New Applicant Air Carriers

Overview

Obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and OpSpecs can be a costly and time-consuming process, drafting manuals to conform to the FAA Safety Assurance System (SAS) and implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) .

JDA has comprehensive knowledge and expertise in SAS, Data Collection Tools (DCTs) and the FAA methodology. JDA Associates are the only ones in industry who also instruct FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors in the field and at the national FAA Academy in all aspects of SAS.

JDA can help your company through the AOC process with the least amount of delay and expense. Our staff has over 3,000 years of collective experience working for the FAA and has assisted numerous Part 121, 125 and 135 applicants meeting all the FAA requirements. We know the regulations and processes better than any other organization and we can guarantee your complete satisfaction and at the lowest cost. You will gain the full-time support from JDA experts who will be with you throughout the entire FAA five-phase process.

  • Achieve FAA AOC and OpSpecs in the most timely and cost-effective manner.
  • Benchmark your current operation and provide a blueprint for continued regulatory compliance.
  • Conform your manual system to the FAA Safety Assurance System (SAS) process.
  • Provide turn-key SMS per FAA Part 5 – Implementation, Manual , Hazard Reporting and Risk Assessment Application, Safety Gap Analysis and Safety Cultural Assessment.

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Navigating the FAA Part 121 Air Operator Certificate Process

Obtaining an FAA Part 121 Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is a rigorous, multi-phase process designed to ensure that air carriers meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. The Part 121 certification is mandatory for operators conducting scheduled passenger or cargo services using large transport category aircraft.

  • Overview of Part 121 Operations

    Part 121 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) governs domestic, flag, and supplemental operations. It applies to air carriers operating aircraft with more than 30 seats or a payload capacity exceeding 7,500 pounds. These operators must demonstrate robust systems for safety management, maintenance, training, and operational control.

  • The Five Phases of Certification

    The FAA certification process is structured into five distinct phases, each with specific deliverables and evaluation criteria:

    1. Preapplication Phase
      • Initial Contact: The applicant contacts the local Certificate-Holding District Office (CHDO).
      • Preapplication Checklist (PAC): FAA provides a PAC outlining required documents and systems.
      • Preapplication Meeting: FAA and applicant discuss scope, expectations, and timeline.
    2. Formal Application Phase
      • Formal Application Letter: Submitted documentation, including manuals and organizational structure.
      • Application Review: FAA evaluates completeness and readiness.
      • Formal Application Meeting: Confirms mutual understanding of certification scope and requirements.
    3. Document Compliance Phase
      • System Design Evaluation: FAA reviews manuals and procedures for compliance with regulatory requirements.
      • Safety Assurance System (SAS): Inspectors use Element Design Data Collection Tools (ED DCTs) to assess system design.
      • Gap Analysis: Applicant may revise documentation based on FAA feedback.
    4. Demonstration and Inspection Phase
      • Operational Trials: Applicant demonstrates procedures in live or simulated environments.
      • Training Validation: FAA observes training sessions for flight crews, maintenance personnel, and dispatchers.
    6. Facilities and Equipment Inspection: Ensures adequacy and readiness for operations.
    7. Certification Phase
      • Final Evaluation: FAA confirms all systems are compliant and operationally sound.
      • Issuance of AOC and Operations Specifications (OpSpecs): Applicant becomes a certificated Part 121 operator.

    JDA supports its Part 121 applicant clients through all 5 FAA phases ensuring that the formal application package meets the CFRs and conforms with SAS.

  • The keys to success and some of the challenges are:
    • Regulatory Familiarity: deep understanding 14 CFR Parts 119, 121, and associated Advisory Circulars is essential.
    • Organizational Readiness: demonstrate a mature Safety Management System (SMS), Maintenance and Engineering programs, and Training systems.
    • FAA Collaboration: transparent communication and responsiveness to FAA guidance throughout the process.
    • Documentation Gaps: Incomplete or non-compliant manuals can delay progress.
    • System Integration: Ensuring alignment between SMS, CASS, MEDA, and operational control systems is critical.
    • Resource Allocation: Certification demands considerable time, personnel, and financial investment.

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Airplane taking off

FAA Part 125 Air Operator Certificate

Certification Process and Strategic Considerations

Part 125 of Title 14 of the CFRS governs the operation of large aircraft (20+ passenger seats or payload capacity over 6,000 pounds) when common carriage is not involved. This certification is ideal for private entities—such as corporate flight departments, sports teams, or research organizations—seeking to operate large aircraft for their own use.

  • Applicability of Part 125

    Unlike Part 121 or 135, Part 125 is designed for private carriage, not commercial operations. Operators must demonstrate compliance with safety and operational standards but are not subject to economic authority requirements from the Department of Transportation.

  • Certification Process Overview

    The FAA certification process for Part 125 follows a structured path, similar in framework to other air operator certifications but tailored to the unique scope of Part 125 operations.

    1. Preapplication Phase
    • Initial Inquiry: Applicant contacts the FAA Certificate Management Office (CMO).
    • Preapplication Checklist: FAA provides a tailored checklist outlining required documentation.
    • Preapplication Meeting: Clarifies scope, aircraft type, operational intent, and certification timeline.
    1. Formal Application Phase
    • Letter of Intent: Applicant submits a formal request to initiate certification.
    • Manuals and Documentation: Includes General Operations Manual (GOM), Maintenance Manual, and Emergency Procedures.
    • Organizational Structure: Must demonstrate operational control and accountability.
    1. Document Compliance Phase
    • FAA Review: Inspectors evaluate manuals and procedures for regulatory compliance.
    • Operational Control Validation: Applicant must show clear command over flight planning, crew management, and maintenance oversight.
    1. Demonstration and Inspection Phase
    • Facility and Equipment Inspection: FAA verifies readiness of physical infrastructure.
    • Crew Qualification Review: Flight crew must meet certification and experience standards.
    • Operational Trials: Demonstration flights may be required to validate procedures.
    1. Certification Phase
    • Final Evaluation: FAA confirms compliance across all systems.
    • Issuance of Certificate and Management Specifications (MSpecs): Operator is formally authorized under Part 125.
  • Key Requirements
    Requirement Description
    Aircraft Eligibility Seating ≥ 20 or payload ≥ 6,000 lbs; not engaged in common carriage
    Operational Control Must maintain full control over flight operations
    Maintenance Program Comprehensive inspection and preventive maintenance plans
    Crew Qualifications Certification and testing; formal training program not required
    Recordkeeping Detailed logs of operations, maintenance, and crew credentials
    SMS (Optional) Not required, but encouraged for proactive safety management
  • Common Pitfalls
    • Misclassification of Operations: Attempting to use Part 125 for commercial carriage can result in enforcement action.
    • Incomplete Documentation: Gaps in manuals or procedures delay certification.
    • Crew Training Misalignment: While formal training programs aren’t required, testing and competence must be documented.

JDA will support new Part 125 applicants throughout the FAA 5 phase program ensuring that all CFRs are met.

New Part 135 Applicant

JDA supports the 135 Certification Process per FAA Order 8900.1 Volume 2, Chapter 4 Section 1 – 8: (Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8) to ensure that you comply with all certification and operational requirements before receiving your operating certificate and Operations Specifications for either:

  • Single Pilot
  • Single PIC
  • Basic
  • Nine or Less Seats (Full)
  • 10 or more seats
  • Commuter
  • FAA

JDA supports each 135 applicant through all Phases of the FAA process:

  • Phase 1: Pre-application.
  • Phase 2: Formal Application.
  • Phase 3: Design Assessment.
  • Phase 4: Performance Assessment.

JDA also supports Part 135 applicants implement an SMS per 14 CFR Part 5.

Contact JDA at info@jdasolutions.aero or by phone at 877-532-2378 or complete the form on the Contact Us page to start your new Part 121, 125 or Part 135 project.

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