RULES AND REGULATIONS
The rules of charter, in plain English
The FAA, DOT and TSA rules that decide who can sell a charter, who can fly it, and what travelers are owed. Each one links to the official text.
What applies to you
Travelers
- Fly only with a company that holds a Part 135 or Part 121 certificate. Every Confirmed operator on ACE has had its certificate and tail numbers checked.
- If a broker sells you the trip, the broker must say so and tell you which operator will fly you.
- Your contract names the operator and the aircraft. If either changes, you should hear before you fly.
- Paying for a seat on a "private" flight is the most common sign of illegal charter.
The rules
2 rules · FAA, DOT, TSA and more
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FAA 14 CFR Part 91
General operating and flight rules
Who it's for: Everyone who flies
The base rules for every flight. A private flight where nobody pays usually flies under Part 91. Paying passengers on a Part 91 flight is usually illegal charter.
Read the official text → Last changed Sep 29, 2026
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FAA 14 CFR Part 135
On-demand charter operations
Who it's for: Operators, and what travelers can expect
Pilot training and checkrides, duty and rest limits, maintenance programs and weather limits that are stricter than Part 91.
Read the official text → Last changed May 8, 2026
Spot an illegal charter
- Ask for the operator's certificate number and look it up on the FAA's list of Part 135 operators.
- Check that the tail number is on that certificate.
- Be careful with a "private flight" you are asked to pay for.
FAA illegal charter hotline: 1-888-SKY-CHRT
Recent rule changes
- PROPOSED RULE Withdrawal of International Airport Designation of Chalk Seaplane Base CBP · published Sep 29, 2026
- FINAL RULE Notice of Policy Change and Rescission of Single-Pilot Training Exemptions for Certain Cessna Aircraft FAA · took effect Sep 29, 2026
- PROPOSED RULE Flight Operations: Pilot requirements; Use of oxygen FAA · comments due Nov 23, 2026
Where this comes from
Official text from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Changes come from the Federal Register, checked daily. Summaries written by ACE. Last reviewed Oct 14, 2026.
Not legal advice. If the official text and our summary ever differ, the official text wins.