Safety
Airlines, ALPA Critique Proposed Public Charter Rule
Rule change could make 135 operators switch to Part 121
JSX Embraer ERJ
Public charter jet service provider JSX warns that several locations will lose regular service if it is forced to cease operations. (Photo: JSX)

In a public docket filing about SkyWest Charter’s long-delayed request to fly aircraft with fewer than 30 seats to underserved airports as Department of Transportation (DOT) Part 380 public charters under Part 135 instead of more stringent Part 121 regulations, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) claims that this type of flying is less safe.

Although the FAA hasn’t acknowledged ALPA’s influence, the agency recently announced plans for a rulemaking to address “the exception from FAA’s domestic, flag, and supplemental operations regulations for public charter operators.” SkyWest Charter is a subsidiary of airline SkyWest.

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