Part 135 Startup

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05-16-2018, 01:57 PM

BizPilot

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Posts: 381

Part 135 Startup

What is the current environment we are in considering the FAA and insurance company’s point of view with a new startup Part 135 air taxi. I’m looking to use a Seneca or Barron 58 for day/night VFR/IFR with the capability for icing conditions single-pilot IFR.The operation will be a Single PIC or just a Basic Part 135 if I can find someone to fill the Director of Operations position.Over the last few years I have learned most FSDO’s have stopped processing new air taxi applications (manpower issues) and that the FAA wants to cull the number of air taxi operators (Internet sources).Several days ago I stopped at a local nearby airport and was told they no longer do Part 135 with Cessna 560’s as it was too much of a hassle with the FAA.They have two of them and now just do Part 91 for the jets owners.They have been in the air taxi business since around 1970.

So is starting up a new air taxi operation a non-doable because of the FAA? Or as things run in cycles we are in a “trough” and will be climbing out to head upward to a peak?

05-16-2018, 02:11 PM

PerfInit

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Position: JAFO- First Observer

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I have heard that Rapid City FSDO has recently done a few 135 Certifications. Check with your local FSDO, submit a PASI and see what happens..

05-17-2018, 06:36 AM

Panzon

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There are three 135 certificates listed for sale on alaskaslist, including one with a Seneca.

05-17-2018, 07:08 AM

CAPILOTAIN

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Posts: 33

A better option is to buy someones unused 135 cert. I know two people who might sell theirs.

05-17-2018, 07:48 AM

PerfInit

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Position: JAFO- First Observer

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The 135 cert has no monetary value and cannot be purchased. That might not be legal. However, purchasing the assets of the 135 business is legal.

05-17-2018, 07:51 AM

CAPILOTAIN

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Quote:

Originally Posted by PerfInit

The 135 cert has no monetary value and cannot be purchased. That might not be legal. However, purchasing the assets of the 135 business is legal.

Same difference

05-17-2018, 07:26 PM

dupe

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Posts: 73

Its a bad idea because MX sucks (props, governors, and engine must be overhauled at TBO) and pilots are impossible to keep. IFR 135 mins are 1200 but R-ATP may actually be lower depending on how a guy got his rating.