U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Part 135 Operator Aircraft Configuration Inspection Date: 9/25/18 AC No: 135-44 Updated: 1/30/26 Change: (Editorial) Initiated by: AFS-300 1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC provides information concerning the placement of aircraft into service for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 135 commuter and on-demand operations. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to demonstrate the aircraft to be operated is configured to the operational requirements of 14 CFR part 135. The terms “should” and “recommend” are used when following the guidance is recommended but not required to comply with this AC.
2 AUDIENCE. This AC applies to operators who conduct 14 CFR part 135 commuter and on-demand operations and are seeking to add an aircraft to their Operating Certificate.
3 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC. You can find this AC on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_cir culars and the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov.
4 SCOPE. As a certificate holder or applicant for a 14 CFR part 135 commuter and on-demand operation, there must be an aircraft, authorized by the Administrator, attached to the certificate. The aircraft must be in an airworthy condition and configured to meet the operational requirements of 14 CFR part 135. It is the responsibility of the operator to determine the airworthiness of the aircraft and configure the aircraft to the operational requirements of 14 CFR part 135. The configuration inspection must be conducted by the operator. In the inspection, the operator will:
4.1 Verify the aircraft is registered, the appropriate registration information is contained on the Airworthiness Certificate, and the information on the Airworthiness Certificate and the registration document are identical.
4.2 If the aircraft is leased, the lease must contain a provision for the sole possession, control, and use for flight (including arrangements for performing required maintenance) to the lessee. The certification team will review the aircraft lease to verify it contains the appropriate requirements.
4.3 Verify the aircraft has been maintained in accordance with 14 CFR parts 21, 43, and 91.
(Refer to Section 6, Terms and Conditions, of the Airworthiness Certificate.)
4.4 Verify the equipment authorized by the Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) has been installed correctly, the instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) have been complied with, the data has been recorded per 14 CFR parts 43 and 91, and the data was submitted to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch as required by 14 CFR part 43 appendix B.
4.5 Verify all major repairs and alterations, including field approvals, have been performed appropriately and the data was submitted to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch as required by 14 CFR part 43 appendix B.
4.6 Perform any modifications or alterations to the aircraft to conform it to the operating requirements of 14 CFR part 135.
4.7 Establish procedures to enable the acceptance of this aircraft, and any other aircraft, into the organization. This includes the selection of a maintenance or inspection program as required to be entered into the maintenance records. These procedures must also be able to capture, track, and document all required maintenance to include life-limited parts.
5 OPERATIONS SPECIFICATIONS (OPSPECS).
5.1 OpSpecs Content. Title 14 CFR § 119.49 defines the contents required in OpSpecs. The operator is responsible for providing the details of their operation and aircraft configuration in accordance with 14 CFR § 119.49 for review and authorization by the FAA principal inspectors (PI) in the operator’s OpSpecs. The operator should contribute the information required for the OpSpecs when the operator performs the configuration inspection.
5.2 Operations Safety System (OPSS). If authorized operator personnel have been trained in, and the PI has approved industry access to, OPSS, the authorized personnel can prepare the aircraft changes in the aircraft list in OPSS and draft the required OpSpecs for review by the PI. If the PI authorizes the proposed OpSpecs, he/she can then sign and issue the OpSpecs to the operator.
6 JOB AID. The job aid in Appendix A, Configuration Inspection, will assist the operator with performing the configuration inspection required to authorize an aircraft for use on the certificate. This procedure is also referred to as “adding an aircraft to the certificate.”
The job aid will also assist the operator with establishing a procedure to be documented in the manual required by 14 CFR § 135.23(s). Although single-pilot operators with OpSpec A040, Single Pilot Operator, issued are not required to develop a manual, it is recommended they use this AC as a guide and consider documenting a procedure.
6.1 Authorization Steps. Table 1 contains the steps to obtaining authorization for the appropriate OpSpecs.
3 Table 1. Steps to Obtain Authorization 1 Operator Decide what you want to do with the aircraft and where you want to do it, and how you will maintain and inspect the aircraft. See Appendix C, Checklist for Operations Specifications, which describes most of the available options. Request guidance from the PIs as needed.
2 Operator Confirm that the aircraft, crew, and company procedures will meet the specific requirements related to what you want to do. Refer to the applicable sections of 14 CFR parts 43, 91, and 135, and the OpSpecs in OPSS.
3 Operator Perform the configuration inspection. See Appendix A.
4 Operator Send a letter to the responsible Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) requesting all of the following (see the sample letter in Appendix B):
• To add the aircraft to OPSS,
• To authorize each kind and area of operation you want, and
• To authorize the maintenance and/or inspection programs you want.
Attach any revisions to your manual, to include training programs, operating procedures, minimum equipment list (MEL), and maintenance and/or inspection programs as needed to support what you want.
5 Operator Describe the aircraft configuration and any airworthiness limitations using the worksheets and checklists in Appendix A, Section 1 and Section 2.
Include attachments Section 3 and Section 4 to show compliance with the requirements. Provide copies of all documents that support compliance as confirmed in step two above.
6 Operator/ Administrator Receive validation, acceptance, and approval: Receive approval from the PIs for the documents or revisions that require specific approval. All other documents must be acceptable to the FAA before OpSpecs can be issued. If necessary, the FAA may require your demonstration of aircraft compliance, pilot proficiency, validation of operations procedures, training program, and maintenance and/or inspection programs. Be sure to allow time for this process.
7 Operator Register insurance and economic authority: The operator must either hold a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) under 14 CFR part 204 from the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) as a commuter air carrier or be registered with OST as an air taxi operator under 14 CFR part 298 (using OST Form 4507, Air Taxi Operator Registration and Amendments). All aircraft must also have and maintain aircraft accident liability insurance coverage on file with OST according to 14 CFR part 205 (using OST Form 6410, U.S. Air Carriers - Certificate of Insurance). The required OST Forms 4507 and 6410 can be obtained at https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/ afs/afs200/afs260/exemptions.
4 The PIs must verify that any aircraft being added to a 14 CFR part 135 certificate is properly registered and has aircraft insurance on file with OST before the aircraft can be authorized via the OpSpecs.
8 Operator/ Administrator Using the information provided by the operator, the OpSpecs will be revised as needed. The aircraft make, model, and series (M/M/S) will be authorized by OpSpec A003, Aircraft Authorization, and the specific aircraft will be authorized by registration number in OpSpec D085, Aircraft Listing. Any other requested areas of operation will be authorized by the appropriate OpSpecs.
6.2 Documents. Gather the following documents:
1. Copy of Aircraft Records. These can be obtained from the Aircraft Registration Branch. They can be requested via the internet (there is a fee) at https://www.faa.gov/ licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/copies_aircraft_records.
2. Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS). This can be downloaded and printed from https://drs.faa.gov/browse/TCDSMODEL/doctypeDetails.
3. Copy of FAA Registry Aircraft Inquiry. This can be obtained from https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/.
7 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.
Rick Domingo Executive Director, Flight Standards Service
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. CONFIGURATION INSPECTION SECTION 1 AIRCRAFT & OPERATOR INFORMATION Check if this is an UPDATE/REVISION
1.1
OPERATOR
AND AIRCRAFT
INFORMATION Operator’s Legal Name Operator’s Certificate Number Registered Owner Enter exactly as shown on the registration certificate (see NOTE below) Address City/State/Zip Aircraft Make Complete Model & Series Number Serial No Registration Number N Date of Manufacture or Construction (from the data plate if available) or Date of Original Airworthiness Certificate (Maintenance Record Entry) Airport Designator Configuration Check One Passenger Seats Class of Operation Condition Ops Base All Cargo Certificated SEL MEL IFR Maint. Base (Records) Combi SES MES IFR/VFR Passenger Installed SEL/SES MEL/MES Day/Night PAX & Cargo Amphibian Rotorcraft Day Only NOTE: The registered aircraft owner(s) legal name must be identical to the certificate holder’s legal name or you must provide a copy of a lease or other agreement that shows how the air carrier will control the operation and maintenance of the aircraft.
See FAA Guidance on Leases.
1.2
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS If an event or item is applicable, please enter your estimated date, otherwise leave blank.
Certification Phase 3—DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE Certification Phase 4—DEMONSTRATION & INSPECTION (All documents must be approved or found acceptable before this phase) Event Planned Submission Date Event Planned Date(s) Deviation Request (For Proving Test Flights) Pilot Training Pilot Training Program/Revision Flight Attendant Training (As Required) Flight Attendant Training Program/Revision (As Required) Maintenance Training [10-or More 135.411(a)(2)] Maintenance Training Program [10-or More 135.411(a)(2)] FAA Verification of Operator’s Conformity Inspection (The aircraft must be ready for operations in accordance with part 135) Plan for Proving Test or Validation Proving Test Flights Final Compliance Statement Pilot Testing and Checking Economic Authority, any changes to air taxi aircraft registration and insurance require using OST Forms 4507 and 6410, respectively (refer to AC 135-44, Table 1, step 7) Flight Attendant Testing Validation Test Flights Other:
PHASE 5 FAA CERTIFICATION and/or OPSPECS PROPOSED COMPLETION DATE
1.3
CONTACT
INFORMATION Name Phone Email Fax Director of Maintenance Director of Operations
Appendix A A-2 SECTION 2 AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS FOR OPERATIONS SPECIFICATIONS PART D FOR THIS AIRCRAFT NOTE: This information is for aircraft maintenance and airworthiness part D operations specifications.
Part numbers and document numbers must be complete and accurate.
2.1
ADDITIONAL
REQUIRED AIRCRAFT
INFORMATION For Operations Under § 135.411(a)(1) Only Refer to AC 135-7 (as revised) for Guidance AIRCRAFT:
Enter the aircraft manufacturer’s maintenance document identification number or part number here:
Aircraft Maintenance Manual Read Note 1 Revision Level Date Item Make & Model Maintenance/Overhaul Document ID or Part Number Read Note 1 Time-In-Service Document ID or Part Number Read Note 2 Time-In-Service Interval ENGINE (Left or Single Engine) ENGINE (Right if applicable)
PROPELLER/ROTOR (Left or Single Engine)
PROPELLER/ROTOR (Right if applicable)
PROPELLER GOVERNOR (Left or Single Engine)
PROPELLER GOVERNOR (Right if applicable)
PRIMARY GOVERNOR
OVERSPEED GOVERNOR NOTE 1 Please enter the exact name, identification or part number, revision level, and date of the publication(s) under which the item will be maintained (normally these are the airframe and the engine, propeller, and governor service manuals).
Include a copy of the front page of each maintenance document and copies of relevant supporting records.
NOTE 2 Please identify the manufacturer’s publication(s) by exact number and title that specify the overhaul/replacement time, or time- in-service interval for the item. (This information is often located in a service bulletin.)
Include a copy of the front page of each maintenance document and copies of relevant supporting records.
2.2
MAINTENANCE &
INSPECTION HISTORY Parts 43 & 91 Before this application, the aircraft was maintained and inspected under the following maintenance and/or inspection programs: (Please check) Annual Inspections, 91.409(a) Progressive Inspections, 91.409(d) 100-Hour Inspections, 91.409(b) Last 91.411 and 91.413 Inspection CAMP/CAIP [121 or 135.411(a)(2)], 91.409(f)(1) AAIP Under 135.419 and 91.409(c)(2) or (f)(2) Manufacturer’s Program, 91.409(f)(3) Other Approved Program, 91.409(f)(4)
Appendix A A-3
2.3
INTENDED (NEW)
MAINTENANCE &
INSPECTION
PROGRAM UNDER PART 135
135.411 Under our air carrier certificate, the aircraft will be inspected and maintained as indicated below:
§ 135 411(a)(1) Maintained according to parts 43 and 91 and inspected under (select one):
Annual inspections and 100-hour inspections under § 91.409(a) and (b) Progressive inspections under § 91.409(d) Approved Aircraft Inspection Program (AAIP) under § 135.419 and § 91.409(c)(2) or (f)(2) Current inspection program recommended by the manufacturer under § 91.409(f)(3) OR § 135.411(a)(2) Inspected and maintained according to a Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) under § 91.409(f)(1) and §§ 135.427 through 135.443 (required for 10-or-more pax aircraft, optional for others)
2.4
ANTICIPATED
AIRCRAFT USE ESTIMATED TOTAL (Parts 91 and 135) TAKEOFFS PER MONTH ESTIMATED TOTAL (Parts 91 and 135) FLIGHT HOURS PER MONTH
2.5 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT [135.421] Refer to AC 135-7 (as revised) for guidance.
A/C Make/Model Registration N Item Part Number Description or Part Name Manufacturer’s Maintenance Document Life Limits or Inspection Intervals Portable Breathing Equip (PBE) Smoke-Masks/ Goggles/Hoods Eng Fire Ext Eng Fire Ext Squibs N2 Blow-Down Bottles Squib for N2 Bottle Portable O2 Equipment Crew O2 Masks Pax O2 Masks O2 Cylinder O2 Pressure Regulators O2 Generators Emergency Power Supplies, List Each List any Other Emergency Equipment not listed on this page on another sheet.
Part Number Description or Part Name Manufacturer’s Maintenance Document Life Limits or Inspection Intervals
135.155 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Make/Model Aircraft Location
91.205(b)(12) FOR OPERATIONS BEYOND POWER-OFF GLIDING DISTANCE FROM SHORE Approved Personal Floatation Gear (required) Number Installed: One for each seat Pyrotechnic Signaling Device (required)
Appendix A A-4
135.167 FOR EXTENDED OVERWATER OPERATIONS
(a) The following are conspicuously marked and easily accessible to the occupants if ditching occurs:
Note: Floatation gear that meets § 91.205(b)(12) might not meet § 135.167.
Life preserver w/light for each occupant Make/Model Liferafts equipped as specified in § 135.167(b) & (c) Make/Model
91.207 Automatic Type (AF or AP) Emergency Locator Transmitter—(Not S-Survival Type for Liferafts) Make/Model TSO-C91 TSO-C91a TSO-C126
2.6 MAJOR ALTERATIONS
91.417(a)(2)(vi) LIST ALL MAJOR ALTERATIONS THAT CURRENTLY APPLY TO THE AIRCRAFT:
(Remember to evaluate the impact of a major alteration and/or STC on MEL procedures.)
DATE 337 block 7 Instructions For Continued Airworthiness (ICA) Scheduled Inspection or Maint.* On Condition STC or Field Approval In Block 3 (Yes or No) Flight Manual Supplement Required (Yes or No) Impact to Pilot’s Checklist (Yes or No) Brief Description of the Major Alteration *ICA items requiring periodic inspection or maintenance must be tracked by the operator.
Use additional copies of this page as needed.
2.7 REQUIRED MAINTENANCE & INSPECTION DATA YOU MUST PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION (any convenient format; current paper or computer tracking records may be acceptable if they provide the information indicated below). Refer to § 91.417(a)(2). Some of this is information similar to that required by § 135.71 and for which you should already have a form.
(i) The total time in service of The Airframe: L Engine: R Engine:
Each Propeller: Each Rotor:
(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance. (attachment)
(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.
NOTE: This includes all items that are required to be overhauled by the manufacturer of the item. (attachment)
(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained. NOTE: This includes all appliances that require inspection. (attachment)
(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD number, and revision date. If the AD involves recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required.
The listing must comply with § 91.417(a)(2)(v). (attachment)
135.105 Autopilot or IFCS Below list only components having life-limit or periodic inspection requirements.
Make & Model:
Autopilot Component Part Number Description or Part Name Manufacturer’s Maintenance Document Life Limits or Inspection Intervals Autopilot is capable of operating the aircraft controls to maintain flight and maneuver it about the three axes.
Appendix A A-5 SECTION 3 AIRCRAFT COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR PART 135 OPERATIONS
3.1 ALL AIRCRAFT A/C Make/Model Registration N INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECTION 3:
• Please refer to part 135 subpart C, Aircraft and Equipment, and part 91 as applicable, for the specific requirements of the items listed below.
• Check the box next to the item to indicate that it meets the requirements of the rule.
• Provide all additional information indicated.
135.143 General requirements
(a) For each item marked or recorded in any field, the applicant certifies that the equipment meets the applicable Federal aviation regulations. Indicate items that do not apply by “NA.”
(b) All required instruments and equipment not originally installed by the aircraft manufacturer are approved as shown by FA A Form(s) 337 which are listed in Section 2.6 of this document and are available for inspection by the FSDO, and are in operable condition. (Revised text to conform to the rule.)
135.143(c) ATC transponders* Mode S If not Mode S, Date Installed * ATC Transponder Make & Model Yes No #1 #2 *NOTE: For part 135 operations, ATC transponders installed after January 1, 1992, must be Mode S.
*Warning: Be aware that by January 1, 2020, you must be equipped with ADS-B Out to fly in most controlled airspace.
Federal regulations §§ 91.225 and 91.227 contain the details.
135.144 Portable electronic devices Attach a list of all portable electronic devices intended to be used by the flightcrew or enter “none”: .
Results of interference testing for PED used by crew and passengers.
135.147 Dual controls are installed
135.149 Equipment requirements: General
(a) Altimeter(s): Sensitive & adjustable for barometric pressure
(b) Carburetor: Heat/deice or Pressure carburetor: Alternate air source
(c) For turbojet airplanes: Third artificial horizon installed according to § 121.305(j)
135.156 Flight data recorders: Filtered data
135.157 Oxygen equipment: Meets all requirements See Section 2.5 if this box is checked.
135.159 Passenger carrying under VFR at night or VFR over-the-top conditions
(a) Gyroscopic rate -of-turn indicator
(b) Slip skid indicator
(c) Gyroscopic bank-and-pitch indicator
(d) Gyroscopic direction indicator
(e) Generators meeting FAR specifications
(f) For night flight authorization:
Anti-collision light system Instrument lights 2 “D-Cell” flashlight or equivalent
135.160 Radio altimeter or deviation for rotorcraft
135.161 VFR communication and navigation equipment for navigation by pilotage See the tables under § 135.165 (next page) for equipment information.
135.163 Passenger carrying under IFR
(a) Vertical speed indicator
(b) Free air temperature indicator
(c) Heated pitot tube for each airspeed indicator
(d) Gyroscopic power source indicator or power failure warning indicator
(e) Alternate static source
(f) Single -engine aircraft (Generator/load combination as specified)
(g) Multiengine aircraft:
(Two generators loaded as specified)
(h) Two independent sources of energy as specified to power gyroscopic instruments
135.181 Performance requirements: Aircraft operated over-the-top or in IFR conditions
135.183 Performance requirements: Land aircraft operated over water
135.185 Empty weight and center of gravity: Currency requirement For multiengine aircraft: Date Last Weighed:
135.605 Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS)
135.607 Flight data monitoring system
Appendix A A-6
3.1 ALL AIRCRAFT (continued) A/C Make/Model Registration N
135.165 Communication and Navigation Equipment: Extended Overwater or IFR Carrying Operations Navigation Equipment Installed Make/Model Date Installed Make/Model Date Installed VOR 1 * VOR 2 * DME 1 DME 2 ADF 1 ADF 2 ILS Receiver Marker Beacon GPS Equipment installed Misc. Equipment Installed * Indicates FM Immunity for European Operations Make/Model Indicate All Sensors Approved For 1 Date Installed Flight Management System or NAV Management System GPS TSO # & Class
INS/IRS Other Short-Range RNAV VOR/DME or
DME/DME-FMS WAAS Nonprecision Approaches Remote/Oceanic RNP Type(s) Time Limits
BRNAV PRNAV VNAV En Route/Terminal ONLY 2 Date Installed Flight Management System or NAV Management System GPS TSO # & Class
INS/IRS Other Short-Range RNAV VOR/DME or
DME/DME-FMS WAAS Nonprecision Approaches Remote/Oceanic RNP Type(s) Time Limits
BRNAV PRNAV VNAV En Route/Terminal ONLY If a third navigation system is installed, please attach the information indicated above for that system.
Installed Equipment and Systems Two microphones Two headsets (with boom mic required if CVR is installed) or One headset and one speaker Make/Model Date Installed Make/Model Date Installed VHF COM 1 8.33 KHz Spacing* VHF COM 2 8.33 KHz Spacing* VHF COM 3 8.33 KHz Spacing* UHF COM 1 UHF COM 2 HF COM 1 HF COM 2 SATCOM
ADS-B ADS-C Data Link OTHER *Required for certain operations outside the U.S.
NOTICE: TO AVOID DELAYS IN APPROVAL, provide the following for each navigation or communication system listed above: (Electronic copies in PDF format are acceptable.)
Copies of the installation approval documents (original/updated equipment list or FAA Form 337) and Flight manual sections or supplements that show approval of the aircraft and equipment for the requested operations. Contact the FSDO if there are any questions.
Appendix A A-7
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS PAGE ONLY IF APPLICABLE
3.2 TURBINE-POWERED, TURBOJET, AND/OR TEN-OR-MORE
PASSENGER AIRCRAFT A/C Make/Model Registration N Proving Test Flights 135.145 NOT REQUIRED REQUIRED Proving test plan is scheduled on page A-1 Proving tests are scheduled on page A-1 Request for deviation is scheduled on page A-1 Additional Equipment Requirements
135.150 Public address and crewmember interphone systems Make/Model/Series Date Installed
135.151 Cockpit Voice Recorders
135.151(d) Dual Headsets with Boom Mics
135.152 Flight Data Recorders
135.154 Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) Class A Class B Warning: Ensure all TAWS functions are active. If any are deactivated, the system no longer meets TSO-C151( ).
135.158 Pitot heat indication systems Additional Airworthiness Requirements
135.169
(a) For all large airplanes (more than 12,500 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight):
The aircraft:
Is a commuter category airplane, or Meets the additional requirements of §§ 121.215 through 121.283, and 121.307.
(b) For Reciprocating-engine airplanes configured for ten-or-more passengers or For Turbopropeller-powered Small Airplanes configured for ten-ormore passengers:
Meets all applicable conditions specified in § 135.169(b).
(c) For all ten-or-more pax small airplanes, state the maximum passenger seating configuration
(d) Cargo or baggage compartments: All transport category airplanes type certificated after January 1, 1958.
Each Class C or D cargo compartments is not greater than 200 cubic ft in volume, or Meets all applicable conditions specified in § 135.169(d).
135.170 Materials for compartment interiors
135.171 Shoulder harness installation at flight crewmember stations Make/Model/Series Date Installed
135.173 Airborne thunderstorm detection equipment requirements
135.175 Airborne weather radar equipment requirements
135.177 Emergency equipment requirements for aircraft having a passenger seating configuration of more than 19 passengers
135.180 Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) TCAS I TCAS II TCAS II software version 7 or higher? Yes No RVSM Requirements 91.180 Aircraft was built to RVSM requirements as shown in the type certificate.
Aircraft was modified to RVSM requirements under Service Bulletin or STC on (date) A copy of the maintenance sign-off is included with this conformity statement.
Appendix A A-8 SECTION 4 PART 135 AIRWORTHINESS CHECKLIST It is highly recommended you use this checklist frequently and especially before presenting the aircraft to the FAA for inspection or before an FAA check ride.
A/C Make and Model Registration N
INSPECTION ITEMS Check if the item meets all applicable FAR Requirements
CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATION The Registration Certificate is on board and current.
The Airworthiness Certificate is on board and current.
The Radio Station License is on board and current (optional).
OPERATING LIMITATIONS FAA-approved Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot’s Operating Handbook is current, complete, and in serviceable condition.
AFM contains Flight Manual Supplements (AFMS) that are current and applicable to the installed autopilot/flight director, navigation equipment, and other installed equipment to which an AFMS applies. AFMSs that do not apply to the aircraft are stowed to pr event their use.
All required placards are secure and readable.
The flight deck contains all operating manuals and/or placards required by the AFM and AFMSs, type certificate (TC), STC, or FAA Forms 337.
All switches, circuit breakers, controls, etc., are properly labeled.
AFM contains current weight and balance data, and all obsolete weight and balance data is superseded; or, for aircraft not requiring an AFM, the current weight and balance and equipment list is in the aircraft.
AFM contains a current and complete equipment list.
For multiengine aircraft, the AFM contains a weighing record showing the aircraft was weighed within the last three years. The record includes an equipment list, which describes the approved aircraft configuration at the time of weighing. The weighin g record has the signature and certificate number of the person or agency doing the work and the date of completion.
AIR CARRIER OPERATIONS DOCUMENTS Aircraft Maintenance Log (§ 135.65) is on board and contains no open mechanical irregularities.
The document provided for compliance with § 135.71 is on board and current.
Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is on board and current, if applicable.
Air Carrier Operations Manual (or applicable parts) is on board and current.
Deferred Maintenance Log contains no items deferred beyond the time allowed in the MEL.
The operator’s name or certificate number is displayed and readable from the ground as required by § 119.9.
PASSENGER SAFETY All internal cabin placards required by the TC or the AFM are secure and readable.
Passenger briefing cards meet part 135 requirements.
(Refer to AC 121-24 for more information regarding the Passenger Safety Information Briefing and Briefing Cards.)
Required emergency equipment is on board, properly stowed, and inspected. (See Section 2.5.)
Approved cargo restraints are in place.
GENERAL AIRWORTHINESS The aircraft has the proper equipment and approval documentation required by part 135 subpart C.
All external placards, required by the TC or the AFM, are secure and readable.
All cowl fasteners, screws, etc., are secure.
Antennas are free from erosion.
ADF/HF long-wire antenna is under spring tension.
All static wicks are installed; none are broken except as deferred under an MEL. No broken bonding straps.
The aircraft make, model and serial number data are on the outside of the fuselage.
All instruments, systems, and equipment are operating properly or deferred under an MEL; the aircraft is airworthy and legal to fly.
MAINTENANCE RECORDS The maintenance records show that all airworthiness inspections are current, including annual/100-hr or scheduled inspection, altimeter, encoder, static system, ATC transponder, etc.
All required maintenance, including maintenance of life-limited items, is current.
Review and verify the TCDS and any STC for items that affect operations and maintenance (e.g., electronic system security special conditions).
The maintenance records include an Airworthiness Directive (AD) listing showing that all ADs are complied with, including recurring ADs. The listing must comply with § 91.417(a)(2)(v).
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this report is complete and accurate.
Signature (or other qualified title) Certificate Number Date