Part 135 Aviation FAQ — Operators, Pilots, Brokers, Owners | FlyAXS (Fly Access)

General Questions

What is FlyAXS (Fly Access)?

FlyAXS (pronounced "Fly Access") is an all-in-one Part 135 aviation coordination platform. It connects operators, pilots, owners, brokers, and travelers on a single system — combining flight scheduling, dispatch, crew management, maintenance tracking, SMS compliance, an empty legs marketplace, quoting, invoicing, and AI-powered tools.

What is Part 135 and why does it matter?

14 CFR Part 135 is the set of FAA regulations governing on-demand air charter, air taxi, and commuter operations in the United States. Part 135 certification requires strict standards for pilot training and recurrent check rides (§ 135.293, 135.297, 135.299), aircraft maintenance programs, operational control, crew duty and rest limits (§ 135.265/267), and — as of the 2024 final rule — a formal Safety Management System under Part 5. As of 2025, there are approximately 1,821 FAA-certificated Part 135 operators managing over 11,400 aircraft in the United States.

How is FlyAXS different from other Part 135 software?

Most Part 135 software platforms focus on one area — CAMP Systems handles maintenance, FL3XX handles scheduling, Centrik handles SMS. FlyAXS is the only platform that combines all of these into one system: scheduling, dispatch, crew management with FAR 135.267 compliance, maintenance and squawk tracking, SMS/safety management, empty legs marketplace, quoting, invoicing, payment processing, five stakeholder portals, an AI assistant, and real-time flight tracking.

What are empty leg flights?

Empty legs (also called repositioning flights or deadhead legs) occur when a charter aircraft needs to fly without passengers — typically returning to its home base after a one-way trip. These flights happen regardless, so operators can offer seats at 25–75% below normal charter rates.

Operator Questions

What is Part 5 SMS compliance and when is it required?

14 CFR Part 5 is the FAA regulation requiring Safety Management Systems. The final rule (89 FR 33106) was published April 26, 2024. All Part 135 operators must develop a Part 5-compliant SMS and submit a Declaration of Compliance to their FAA Certificate Management Team by May 28, 2027. SMS has four pillars: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management (SRM), Safety Assurance (SA), and Safety Promotion. FlyAXS includes a fully integrated SMS module at no additional cost.

What are the four pillars of aviation SMS?

The four pillars are: (1) Safety Policy — establishing management commitment and safety objectives, (2) Safety Risk Management (SRM) — identifying hazards and analyzing/mitigating risks, (3) Safety Assurance (SA) — monitoring and measuring safety performance, and (4) Safety Promotion — training, communication, and building a safety culture.

How does FlyAXS handle flight dispatch and release?

FlyAXS includes a formal flight release authorization workflow as required by Part 135. Dispatchers can review weather briefings, NOTAMs, fuel sufficiency, weight and balance calculations, and crew duty status before signing off on a flight release.

Can FlyAXS track crew duty time and rest requirements?

Yes. FlyAXS tracks crew scheduling in compliance with both FAR 135.265 (scheduled) and FAR 135.267 (unscheduled operations), including daily flight time limits (8/10 hours), extended duty periods, quarterly limits (500 hours), two-quarter limits (800 hours), annual limits (1,400 hours), and quarterly rest period requirements (13 periods of 24+ hours) with fatigue risk monitoring.

Pilot Questions

How do I find Part 135 pilot jobs and contract opportunities?

FlyAXS connects pilots directly with Part 135 operators who need crew. Create a free pilot profile, add your certificates, ratings, and type ratings, set your availability windows and base locations, and operators can find you through the pilot marketplace.

What certificates do I need to fly Part 135?

Pilot-in-command requirements depend on aircraft and operation type. An ATP is required for turbojet aircraft, aircraft with 10+ passenger seats, and scheduled commuter operations. For other Part 135 operations, a Commercial certificate with Instrument Rating is sufficient with minimum experience (500 hours VFR / 1,200 hours IFR per § 135.243). All PICs need a current FAA medical certificate and type ratings where required.

What are Part 135 duty time limits for pilots?

FAR 135.267 governs unscheduled operations: 8 flight hours in 24 hours (10 with two pilots), 500 hours per quarter, 800 hours in two quarters, 1,400 hours per year. Rest: 10 consecutive hours before each assignment; 13 rest periods of 24+ hours per quarter. Extended duty up to 14 hours under § 135.267(c). Scheduled operations under § 135.265 require 24 hours off every 7 days.

What are Part 135 check ride and proficiency requirements?

FAR 135.293 requires a VFR competency check every 12 calendar months. FAR 135.297 requires an instrument proficiency check every 6 months for IFR operations. FAR 135.299 requires a line check every 12 months. All checks by approved check airman or FAA inspector.

Broker Questions

What is a charter broker vs. a charter operator?

A charter operator holds an FAA Part 135 certificate and directly operates aircraft. A charter broker is an intermediary who arranges flights on behalf of clients but does not operate aircraft. Under DOT regulations, brokers must disclose that they are not the operator.

Traveler Questions

How much does it cost to charter a private jet?

Charter costs vary by aircraft category, distance, and season. Very light jets: $2,000–$3,500/hr. Light jets (Citation CJ3, Phenom 300): $3,500–$6,000/hr. Midsize jets: $4,500–$6,800/hr. Super midsize: $5,500–$8,000/hr. Heavy jets (Gulfstream G650, Global 6000): $8,000–$14,000+/hr. Empty leg flights on FlyAXS can be 25–75% below regular charter rates.

What is the difference between Part 91 and Part 135 flights?

Part 91 covers private, non-commercial flights. Part 135 covers commercial on-demand charter operations with paying passengers. Part 135 has stricter requirements: more rigorous pilot training, higher maintenance standards, required crew rest rules, operational control by the certificate holder, and FAA oversight.