Single 135 Operators..Any Advice?

[Cowboypilot]

Thank you.

 

[siegelaviation]

Do it yourself. The single pilot compliance statement is not that tough. Plus, by doing it yourself you know exactly what your operation will entail.

Michale

 

[Cowboypilot]

The FAA told me I couldnt have a single pilot Part 135 because the A/C I want to use has 10 seats.
Do you know if this is correct?

 

[cvsfly]

Is that 10 total seats or 10 passenger seats? Can't find the exact reference, but it is probably somewhere in the Inspectors Handbook 8400.10. Try http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/examiners_inspectors/8400/. I know some equipment requirements change for over 9 seats and if it is a scheduled operation that puts you into a commuter operation. I believe our Operation Specifications Section A had a restriction stated for the size of aircraft when we were a Single Pilot-in-Command Operator prior to us becoming a Basic. I can't be sure.

 

[AerroMatt]

The FAA told me I couldnt have a single pilot Part 135 because the A/C I want to use has 10 seats.
Do you know if this is correct?

FAR 135.99 (b) states: "No certificate holder may operate an aircraft without a second in command if that aircraft has a passenger seating configuration, excluding any pilot seat, of ten seats or more.

If this describes the aircraft you are attempting to use, just remove seats until you have only 9 passenger seats, then you can get single pilot approval.

 

[Cowboypilot]

Thanks. I found a lot of info at www.part135.com. that help you get the mauals you need.

 

[cvsfly]

FAR 135.99 (b) states: "No certificate holder may operate an aircraft without a second in command if that aircraft has a passenger seating configuration, excluding any pilot seat, of ten seats or more.

If this describes the aircraft you are attempting to use, just remove seats until you have only 9 passenger seats, then you can get single pilot approval.

This doesn't cut it with FAA anymore. I think it was a AC or other communique in the last year that spoke about altering the configuration to avoid additional regulation requirements. I have it somewhere. They are going by type data certificate now.

If it is a SIC required aircraft, then the minimum operator would have to be at least a Single Pilot-in-Command (which allows SICs). Obviously a Single Pilot operator wouldn't cut it, but I think the FSDO is telling you strait. You will have to be at least a Basic will all the manuals that entails.

 

[iflyabeech]

Just talked to FSDO and apparently they have some new program and directive that says new certifications are the lowest priority. They are still working on my single pilot certificate, with no end in sight, even though they called me over 2 months ago and said we would be up and running in 10 days!

 

[IHateMgmt]

Just talked to FSDO and apparently they have some new program and directive that says new certifications are the lowest priority. They are still working on my single pilot certificate, with no end in sight, even though they called me over 2 months ago and said we would be up and running in 10 days!

...Moving at the speed of the FAA... I find myself saying this a lot lately.

 

[iflyabeech]

Do a search on Faa.gov for CSOP. . . That is the latest excuse from the FAA. . . Doesn't make much sense to me since we are already finished with almost everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!