Definition
Part 135 is the section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations that governs commuter and on-demand air carrier operations, including charter flights, air taxis, and small scheduled passenger or cargo services. It sets the operating rules, pilot qualification standards, training requirements, and aircraft equipment standards for these operators, which are stricter than the general aviation rules under Part 91.
Plain English
Part 135 is the set of FAA rules for small commercial flying — like charter flights and air taxis — where someone is paying to be flown somewhere. The rules are tougher than the rules for private flying because passengers are paying customers and need a higher level of safety.
Context Anchor
Seen when FAA material discusses training programs, pilot checks, and the use of flight simulation training devices for charter or commuter operators.
Derivation
The name comes from how the U.S. aviation regulations are organized. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations is divided into numbered Parts, each covering a different area. Part 91 covers general flying rules, Part 121 covers airlines, and Part 135 sits between them — covering smaller paid operations like charters and air taxis.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots and operators flying under these rules must follow stricter training, equipment, and operational standards than private pilots, directly affecting how simulation devices can be credited toward their requirements.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” here as an airplane component. In this context, “part 135” means a numbered section of the FAA regulations.
Example Sentence 1
After building hours as a flight instructor, she took a job flying cancelled checks at night for a Part 135 operator.
Example Sentence 2
Part 135 operators may use qualified flight simulation training devices to satisfy certain instrument and currency checks.