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Inspired by KeithS's question about ATPLs and category/class ratings, I figured I'd throw another type-rating/airline-operations puzzler at you: are there any aircraft currently in scheduled airline service (i.e. operated under part 121) which would not require a type rating to fly? (I know part 135 operators often fly small aircraft due to the nature of their operation, with more intermittent or even on-demand service and the smaller locales they fly into.)

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  • $\begingroup$ FYI: Part 121 is defined as operating "any turbojet powered airplanes, or airplanes having a passenger-seat configuration of more than 9 passenger seats, excluding each crewmember seat, or airplanes having a payload capacity of more than 7,500 lb." So you are looking for non-turbojet aircraft with payloads over 7,500 lb or more than 9 seats, and MGTOW less than 12,500 lb. None have been posted so far. $\endgroup$ – fooot♦ Jul 17 '15 at 16:08
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    $\begingroup$ @fooot -- Beech 99s and 100s and MU-2s fit into that box, at least when used in pax service. $\endgroup$ – UnrecognizedFallingObject Jul 17 '15 at 22:17
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    $\begingroup$ Yes, they are in that window. I haven't found any in 121 service though. $\endgroup$ – fooot♦ Jul 17 '15 at 22:23
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    $\begingroup$ @fooot -- that's interesting that the 99 is no longer in 121 service whatsoever; I'll do some more research on this. $\endgroup$ – UnrecognizedFallingObject Jul 18 '15 at 1:24
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    $\begingroup$ Also -- FAR/CAR DHC-6 operations do not require a type rating, best I can tell (the Twotter's MTOW is exactly 12,500lbs); EASA takes a dim view of operating any turbine-powered aircraft w/o a type rating, though, apparently? $\endgroup$ – UnrecognizedFallingObject Jul 18 '15 at 1:45
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Cape air has a fleet of 83 Cessna 402s, some of which are involved in its Part 121 operation.

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I suspect you're thinking about passengers, not freight, but Fedex is a part 121 operator that operates the Cessna 208 (Caravan), which does not require a type rating in the US.

Regional airlines in Hawaii and Alaska also operate the 208, but they seem to be part 135 operations.

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    $\begingroup$ Is Fedex actually operating those caravans on their certificate? All of the caravans I can think of in Fedex paint are operated by smaller 135 carriers (e.g. Wiggins air). The planes are dry-leased to the feeder carriers. $\endgroup$ – casey Jul 17 '15 at 15:34
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    $\begingroup$ @casey Good question, I really have no idea how or if it's possible to check that. $\endgroup$ – Pondlife Jul 17 '15 at 15:43
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    $\begingroup$ Wikipedia says all of their prop aircraft are dry leased to contract carriers. $\endgroup$ – fooot♦ Jul 17 '15 at 15:45
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Cape Air seems to be a Part 121 carrier, and since they fly the Cessna 402, that might be an answer.

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