Easing Regulations for Small Air Carriers and Flight Cost Sharing
This Act introduces new definitions for small air carriers (personal operators) and clarifies rules for sharing flight costs, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and facilitate access to private air transport. Private pilots can more easily offer flights where passengers share expenses without meeting strict commercial airline requirements. Citizens may gain new, more flexible travel options using smaller aircraft.
Key points
Introduction of the 'personal operator' definition: a person offering compensated flights in small aircraft (8 seats or fewer) with a private pilot certificate, exempt from stringent commercial requirements.
Clarification that sharing flight operating expenses between the pilot and passengers is not considered commercial activity (common carrier), allowing pilots to freely advertise for cost-sharing flights.
Exemption of personal operators from major airline safety and operational requirements (Parts 121, 125, or 135 of federal regulations), lowering costs and barriers for small air transport services.
Requirement for the Secretary of Transportation to issue or revise regulations within 60 days to comply with the new definitions and facilitations.
Expired
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