New Part 135 biz jet ops in 2008

[BobbyB623]

Does anyone know why the FAA has only certified one new bizjet Part 135 operator so far this year? This is down from 25 last year, 20 in '06, 31 in '05, 27 in '04 and 40 in '03. While I realize that this may not be the best climate in which to start a new business, let alone a new Part 135 operation, it would seem that something's afoot with the FAA.

Is it the economy? Given the fact that the duration from application to certification seems to be anywhere from 18-24 months, the economy may not be the issue. Does it stem from A008? Are less aircraft available for charter? Does the FAA want to limit the number of charter operators? Is consolidation the big culprit?

What's your take?

 

[Whale Rider]

The year is still young.

 

[gret]

Where did you get the stats for the certificates issued? Do you have any on stats on the number of pending applications?

Some in the industry have said that the FAA is trying to limit, or reduce. the numer of certificates due to a lack of resources to moniter all of them.

 

[Rick1128]

I have heard that the FAA wants to reduce the number of 135 operators by 40%. Mostly due to the lack of manpower. The excuse they will use is A008. The lack of manpower has been going on for awhile now. I personally know of 2 operators that haven't had assigned POI's for over 2 years. And these are not mom & pop operators either.

Unfortunately the FAA like many government organizations does a lot of monkey motion instead of real work and we the operators and employees pay the price.

 

[BobbyB623]

Gret,

You can download tables on Parts 135, 121, 129, 133, 137, and 125 here: http://av-info.faa.gov/dd_sublevel.asp?Folder=\AirOperators. Unfortunately, they mix all of the different ops types together. I have a spreadsheet that I'd be happy to send to you, should you want it - pm me with your info. It is from 4/13.

These tables are updated every Monday, and provide a snapshot in time. I have the information saved going back for more than a few years, so am able to compile the stats.

I used to call and request a spreadsheet of all pre-cert 135 ops from the FAA as contained in the National Vitals database. AFS-620 (Aviation Data Systems Branch) out of Oklahoma City can provide this info if you know whom to talk to and play nice. I lost my contact there and haven't been able to get this info in some time. A recent request through the main FAA website was rejected, but I am sure if I find the right person again, they will provide this info. The main tel number for AFS-620 is no longer published on the FAA website. This information can be unreliable, though, as applicants seem to drop-out, forego the certification process.

Thanks for your feedback, Gret.

 

[gret]

Thanks for the info on the FAA website. I wonder how many certififcates survived the A008 special emphasis inspections?

 

[Lear Wanna Be]

I understand there is a hold on all new certificate applications right now. I know for a fact that a rather large operation that has been around for many years as a repair station and has a great relationship with our local FSDO was told that their 135 application was on hold until further notice as a result. Now there might be the occasional new certificate that is approved. Likely the applicant has a really good relationship with a Senator or Congressman.

On a side not, I happen to have a certificate and the business could be sold for the right price if you know somebody. There is nothing special about it and there is only a C310 on it right now. We have never had any turbine or turbojet aircraft on the certificate. It won't be cheap!

 

[DowJones]

How reliable is the info on new certificate being put on hold. I heard one was on a fast track at the Dallas FSDO and I have a couple of friends with applications in the process.

 

[Lear Wanna Be]

I'll tell you what, if they get my airplane flying and the weather is okay, then I will be at the FSDO Friday morning. I will ask if they are accepting applications for new 135 certificates. I suspect the info is pretty accurate considering the source, but each FSDO might have discretion. Specially if somebody is contributing to some politicians campaign fund.

 

[DowJones]

What???? Somebody getting special treatment because they contribute to a campaign fund? What has the world come to?

What impact would the crackdown on the FAA by Congress have on the matter? Special treatment should be hard to come by.