U.S.
Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Parts 121 and 135 Certification Date: 10/7/24 AC No: 120-49B Initiated by: AFS-200 Change:
This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and basic information on the certification processes for a Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 121 and 135 Air Carrier or Operating Certificate.
R obert M. Ruiz for Lawrence Fields Executive Director, Flight Standards Service
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CONTENTS Paragraph Page
Chapter 1. General1-1
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC)1-1
1.2 Audience1-1
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC1-1
1.4 What This AC Cancels1-1
1.5 Scope1-1
1.6 AC Feedback Form1-1
Chapter 2. Determining the Ope rating Rule2-1
2.1 General2-1
2.2 Definitions and Certification Requirements2-1
2.3 Certification Determinations, Types of Certificates, and Applicable Rules2-1
Chapter 3. Part 121 Certification Information ............................................................................. 3- 1
3.1 General3-1
3.2 Determining the Kind of Operation to be Conducted for Part 1213-1
3.3 Kinds of Operations3-1
Chapter 4. Part 121 Certification Requirements .......................................................................... 4- 1
4.1 General4-1
4.2 Preapplication Statement of Intent (PASI)4-1
4.3 Certification Process Briefing and Safety Management System (SMS) Workshop4-1
4.4 Required Documentation4-1
4.5 Part 121 Preapplication Checklist (PAC)4-1
Chapter 5. Part 121 Certification Process .................................................................................... 5- 1
5.1 General5-1
5.2 Phase 1: Preapplication5-1
5.3 Phase 2: Formal Application5-1
5.4 Phase 3: Design Assessment (DA)5-1
5.5 Phase 4: Performance Assessment (PA)5-1
5.6 Phase 5: Administrative Functions5-2
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Chapter 6. Part 135 Certification Information6-1
6.1 General6-1
6.2 Kinds of Part 135 Certificate Operating Authorities6-1
6.3 Classifications of Part 135 Certificates6-2
Chapter 7. Part 135 Certification Requirements7-1
7.1 General7-1
7.2 Company Ownership7-1
7.3 Principal Base of Operation7-1
7.4 Aircraft7-1
7.5 Insurance7-2
7.6 Economic Authority7-2
7.7 Management Personnel7-2
7.8 Manuals7-3
7.9 Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Manual: Will-Carry or Will-Not-Carry Program7-3
7.10 Training Programs7-4
7.11 Drug and Alcohol Program Requirements7-4
7.12 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Program Requirements
for Part 135 CHs7-4
7.13 Minimum Equipment List (MEL)7-4
7.14 Proving and Validation Testing7-5
7.15 Pilot Records Database (PRD)7-6
7.16 Compliance Statement7-6
Chapter 8. Part 135 Certification Process8-1
8.1 General8-1
8.2 Phase 1: Preapplication8-1
8.3 Phase 2: Formal Application8-1
8.4 Phase 3: Design Assessment (DA)8-2
8.5 Phase 4: Performance Assessment (PA)8-2
8.6 Phase 5: Administrative Functions8-2
Appendix A. R eference Information and ExamplesA-1
iv List of Figures
Figure 2-1. Air Carrier or Operating Certificate Flowchart2-4
Figure 3-1. Part 121 Dom estic, Flag, or Supplemental Operations Flowchart3-1
Figure 5-1. Part 12 1 Certification Process Flowchart5-2
Figure 6-1. Part 135 Commuter or On- Demand Operations Flowchart6-1
Figure 8-1. Part 135 Certification Process Flowchart8-3
Li st of Tables
Table 4-1. Part 121 Preapplication Checklist4-2
1-1 CHAPTER 1. GENERAL
1.1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC). This AC provides information and describes one means that would be acceptable to the Administrator for applying for a Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 or 135 Air Carrier or Operating Certificate. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way, and the document is intended only to provide information to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
1.2 Audience. The primary audience for this AC includes persons seeking certification as a part 121 and/or 135 air carrier or operator. The secondary audience includes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responsible Flight Standards offices and principal inspectors (PI) assigned to certification projects and oversight of certificate holders (CH) conducting operations under part 121 and/or 135.
1.3 Where You Can Find This AC. You can find this AC on the FAA’s website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars and the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov.
1.4 What This AC Cancels. AC 120-49A, Parts 121 and 135 Certification, dated July 5, 2018, is canceled.
1.5 Scope. This AC provides a general overview of the parts 121 and 135 air carrier or operator certification process, the types of Air Carrier and Operating Certificates, and reference materials.
1.6 AC Feedback Form. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
2-1 CHAPTER 2. DETERMINING THE OPERATING RULE
2.1 General. The 14 CFR part the applicant will operate under is determined by the type of operation in combination with the type and size of the aircraft(s) utilized.
2.2 Definitions and Certification Requirements.
2.2.1 Definitions. Title 14 CFR part 110 contains the commonly used definitions related to air carrier and operating certification.
2.2.2 C ertification Requirements . Title 14 CFR part 119 establishes the general certification requirements for air carriers and commercial operators. Part 119 contains the following:
1. I nformation to determine the appropriate operating rules for the kind of operations that are conducted;
2. Common certification requirements for 14 CFR parts 121 and 135 (e.g., operations specifications (OpSpecs) and management personnel); and
3. M iscellaneous safety provisions common to parts 121 and 135 (e.g., wet leasing and emergency operations).
2.3 Certification Determinations, Types of Certificates, and Applicable Rules. An applicant can use the following steps to determine which certificate will apply to their proposed operation.
2.3.1 S tep 1: Common Carriage or Noncommon Carriage. The first step in evaluating an application for certification is to determine whether an applicant will be conducting operations in common carriage or noncommon carriage. The applicant should be familiar with these terms:
2.3.1.1 C ommon Carriage. An applicant is engaged in common carriage if the applicant “holds itself out” to the public (by advertising or other means) to transport persons or property for compensation or hire. There are four elements in defining a common carrier:
1. A holding out to the public of a willingness to,
2. Transport persons or property,
3. From place to place, and
4. For compensation.
2.3.1.2 Noncommon Carriage. An applicant is engaged in noncommon carriage if they conduct aircraft operations for compensation or hire that do not involve a holding out to the public.
Note: For further information regarding common carriage and noncommon carriage, refer to the current edition of AC 120-12,
2-2 Private Carriage Versus Common Carriage of Persons or Property, as well as part 110.
2.3.2 Step 2: Air Carrier Certificate or Operating Certificate (Part 119).
2.3.2.1 Air Carrier Certificate. This certificate is issued to applicants who plan to conduct interstate, foreign, or overseas transportation, or to carry mail.
2.3.2.2 Operating Certificate. This certificate is issued to applicants who plan to conduct intrastate transportation.
2.3.3 Step 3: Operating Rules (Part 121 and/or 135). Once the type of certificate has been determined, the next step is to determine the appropriate operating rule and kinds of operation. There are two operating rules that are appropriate for air carriers and commercial operators. An applicant will operate under part 121, part 135, or both, depending on whether the operation is scheduled, and the size and type of aircraft used.
There are five kinds of operations:
1. Domestic (part 121),
2.
Flag (part 121),
3. Supplemental (part 121),
4. Commuter (part 135), and
5. On-demand (part 135).
Note: To determine the appropriate operating rule and kind of operation, the next step is to determine if scheduled or nonscheduled operations will be conducted.
2.3.4 Step 4: Scheduled Operations and Nonscheduled Operations.
2.3.4.1 Scheduled Operations. Scheduled operations include passenger operations in which the departure location, departure time, and the arrival location are offered in advance by the certificate holder (CH). Scheduled operations may also carry cargo or mail in addition to passengers. However, an all-cargo operation is defined as a nonscheduled operation.
2.3.4.2 Nonscheduled Operations. Nonscheduled operations include:
1. Passenger-carrying operations in which the departure time and the departure and arrival locations are specifically negotiated with the customer or the customer’s representative.
2. All-cargo operations.
3. Scheduled passenger operations in aircraft (other than turbojet-powered aircraft) that have nine or less passenger seats and a 7,500-pound payload or less that are limited to operating with a frequency of fewer than five
2-3 round trips a week on at least one route between two or more points according to a published flight schedule.
2.3.5 S tep 5: Kinds of Scheduled and Nonscheduled Operations.
2.3.5.1 Kinds of Scheduled Operations.
2.3.5.1.1 D omestic (Part 121). Domestic operations are scheduled operations between any points within the 48 contiguous states of the United States, or within any state. For more information, see Chapter 3, paragraph 3.3.1.
2.3.5.1.2 Flag (Part 121). Flag operations are scheduled operations between any points outside the 48 contiguous states. For more information, see Chapter 3, paragraph 3.3.2.
2.3.5.1.3 Commuter (Part 135). CHs with commuter authority have specific limitations on the size and type of aircraft that can be utilized. A CH who has commuter authority may also conduct on-demand operations. Chapter 6, paragraph 6.2.2 contains more information on part 135 commuter CHs.
2.3.5.2 K inds of Nonscheduled Operations.
2.3.5.2.1 S upplemental (Part 121). Supplemental operations are operations for which the departure time, departure location, and arrival location are specifically negotiated with the customer or the customer’s representative, or all cargo operations. Chapter 3, paragraph 3.3.3 contains more information on part 121 supplemental CHs.
2.3.5.2.2 On-De mand (Part 135). CHs with on-demand authority have specific limitations on the size of aircraft that can be utilized. They can also conduct limited scheduled operations. Chapter 6, paragraph 6.2.1 contains more information on part 135 on-demand CHs.
Note: F igure 2-1, Air Carrier or Operating Certificate Flowchart, can be used in determining which type of certificate is appropriate.
Figure 2-1. Air Carrier or Operating Certificate Flowchart Air Commerce Operations excluded by Not applicable to -Yes→ 14 CFR part 119, § 119.1(d) and (e) 14 CFR part 121, 125, or 135 No Air Transportation Do items 1 through 4 and/or 5 Air Carrier below apply to your proposed Operating Certificate is operations? Certificate is *Yes- -Norequired 1. Interstate or Foreign required § 119.5(a) 2. Persons or Property § 119.5(b) and (c)
3. Common Carriage
4. Compensation or Hire
5. Contract Mail Direct air Authorized intrastate Common carriage carrier common carriage involved?
No Part 121 Part 135 Utilize aircraft with:
1. Less than 20 passengers, and
2. Maximum payload capacity of less than 6,000 lbs.
Domestic § 119.23(b)(2) Commuter Yes Flag No On-Demand 14 CFR Supplemental part 135 14 CFR part 125 applies (refer to AC 125-1) 2-4
CHAPTER 3. PART 121 CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
3.1 General. This chapter contains information on the kind of operations that can be conducted under 14 CFR part 121.
3.2 Determining the Kind of Operation to be Conducted for Part 121. This chart is to assist an applicant in determining the requirements for each kind of operation: domestic, flag, or supplemental (see Figure 3-1 below):
Figure 3-1. Part 121 Domestic, Flag, or Supplemental Operations Flowchart 14 CFR Part 121 Airplanes or Powered-Lift Scheduled Airplanes or Powered-Lift pax seating > 9 or payload > 7,500 Ibs or *Yes- passenger -No→ pax seating > 30 operations payload > 7,500 Ibs turbojet OR Yes All cargo with payload Yes→ Supplemental Only locations > 7,500 bs within the U.S.
Yes No Domestic Flag
3.3 Kinds of Operations.
3.3.1 Domestic Operation. A domestic operation is any scheduled operation conducted by any person operating any airplane or powered-lift as described in paragraphs 3.3.1.1 and 3.3.1.2 below.
3-1
3-2
3.3.1.1 Airplanes or Powered-Lift:
1. Turbojet-powered;
2. Airplanes or powered-lift having a passenger seat configuration of more than nine passenger seats, excluding each crewmember seat; or
3. Airplanes or powered-lift having a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds.
3.3.1.2 Locations:
1. Between any points within the 48 contiguous states of the United States or the District of Columbia;
2. Operations solely within the 48 contiguous states of the United States or the District of Columbia;
3. Operations entirely within any state, territory, or possession of the United States; or
4. When specifically authorized by the Administrator, operations between any point within the 48 contiguous states of the United States or the District of Columbia and any specifically authorized point located outside the 48 contiguous states of the United States or the District of Columbia.
3.3.2 Flag Operation. A flag operation is any scheduled operation conducted by any person operating any airplane or powered-lift as described in in paragraphs 3.3.2.1 and 3.3.2.2 below.
3.3.2.1 Airplanes or Powered-Lift:
1. Turbojet-powered;
2. Airplanes or powered-lift having a configuration of more than nine passenger seats, excluding each crewmember seat; or
3. Airplanes or powered-lift having a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds.
3.3.2.2 Locations:
1. Between any point within the State of Alaska or the State of Hawaii or any territory or possession of the United States and any point outside the State of Alaska or the State of Hawaii or any territory or possession of the United States, respectively;
2. Between any point within the 48 contiguous states of the United States or the District of Columbia and any point outside the 48 contiguous states of the United States and the District of Columbia; or
3. Between any point outside the United States and another point outside the United States.
3-3
3.3.3 Supplemental Operation. A supplemental operation is any common carriage operation for compensation or hire conducted with any aircraft described in paragraph 3.3.3.1 and the type of operation described in paragraph 3.3.3.2.
3.3.3.1 Airplanes or Powered-Lift:
1. Airplanes or powered-lift having a passenger seat configuration of more than 30 seats, excluding each crewmember seat;
2. Airplanes or powered-lift having a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds;
3. Each propeller-powered airplane or powered-lift having a passenger seat configuration of more than 9 seats and fewer than 31 seats, excluding each crewmember seat, that is also used in domestic or flag operations and that is so listed in the operations specifications (OpSpecs) as required by 14 CFR part 119, § 119.49(a)(4) for those operations; or
4. Each turbojet-powered airplane or powered-lift having a passenger seat configuration of 1 or more and fewer than 31 seats, excluding each crewmember seat, that is also used in domestic or flag operations and that is so listed in the OpSpecs as required by § 119.49(a)(4) for those operations.
3.3.3.2 Types of Operation:
1. Operations for which the departure time, departure location, and arrival location are specifically negotiated with the customer or the customer’s representative; or
2. All-cargo operations.