Rotorcraft
Rules changing for public-use aircraft
The FAA plans to narrow its interpretation and tighten enforcement of the rules governing civil aircraft enrolled on Part 135 certificates when those aircr

The FAA plans to narrow its interpretation and tighten enforcement of the rules governing civil aircraft enrolled on Part 135 certificates when those aircraft are leased by the government for “public use.”

FAA flight standards director John Allen said the agency is drafting new guidance for inspectors, but that the draft would be open to public comment before implementation. Inspectors will be told to consider all contract aircraft “civil use” unless a contracting agency formally declares it “public use” in writing before flight. “Consider them civil and provide oversight unless you see a piece of paper that tells you otherwise,” Allen said, conceding that this new methodology will not be perfect.