SlipsWithFlaps

We applauded the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today after it announced its intention to issue a proposed rule that would close the public charter loophole. Regularly scheduled commercial operations are regulated under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 121, but some public charters have been able to exploit the current regulations and operate similar flight schedules under the less restrictive FAR Part 135.

“Today the FAA took decisive action to close the public charter loophole and ensure one level of safety for passengers and flight crews,” said our president Capt. Jason Ambrosi. “No matter where you’re flying or what airline you’re on, all Americans deserve the same level of safety and security. In order to maintain our world-leading airline safety record, we must remain vigilant and push back against attempts by corporate interests to cut corners. We appreciate the action taken by the FAA to close this loophole to keep U.S. aviation safe and secure.”

Since 2022, we have called on the Department of Transportation to close the public charter loophole over concerns about the safety and security threats of airlines operating regularly scheduled commercial flights under lesser safety and security regulations. In that proceeding, we noted that JSX and similar operations use Part 135 safety regulations to bypass the highest standard of safety rules under Part 121. JSX touts that its passengers can avoid normal security-screening protocols that protect passengers and the rest of the country. Allowing JSX’s passengers and their baggage to bypass the screening regimen that all other scheduled commercial airline passengers and bags must go through is a significant risk that must be eliminated. Despite calling itself a charter operation, JSX applied to operate 110,305 scheduled departures in 2022 with its 37-aircraft operating fleet—more scheduled departures than comparably sized Piedmont, a regional Part 121 operator.

“Under the public charter loophole, some airlines are held to lesser standards, while operating in the same airspace, with the same passengers, from largely the same airports, and that is unacceptable,” added Ambrosi.

We look forward to learning more about the Safety Risk Management Panel that the FAA plans to convene with respect to some Part 135 operations and expects FAA action will continue to maintain the highest level of safety for small and large communities alike.

SonicFlyer

Using government to kill their competition... lame and pathetic

Myfingershurt

yeah, how dare they suggest everyone play by the same rules. Pathetic.

SonicFlyer

They are playing by the rules. Are there any reports they have violated the rules?

JohnBurke

There are no indications that JSX has violated the rules, becasue JSX has been operating outside the rules, which until now, did not apply to them. Now they will need to operate under the same rules as everyone else.

WHACKMASTER

You're so predictable 🙄

QRH Bingo

Should Contour, Cape Air, Denver Air Connection, Southern Airways Express, etc. also be subject to the same rules? Assuming these potential new changes will also affect them.

SonicFlyer

wow... contradicting yourself in a single sentance like that takes a lot of thought and effort. You must be brilliant LOL

followingdreams

Umm, tell me even you dont see the contradiction in your omment??? "They had been operating outside the rules which until now didnt apply to them", So you are saying they are operating within the rules that apply to them, right? Like it or not, JSX is operating within the rules, so does Contour and most recently Skywest Charter (among others). Its unfair to come in after the fact and change the rules.

NotTHATJoker

your comment reflects you don't understand "the rules"

no one operates aircraft in this country without operating within "the rules" that apply to their flying

one is 121 with secure terminals and a security "bubble," not pax# or TFR limited

another is 380 and 135 operating 30 or less seats from FBOs/private terminals, unable to fly in VIP TFR, for example

but sure if to you a raisin and a watermelon are the same cuz they're both fruit, you keep doing you...

and it's "because"