On June 17, the FAA announced plans to initiate regulatory action related to public charter operations, with an impending Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and the creation of a Safety Risk Management Panel (SRMP) by the end of this year. As public charter operations have garnered increased attention on Capitol Hill and at the Agencies, NATA has advocated for rulemaking—rather than legislation—as the proper process to consider any changes with transparency and industry input. NATA expects the rulemaking process to provide time for the FAA and all interested parties to fully understand the historical record from the DOT and FAA, as well as the safety record of public charter operators, so that any changes are based on relevant data rather than competitive issues.
In a public statement, the Association corrected the assertion of public charter as a “loophole” in need of closure. “Public charter is a longstanding economic authority granted by the DOT that has existed for over 40 years. Despite the frequent use of the term “loophole,” the record supports that public charter operators were always able to utilize the services of any licensed carrier including on-demand operators,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna.
NATA also encouraged the Agency to safeguard the part 135 industry in the SRMP process as it explores additional operating authorities that enhance access to air transportation. NATA emphasized the value, safety, and security of part 135 operations, which offer transportation solutions and drive economic development in countless communities that are not serviced by the commercial airlines. “NATA is committed to safeguarding the part 135 regulatory environment from regulatory changes – intended or unintended – that would jeopardize the safety or success of aviation businesses,” added Castagna.