jondickson

Anyone have any feelings or ideas on starting a Part 135 Charter Service? I've tossed the idea around a bit, but didn't know if it would be worth the risk or not. I know you have to spend 2 million to make 1 million, but surely this could turn a profit within time.

PerfInit

No impossible, but definitely going to be a tremendous undertaking. Federal Government is very tight on funds right now. The agency may or may not have the resources. I have heard that some FSDO's have placed a moratorium on new certifications. Several prospective candidates may already be on a "waiting list".

Here is a good place to start "getting smart" on the process of obtaining a Air Carrier Certificate:

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certific...ia/n135toc.pdf

Also See:

http://www.fsims.faa.gov

FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 2, Chapter 4 describes the certification process in great detail.

When the flood gates do open, BE READY and definitely have your ducks lined up! Not required, but highly recommend you sit down with an aviation consulting firm that is familiar with the air carrier certification process.

jondickson

Thank you for the reply. Yeah I was sure there would be some major leaps to take in the process. I've spoken with the FSDO about this, and they didn't downplay it. They did say it would be a major undertaking, but not impossible as well. Do you suggest any and/or have any links for a good aviation consulting firm. Another question for you, or anyone with an answer. I've been approved for a small business loan for the amount of $500,000. This amount could go up a little if needed, but it needs to stay at this range. I'm certain that a newer jet couldn't be purchased at this price, and an older one would have to be the main choice. With this small of amount do you think I could get a decent starter jet that could get me into the field?

Gjn290

You'll need more than one airplane. If you only have one and it is down for maintenance you'll lose loads of money. For $500K it will be tough to find any kind of jet. The last thing you want to do is buy some old plane that will be in and out of maintenance on a daily basis.

If I remember correctly, you need to be able to show the FAA that you have enough funding to operate for six months without making a profit. It would be worth taking the time to find some investors. Since you've already got $500K it would be easier to get investors since you've got a chunk of your own money on the line.

135, well aviation in general, is tough to get started and even tougher to stay running. If you do get this started make a promise to us, and yourself, that you will treat the pilots the way they deserve to be treated. We don't need another 135 outfit ruining the lives of pilots.

squidx

I think management is where it's at. Sell a company your ability to manage the aircraft and then $profit$. If you have the necessary skills to keep a charter company afloat, you'll actually turn a profit with the management company. If it doesn't work out, then your not stuck with an aircraft to try to sell.

Rama

I don't think a half million would take you far with turbine equipment. Figure in purchase/lease costs, insurance. training, hangar rent, maintenance and the time it takes to get certified and running.

Phantom Flyer

I don't want to discourage you Jon but this is going to be an uphill battle.

Years ago, I got a 135 certificate which grew out of a Part 91 operation with a BE-200 King Air. Even then, it was a LOT of work and our FSDO was a lot more flexible then and had fewer FAA restrictions than they do today.

We already had the aircraft and I doubt that a $500,000 SBA loan will be enough to get you off the ground. You have to demonstrate fiscal stability and that isn't going to happen with a half million dollar loan. I doubt that you can find a turbine powered aircraft that fits into an acceptable business plan with that size capital investment.

I love to see an entrepreneur at work but you need to do some more homework, have a viable business plan and need a lot more investment capital.

G'Luck Mate