8400.10 Inspectors Handbook
Volume 2 - Air Operator Certification
Chapter 3, Section 2, Paragraph 165

SECTION 2. SINGLE PILOT, SINGLE PILOT IN COMMAND, AND BASIC FAR PART 135 OPERATORS

165. GENERAL. This section provides direction and guidance to inspectors for the certification of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 135 operators of limited size and scope who are not required to comply with all regulatory requirements for manuals, training programs, and management positions. These operators normally need less extensive manuals or training programs and will have fewer management positions than more complex FAR Part 135 operators. However, these operations will not be permitted a reduction in safety standards due to their limited size and scope. Three types of FAR Part 135 operators whose operations are limited in size and scope are defined in paragraph 167.

167. DEFINITIONS.
A. Single Pilot Operator. A Single Pilot Operator is a certificate holder using only one pilot for FAR Part 135 operations. The pilot shall be identified by name on the certificate holder's operations specifications. Using "freelance" pilots or temporary pilot employees in place of the pilot named on the operations specifications is not authorized. FAR Part 135 does not require Single Pilot Operators to maintain manuals, training programs, or management positions (no deviation required). Selected practices for certification of Single Pilot Operators are in this section.
B. Single Pilot In Command Operator. A Single Pilot in Command Operator is a certificate holder using only one pilot in command for FAR Part 135 operations. The pilot in command shall be identified by name on the certificate holder's operations specifications. Using "freelance" pilots or temporary pilot employees in place of the pilot in command named on the operations specifications is not authorized. The certificate holder may be authorized to use no more than three individuals as second in command (SIC) pilots. These individuals will be identified by name on the certificate holder's operations specifications and shall meet all requirements of FAR Part 135 to serve as seconds in command. Single Pilot in Command Operators are not authorized to operate aircraft type certificated for more than nine passenger seats, conduct Category II or III operations or conduct operations outside the United States (U.S.), Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Certificate Holding District Offices (CHDO) are authorized to grant Single Pilot in Command Operators complete deviations from FAR Sections 135.21(a), 135.37(a), and 135.341(a). In some situations a complete deviation may not be justified, and the CHDO may determine that partial deviations are more appropriate.
C. Basic FAR Part 135 Operator. A Basic FAR Part 135 Operator is a certificate holder using more than one pilot in command and authorized (because of the operation's limited size and scope), certain deviations from the manual content, management personnel, and training program curriculum requirements of FAR Part 135. This section establishes the extent of deviation authorized, the maximum size and scope of operation, and selected practices applicable to the certification of a Basic FAR Part 135 Operator.

169. CERTIFICATION PROCESS. Processing applications for certificates to conduct single pilot, single pilot in command and basic FAR Part 135 operations will generally follow the same certification procedures as other applicants. Certification of these applicants may take less time since fewer documents, facilities, and other items require FAA evaluation. Applicable differences in the certification process for Single Pilot, Single Pilot in Command, and Basic FAR Part 135 Operators are discussed in this chapter.

171. SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS CONSIDERATIONS. Any single pilot, single pilot in command, or basic FAR Part 135 certificate holder may elect to maintain aircraft under FAR Section 135.411(a)(2). Maintenance programs under FAR Section 135.411(a)(2) require more extensive written procedures than those usually required for small operators by FAR Section 135.23. Compliance with FAR Section 135.411(a)(2) requires a more complex maintenance program and may require small operators to employ additional, qualified management personnel. Therefore, regardless of the minimum standards for personnel and manuals established elsewhere in this section, Part D of the operations specifications authorizing aircraft maintenance under FAR 135.411(a)(2) shall not be issued to these types of operators unless the CHDO determines the operator has appropriate personnel and manuals to provide adequate means of compliance with FAR 135.411(a)(2).

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