The distinction between Part 91 and Part 135 operations is fundamental in business aviation, defining how flights are conducted, regulated and sold.

Part 91, governed by the Federal Aviation Administration, applies to private operations where no compensation is provided for transporting passengers. These flights are typically conducted by corporate flight departments or individual aircraft owners and offer greater flexibility in scheduling and operational control.

Part 135, by contrast, covers commercial charter operations where passengers pay for the service. These operations are subject to stricter regulatory oversight, including crew duty limits, approved training programmes, maintenance control systems and operational specifications. This ensures a higher level of standardisation and safety compliance.

For clients, any paid charter flight must be conducted under Part 135. Understanding this distinction is critical, as it directly impacts safety standards, legality and operational accountability within business aviation.

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