The Invisible Safety Shield: Why We Only Charter Part 135 Certified Aircraft

When you step onto a private jet, the experience is often defined by the visible luxury: the plush leather seats, the personalized catering, and the freedom to depart on your own schedule. However, at 5 Star Jets, we believe the most important aspect of your flight is the one you don’t see.

It’s the invisible shield that separates a legal, safe operation from a risky one: The Part 135 Certification.

What is Part 135 vs. Part 91?

In simple terms, private aviation operates under different sets of rules:

• Part 91 (General Aviation): These are the rules for aircraft owners flying their own planes. Regulations regarding maintenance and crew rest are more flexible because the owner assumes their own risk.
• Part 135 (Commercial Charter): These are the strict regulations required by the FAA (and international authorities) to transport passengers for hire.

The Danger of the “Grey Market”: If someone offers you a charter price that seems “too good to be true,” they might be operating an aircraft under Part 91 illegally. This is not just a paperwork issue; it cuts critical safety corners.

Why 5 Star Jets Only Flies Part 135

Beyond the legality, the Part 135 standard offers four tangible safety benefits that protect you and your family:

1. Rigorous Maintenance Programs

In private ownership (Part 91), maintenance can sometimes be reactive—fixing things only when they break. Under Part 135, the aircraft must adhere to a mandatory maintenance program. Every component is tracked by hours and cycles. Parts are replaced before they fail, and the aircraft undergoes frequent inspections by a dedicated Director of Maintenance.

2. Crew Rest & Duty Times

Have you ever wondered if your pilot is too tired to fly?

• Part 91: There are no strict legal limits on how long a private owner can fly their own plane in a day.
• Part 135: Commercial pilots are strictly limited in their flight hours and duty times. Mandatory rest periods are enforced by law to ensure your flight crew is alert, focused, and performing at their peak.

3. Runway Safety Margins

This is a critical safety factor often overlooked. A Part 135 operator is required to comply with the “60/80% Rule.” This means the aircraft must be able to land at its destination using only 60% (or 80% in specific conditions) of the available runway length. This provides a vital safety buffer in case of rain, snow, or minor mechanical issues. A private Part 91 flight does not legally require this safety margin.

4. Liability & Insurance

This is the financial reality. Aviation insurance policies are very specific. If you unknowingly charter an aircraft that is operating illegally (without a Part 135 certificate), the insurance policy may be voided in the event of an incident. By flying with 5 Star Jets, you are guaranteed that the operator carries full commercial liability insurance, protecting you and your guests.

Our Commitment

At 5 Star Jets, we do not compromise on safety standards. We verify the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and third-party safety ratings (such as Wyvern or ARGUS) for every aircraft we source.

Luxury is not just about comfort; it is about the peace of mind knowing that every precaution has been taken before you even arrive at the tarmac.