the FAA during initial certification.
• Pilot Flight Check: Each pilot will undergo a flight check by the FAA to evaluate the pilots knowledge, skills and abilities to act as pilot in command under Part 135 operations.
• General Operations Manual: Applicants that utilize more than one pilot in their operation will need to submit a General Operations Manual containing the information required by Part 135.21.
• Training Manual: Applicants that utilize more than one pilot in their operation will need to submit a Training Program for approval containing the information required by Part 135.341.
• Other Required Personnel Resumes: All applicants using more than one pilot must submit a resume for each person holding a required management position indicating their work history and flying experience to meet Part 119 and 135 requirements.

For further information, please contact:
Federal Aviation Administration
222 W. 7th Ave.
Anchorage, Alaska 99513