1
$\begingroup$

Is it legal for a company that does not hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) (company A) to hire out a pilot a second company that does have an AOC (company B)? Company B would be the one actually carrying out the aerial operations.

Would this be considered a franchise arrangement?

Edit: Company B knows about a pilot who is a sole director/owner of company A (no other employees). Company B came to company A to have the pilot fly the plane for company B's operations/contract with a third party (their pilot was unavailable).

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ I think it would depend on company A's stake in the deal. A commercial pilot working for company A has a legal right to also fly for company B, and be paid for his time. So where does company A even fit in? If they are the ones approaching company B to give them business, how are they different than any other charter customer? Seems like more of a legal question than aviation, but a better description of the scenario might yield a good answer here. $\endgroup$
    – Michael Hall
    Commented Aug 24, 2020 at 15:02
  • $\begingroup$ Company B knows about a pilot who is a sole director/owner of company A (no other employees). Company B came to company A to have the pilot fly the plane for company B's operations/contract with a third party (their pilot was unavailable). $\endgroup$
    – Matthew Hutchinson
    Commented Sep 7, 2020 at 9:12

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

The simple answer to your question is "NO".

There are 4 different kinds of part 135 operating certificate, many of which have a limited number of pilot positions. These pilots must be listed on the paperwork for the certificate and must meet all training, experience and currency requirements as specified by the certificate.

On a Single Pilot Operator certificate, the holder is limited to using only one pilot for all part 135 operations. That specific pilot is listed by name and certificate number on the FAA issued Operations Specification (OpSpec) A040. The use of any pilot(s) other than the single pilot listed on OpSpec A040 is not authorized.

On a Single Pilot in Command certificate, the operator is limited to using only one PIC and up to a maximum of 3 Second In Command (SIC) pilots for all part 135 operations. The PIC and the SIC(s) are listed by name and certificate number on the FAA issued OpSpec A039. The certificate holder is only authorized to use those pilots in the specific duty positions listed in OpSpec A039. The certificate holder is not authorized to use any other pilots, nor are any pilots allowed to serve in a duty position (PIC or SIC), unless they are listed in that duty position in OpSpec A039.

On a 135 Basic, the operator is limited to a maximum of 5 pilots which includes SICs, but all 5 pilots may serve as PIC or SIC as required as long as they are all so qualified. However, they must still be listed ok the certificate as above and since this type of certificate requires the establishment of approved manuals and training programs, the pilots must also have completed the necessary training and comply with the standards set forth in all operation manuals.

On a 135 Standard, there is no pre-set limit to the size of the operation, but all pilots must be listed on the certificate as above and comply with all required training and manuals as above.

Basically, an operator can't just bring in a pilot to fill-in for a single mission. If their own pilots or aircraft are not available for the job, then their company is not available for the job. They would need to sub-out or recommend the client to another certificated operator whose plane and pilot(s) are available.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ This question is about Australia, so I'm not sure that part 135 is relevant. $\endgroup$
    – Pondlife
    Commented Sep 7, 2020 at 14:32
  • $\begingroup$ @Pondlife: I completely overlooked the tag for Australia... Editing now. $\endgroup$
    – Aaron Holmes
    Commented Sep 7, 2020 at 15:39

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .