Starting a Part 135 op (USA)
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 515
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From: Denver, CO and the GOM
Starting a Part 135 op (USA)
We are researching the idea of running a Part 135 on-demand service using a Robinson R44-II (equipped as an IFR trainer) as our primary aircraft. I've been looking through the FARs, and 135.25(b) requires that the cert. holder has "exclusive use" of at least one aircraft meeting the requirements for the type of operation.
Our R44 is a leaseback ship and the owner takes it on trips occasionally. I would suppose that negates exclusive use. However, we also own a Schweizer 300CB IFR trainer which meets all the requirements. Would that fulfill the intent of 135.25(b)?
Any advice, thoughts, or nuggets of experience-based wisdom on starting a Pt 135 op are greatly appreciated!
Our R44 is a leaseback ship and the owner takes it on trips occasionally. I would suppose that negates exclusive use. However, we also own a Schweizer 300CB IFR trainer which meets all the requirements. Would that fulfill the intent of 135.25(b)?
Any advice, thoughts, or nuggets of experience-based wisdom on starting a Pt 135 op are greatly appreciated!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 38
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From: Florida
Hi, I started a Pt 135 helicopter operation less than two years ago and 8 months ago I changed location and aircraft. During the changeover period I was given permission to use the first aircraft for any charter work I had to do whilst my newer aircraft waited for the 135 checks, unfortunately, this did not cut it with the FAA and I had a long discussion with the inspectors about this very subject.
As explained to me, "exclusive use" meant that I had to keep and operate the helicopter for the purpose of my operation, ie. I could not use the first helicopter because I was no longer its operator, even though I had access to it for charter work.
I believe your R44 situation would be accepted by the FAA provided that you had a lease agreement stating that you were leasing the aircraft for more than 6 months(???). If the aircraft owner were to have occasional access, I do not see that as a problem, provided he is not doing Pt 135 work on another certificate.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
As explained to me, "exclusive use" meant that I had to keep and operate the helicopter for the purpose of my operation, ie. I could not use the first helicopter because I was no longer its operator, even though I had access to it for charter work.
I believe your R44 situation would be accepted by the FAA provided that you had a lease agreement stating that you were leasing the aircraft for more than 6 months(???). If the aircraft owner were to have occasional access, I do not see that as a problem, provided he is not doing Pt 135 work on another certificate.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 485
Likes: 6
From: Avon, CT, USA
If you have a leaseback contract for the helicopter and maintain operational control ( control the scheduling, the owner schedules through you) I don't see a problem.
Send me a PM, I'm up on 135 and have worked for and done the paper work for several operators.
Send me a PM, I'm up on 135 and have worked for and done the paper work for several operators.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO and the GOM
Thanks for all the replies, gang - I've turned the task over to a more capable cohort, but I'll keep asking here! (BTW, I am a Yank through and through in case it doesn't show sufficiently.)
