The terms Part 121 and Part 135 may have come up while doing research for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts. These phrases allude to the rules that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established to regulate commercial aviation. Although both rules apply to commercial aviation, they do so in distinct ways.
Scheduled air carriers that fly big aircraft with a seating capacity of more than 30 or a maximum takeoff weight of more than 7,500 pounds are subject to Part 121. This law establishes rigid requirements for crew member maintenance, training, and safety. Before they may start operating, Part 121 carriers need to get an air operator certificate (AOC) from the FAA. They also go through routine inspections to make sure they follow the rules. Major airlines including Delta, American, and United are examples of Part 121 carriers.
On the other hand, Part 135 is applicable to operators of small aircraft with a maximum seating capacity of 30 or less who provide on-demand, non-scheduled, or charter services. These companies are frequently referred to as charter flights or air taxis. Although Part 135 laws are less strict than Part 121 restrictions, operators must nonetheless adhere to certain operating and safety standards. Operators operating under Part 135 are required to get a certificate from the FAA in order to do so and are subject to routine inspections. Operators falling under Part 135 include businesses like NetJets and Wheels Up.
Part 91 of the FAA regulations governs private aviation, also known as non-commercial aircraft. Non-revenue flights that are operated for personal, professional, or recreational reasons fall under this category. Operators must nevertheless follow certain operating and safety standards even though Part 91 restrictions are less stringent than Part 121 and Part 135. Private pilots are required to earn a pilot’s license and adhere to safety, maintenance, and pre-flight planning protocols.
Depending on the size and location of the airport, different landing fees may apply for small aircraft. While major airports may charge hundreds of dollars, other smaller airports may impose a landing fee of $10 to $20. The fuel utilized and the kind of aircraft affect fuel expenses as well. A typical single-engine aircraft, the Cessna 172, can be fueled for $4 to $7 per gallon as of August 2021. Fuel for a Cessna 172 costs, on average, between $60 and $100.
The least expensive choice for people looking to buy an aircraft is often a used single-engine aircraft like the Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee. Depending on the age, condition, and accessories, these aircraft can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000. However, while planning a budget for aircraft ownership, it’s crucial to account for recurring costs like maintenance, fuel, and insurance.
In conclusion, the FAA has two distinct sets of rules that govern commercial aviation: Part 121 and Part 135. Scheduled air carriers operating big aircraft must comply with Part 121, whereas non-scheduled, on-demand operators and charter flights flying small aircraft must comply with Part 135. Part 91 of the FAA’s regulations for non-commercial aviation applies to private conveyance. The cost of landing and refueling a small plane varies based on the airport and kind of aircraft, and a used single-engine plane is often the least expensive aircraft that can be bought.