How to get a 135 cert?

[AgDownUnder]

What steeps are involved in getting a part 135 certificate? What paperwork is needed etc.

I had one 8 years ago with a 421. The Feds were easier than the insurance company.

 

[scubabri]

The ATL FSDO website used to have some good information about getting a 135 certificate. I assume that it would still be there.

Barring that, if you have the money.. buy one.

sb

 

[cvsfly]

You can't buy a 135 certificate. You could buy the company that has a 135 certificate. If you decided to change aircraft, management personel, company name and address, etc you would have to apply for those changes. I'm not sure if you have to submit a new DOT Economic Authority application under Part 298 Form 4507 if the CEO of the company changes. Somewhere in the application process the FAA requests info that tells them you have the financial plan in place to be a competent operator.

 

[FL420]

Buy one off someone who's business failed and change it to fit your needs. It's much easier to change one that already exists than get your own. It's possible to get your own cert. in about 6 months if you work on it full time. Full time as in quit your real job and do nothing but work on the paperwork.

I did one a number of years ago. In my experience, TWA's advice is right on.

If you insist on doing it yourself, plan on spending a lot of time sitting in the FSDO's outer office. FAA employees have a habit of accepting your paperwork submission then going off on vacation, training, Federal holidays, mental health sick days, etc., etc., ad nauseum.

The concept of time is money is incomprehensible to Fed's. I found the best way to get paperwork back in a timely manner was to call or visit everyday. Eventually, the boss will get tired of seeing you sitting in his outer office and make your prospective POI get off his ass and get your paperwork approved or pass the ball off to someone else while he's out of the office for the next two weeks.

Also, just like in an IRS audit, be prepared to have to teach your POI his job; especially if he is an FNG.