Definition
An operator that holds a certificate issued under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 119, authorizing it to conduct commercial air operations such as scheduled airline service, charter flights, or commuter operations under Parts 121 or 135. The certificate establishes that the operator meets the FAA's certification, management, training, and operational requirements for commercial passenger or cargo carriage.
Plain English
A company that has been formally approved by the FAA to fly people or cargo for hire under the rules that govern airlines and charter operators.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA training material when discussing which operators may use flight simulation training devices and receive FAA credit for certain training or checking.
Derivation
Named directly after 14 CFR Part 119, the section of federal aviation regulations that sets out who must hold a certificate to conduct commercial air transportation. The number 119 is just the regulation's location in the rulebook — it has no other meaning.
Why Pilots Care
It determines which training devices and programs the company may legally use for crew qualification and currency.
Intuition Check
Do not read “holder” as just someone physically holding a certificate. In FAA use, the certificate holder is the legally responsible person or organization approved to conduct the operation.
Example Sentence 1
Because the airline is a Part 119 certificate holder, all of its pilots complete recurrent training in an approved simulator every six months.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors at a Part 119 certificate holder often use flight simulation training devices to complete required proficiency checks.