For decades, FAR Part 135 charter operators have used their aviation expertise to manage aircraft for companies that own jets for their own use. The now-common practice of placing these managed corporate aircraft on a charter company’s operations specifications for charter by third parties evolved from this initial management service. This arrangement, originally called piggybacking, radically changed passenger jet charter. But,things have changed.
One Accident, Two Stories
June 1st, 2010
On Aug. 1, 1999, a 1968 Cherokee six crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in Ohio, killing the pilot and three passengers and seriously injuring a fourth passenger. The NTSB version of the crash found the pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and proper trim as the cause. However, more than a decade after the accident, a jury has reached a very different conclusion, awarding an $88.7 million verdict against Avco Corp. This case serves as an example of how the courts have dealt with the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA). Why the gap between the NTSB’s assessment and the findings of a jury?
Flying Political Candidates Under Part 91
May 1st, 2010
The Federal Election Commission has now revised its regulation to interpret and explain the “Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007″. If your company wants to give a Senator a ride on the corporate jet, the first step is to review FAR Part 91.321.
Small Business Aircraft
April 2nd, 2010
There are great tax advantages for small aircraft bought for business use. Business aviation does not always mean business jet. You can also show the FAA that your small aircraft is a legitimate business tool. Join the NBAA and get a copy of its small aircraft exemption for Part 91.501. Timesharing, interchange, joint ownership with a shared crew and other business flexibilities are available to small aircraft operators.
NTSB Updates and Expands Reporting Requirements
March 2nd, 2010
The NTSB has updated Part 830, effective March 8, 2010, increasing the number of reportable incidents to include glass panel failures. These are the first significant changes to Part 830 in more than a decade. There is now a requirement for reporting incidents involving engines, propellers and rotors and a special “air carrier only” section. While reviewing these changes, pilots and flight operations managers ought to review the definition of accident along with 830.5 Immediate Notification process.
Aircraft Repair Station Security
January 1st, 2010
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for repair station security was issued by the TSA in November 2009. The proposed rules would require repair stations to adopt and carry out a “standard” security program.
Federal Election Commission - Campaign Travel
December 18th, 2009
The Federal Election Commission is promulgating new and revised rules implementing the provision of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act governing noncommercial campaign travel on aircraft. These changes restrict, and in some situations prohibit, Federal candidates and certain political committees from expending campaign funds for noncommercial air travel. Read the Federal Register excerpt here…
FAR Part 61: Road Work Ahead
November 1st, 2009
The FAA’s major revision to Part 61 was published August 21, 2009 and became effective October 20th. It is no small task for pilots to keep up the with the changes to Part 61, but the FAA’s job of updating it is an endless, thankless process.
What is Current Maintenance?
October 1st, 2009
The correct response depends on whether you are maintaining an aircraft under FAR Part 91, 121 or 135, and the person posing the question.
New York Airspace NPRM, September 16, 2009
September 18th, 2009
Proposed modification of the New York Class B Airspace.
