Understanding Part 91 vs. Part 135 Management: Which Option is Right for You?

Calvin Ford, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

George Lukowski, Vice President of Finance

If you’re new to private aviation, one of the very first decisions you will have to make is whether to operate your aircraft under Part 91 or Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. While these key insurance and liability implications might sound technical, the differences between are practical and easy to understand once they’re broken down.

The choice comes down to how you plan to use your aircraft, what kind of control you prefer, and if you want the ability to generate income from your aircraft when you aren’t flying.

Part 91 Equals Private Use, Maximum Control

Part 91 applies to private, non-commercial aircraft operations. Under this model, only the aircraft owner assumes liability for operations, so it is designed for those who want exclusive access to their aircraft and prefer that no one else flies on their aircraft when they aren’t on board.

Many owners choose Part 91 because they fly often enough that chartering would not fit their schedule, or because they value their privacy or the simplicity that comes with keeping their aircraft for personal or corporate use only.

Operating under Part 91 also tends to come with minimal FAA oversight and fewer inspections. The tradeoff is that you, the owner, retain full operational control and carry the primary liability for the aircraft and its flights.

It also comes with lower insurance costs, but owners, under Part 91, assume direct liability for passengers and operations. Insurance coverage can also be voided if the aircraft is used in a way that appears to be commercial.

Part 135. Commercial Use with Charter Opportunities

Part 135 is the commercial side of private aviation, where, under this structure, your aircraft can legally be chartered to passengers that pay, when you, the owner, are not using it. This would appeal to those who view their aircraft as an asset that can help offset the cost of ownership.

Operating under Part 135 provides more oversight and higher insurance requirements. Part 135 means that the charter operator holds operational control and takes on the legal and safety responsibilities for commercial flights. It adds a valuable liability buffer for owners, as the operator’s commercial liability policy becomes the primary protection for passengers and third parties, but often comes at a higher premium and stricter FAA/DOT requirement cost. However, the owner’s personal exposure is overall reduced in this type of arrangement.

Choosing Which Approach Fits Your Needs

Deciding between Part 91 and Part 135 comes down to personal preference more than anything else. Owners who prefer exclusivity, simplicity, and full control over their aircraft are generally the ones that gravitate toward Part 91 management, whereas those who are comfortable with charter clients using their aircraft and who are looking for financial benefits to help offset ownership costs tend to prefer Part 135.

Many owners also weigh how much they plan to use the aircraft personally, so those with busy flight schedules might not find that chartering fits with their lifestyle. Shifting between the two operational categories isn’t very common, but when transitions happen, it is typically from Part 91 to Part 135. Account managers can help the process run smoothly and can handle the operational changes and any complexities that arise. In the end, owners always have final say on who charters their aircraft.

In the end, choosing between Part 91 and Part 135 is about making sure that your ownership experience aligns with your personal priorities. If exclusivity, privacy, and simplicity are what is most important, Part 91 is most likely the right path to choose. However, if you are open to chartering your aircraft and are interested in offsetting some expenses or having reduced liability that comes with commercial operations, Part 135 is potentially the better fit.

Pentastar has the expertise and commitment to excellence you are looking for from a management partner. Contact us today to learn which management option is right for you.