FAA Operator Certificate Management Guidance

FAA Certification and Compliance for Operators

General Operator Certificate Requirements

AC 135-44 – Provides guidance on obtaining and managing Part 135 air carrier certificates. It includes training, operational control, and compliance procedures.

FAA Order 8100.15B CHG 3 – Outlines FAA oversight responsibilities for aircraft certification and air carrier operations. It ensures operators comply with safety management and maintenance standards.

AC 91-78A – Covers Part 91 operator certificate management and regulatory compliance. It details maintenance, training, and operational requirements.

AC 91-90 Ed Update – Establishes Part 91 operational best practices. It ensures pilots and operators maintain compliance with FAA guidelines.

AC 91-94 – Focuses on certification and oversight requirements for commercial and non-commercial operators.

FAA Certificate Management for Commercial Operators

Part 120 and Part 121 Operator Certification

AC 120-12A – Provides guidance on obtaining an air carrier or commercial operator certificate. It ensures compliance with economic and operational regulations.

AC 120-16G – Establishes flight and duty time limitations for commercial operators. It ensures air carriers maintain compliance with FAA safety standards.

AC 120-29A – Provides instrument flight certification and operational standards for air carriers. It ensures airlines follow FAA-approved procedures for instrument approach operations.

AC 120-49B – Establishes certificate holder responsibilities for maintenance and operations. It ensures air carriers maintain regulatory compliance.

Certification and Compliance Updates for Operators

AC 120-64 – Provides training guidelines for air carrier maintenance and operational personnel.

AC 120-76E – Covers electronic flight bag (EFB) approval requirements for operators. It ensures compliance with digital navigation and operational resources.

AC 120-77A – Provides air carrier safety management system (SMS) implementation guidance.

AC 120-78B – Establishes guidelines for FAA-approved training programs for commercial pilots and operators.

FAA Certification for Specialized Air Operations

Helicopter, Agricultural, and External Load Operator Certification

AC 133-1B CHG 1 – Provides Part 133 helicopter external load operation guidance. It ensures safe practices for external cargo operations.

AC 135-7B Ed Update – Covers Part 135 9 or less air taxi and commuter operations certification requirements.

AC 135-10C CHG 1 – Provides AAIP operational guidance.

AC 135-14B – Details AAMS operator certification processes.

AC 136-2 CHG 1 Ed Update – Provides guidance for Part 136 commercial air tour operators.

AC 136-4 – Establishes Part 136 operational requirements for air tour operators.

AC 137-1B – Covers Part 137 agricultural aircraft operations and certification.

Certification and Compliance for Air Carriers

AC 120-106B – Provides guidance on flight operational quality assurance (FOQA) programs for air carriers. It establishes best practices for monitoring and improving flight safety performance.

AC 120-113 CHG 1 Ed Update 2 – Covers data collection and safety assurance in airline operations. This circular updates standards for risk management and incident prevention.

AC 120-59B – Focuses on flight operations monitoring systems (FOMS) to enhance data-driven decision-making for safety and operational efficiency.

Air Carrier Training and Certification Updates

AC 120-97A CHG 1 – Establishes standards for air carrier training programs. It ensures compliance with FAA safety requirements and flight crew certification.

AC 120-98A CHG 1 – Provides updated guidance on flight attendant training programs. It ensures air carriers maintain a high level of emergency preparedness and passenger safety.

Part 121 Air Carrier Certification Requirements

AC 121-37B – Covers certification and operational standards for Part 121 scheduled air carriers. It ensures compliance with flight duty time limitations and operational control requirements.

AC 121-38 – Establishes cargo loading and restraint system guidelines for air carriers. It ensures safe transportation of cargo and baggage within commercial aircraft.

AC 121-40 – Provides guidance on emergency evacuation procedures and safety drills. It ensures air carriers maintain FAA compliance for passenger safety and emergency response training.