Starting 135

[check six]

Looking at starting a small 135 operation. Own one King Air, 2 or 3 contract pilots and maybe leasing another King Air for backup.

Would it be easier to buy an existing certificate to get all the docs and manuals required by the FAA or file myself to get a certificate.

FAA says they are not giving out any new certs in my area at this time. Filing myself looks like a ton of work with some politics thrown in.

Thanks,

Check Six

 

[dustrpilot]

KLIT FSDO told me recently that they were " so far behind and understaffed" that it would be 2 1/2 years before they would look at the first application and if I filed today, I would be forth in line.
Sounds like, if you want in, buying would be faster.

 

[emspilot 01]

Starting 135 certificate

Looking at starting a small 135 operation. Own one King Air, 2 or 3 contract pilots and maybe leasing another King Air for backup.

Would it be easier to buy an existing certificate to get all the docs and manuals required by the FAA or file myself to get a certificate.

FAA says they are not giving out any new certs in my area at this time. Filing myself looks like a ton of work with some politics thrown in.

Thanks,

Check Six

Depending on how much a certificate would cost to buy. There have been a lot of company's that started out on other 135 operators certificates. They usually take a 10% or 20% cut of your charters, but might be worth it while starting your own. Think there are lot's of places willing to wheel and deal during these times.

 

[cvsfly]

It will be alot of work no matter which route you pursue, especially if you have never been involved with 135. Yes some what easier if you able to buy an existing operation. Alot of money either way. Just know that you can't buy a certificate, despite what some people advertise. What you can do is buy an business/operator that holds a certificate and all the required personnel and control documents. Any name or operational changes you envision will have to have the blessing of the FAA. The FAA "owns" the certificate. If the wait period is not a factor, it sounds that a "small 135 operation. Own one King Air, 2 or 3 contract pilots" would be easiest done as a single pilot-in-command operation on your own. One PIC and up to 5 SICs. As a Basic operator you will have to have all required manual and management personnel (most likely with salary vs contract). What is your business plan? Are you looking to offset operational costs on the King Air? Do you expect to make money at it or as a hobby? Are you doing well in another business where you need a losing business to offset some tax liabilities?

 

[brokeflyer]

sell the plane

 

[dustrpilot]

sell the plane

Ha ha! Probably the best advice yet.

 

[waka]

sell the plane

Ha ha! Probably the best advice yet.

No, not really good advice at all. This is the worst of times to sell an airplane in any category. It is a buyer's market.

 

[acpilot]

...unless it's not flying.

 

[brokeflyer]

No, not really good advice at all. This is the worst of times to sell an airplane in any category. It is a buyer's market.

you must be new.....it's NEVER a bad time to get rid of the plane.

 

[gret]

you must be new.....it's NEVER a bad time to get rid of the plane.

Wise man!