FAA’s 2025 Part 135 Updates: Enhanced Safety & Compliance Rules

Understanding the FAA’s April 2025 Part 135 Updates

The Federal Aviation Administration’s April 2025 update to Part 135 operators marks a pivotal moment for private aviation safety and transparency. With 11,452 aircraft now registered under charter operator certificates – a 0.4% increase from March – these monthly updates serve as critical tools for travelers and industry professionals alike. The growing list reflects both expanding private aviation options and heightened regulatory scrutiny in post-pandemic travel markets.

For jet card users and charter clients, verifying operator credentials through the FAA’s published list has become essential due to recent crackdowns on illegal charters. The April update arrives as the industry prepares for major regulatory changes including new safety management systems and enhanced security protocols set to take effect in May 2025.

Updated Operator List & Safety Implications

The April 2025 registry reveals several key trends: 1,821 active Part 135 operators now manage fleets averaging 6.3 aircraft each. Helicopters account for 18% of registered tails, while large-cabin jets represent 22% of the total. This distribution highlights the diverse service offerings in today’s charter market, from urban air mobility solutions to transcontinental luxury travel.

Notably, 147 aircraft were added to the list while 101 were removed, reflecting normal fleet turnover and stricter FAA compliance checks. The Excel-format list enables users to filter by aircraft model (Cessna Citation Latitude entries increased 7% year-over-year) or operator location (Texas-based certificates grew 3.2% since Q1 2025).

Aviation attorney Mark Dombroff notes: “This transparency push helps combat ‘gray charters’ – flights operating without proper certification. Clients can now cross-reference their operator’s N-number against the FAA’s master list before boarding.”

“SMS isn’t the bear to be afraid of. In fact, it can be a simple tool that helps organizations understand and mitigate risks.” – Doug Carr, NBAA Senior VP

The New SMS Mandate for Charter Operators

Effective May 1, 2025, all Part 135 operators must implement Safety Management Systems (SMS) meeting FAA Advisory Circular 120-92B standards. This requirement brings charter operators in line with airline-level safety protocols, requiring formal risk assessment processes and safety performance monitoring.

Grandview Aviation’s Standards Captain Ben van Niekerk reports that early SMS adopters saw 34% fewer safety incidents in 2024 trials. However, smaller operators face implementation challenges – Aviation Safety Solutions CEO Amanda Ferraro estimates 60% of single-aircraft operators haven’t yet completed required documentation.

The phased implementation allows operators with existing SMS programs to certify compliance by August 2025, while new entrants must meet all requirements immediately. FAA audits will begin June 2025, with potential fines up to $32,000 per violation day for non-compliance.

Compliance Challenges & Future Regulations

As operators scramble to meet the SMS deadline, parallel security upgrades add complexity. The TSA’s new screening protocols require biometric checks at 137 designated general aviation airports by 2026. A recent NBAA survey found 42% of FBOs need infrastructure upgrades to comply.

Enhanced Security Measures

Starting Q3 2025, charter passengers on aircraft with 10+ seats must undergo TSA-approved screening. This includes explosive trace detection swabs and ID verification against government databases. While enhancing security, these measures add 25-40 minutes to boarding processes according to Jet Aviation’s operational trials.

The regulations create operational challenges for mixed-use fleets. As Flexjet’s COO noted: “Our 9-seat configuration Challenger 350s now see 18% more bookings than 10-seat versions – clients want to avoid airport security delays.”

The Coming “135 Plus” Standards

The FAA’s proposed “135 Plus” regulations target operators of 10-30 seat aircraft, requiring airline-style crew rest periods and enhanced maintenance tracking. Draft rules suggest:

• Maximum 14-hour crew duty days (vs current 16)
• Mandatory fatigue risk management systems
• Real-time maintenance reporting via FAA’s WebVDOP system

Industry pushback has delayed implementation to late 2026, but forward-thinking operators like Wheels Up have already begun upgrading crew scheduling systems.

“A mature SMS improves outcomes and makes us safer. I encourage operators to adopt Part 5 – it’s a proactive management tool.” – Ben van Niekerk, Grandview Aviation

Conclusion

The April 2025 regulatory updates mark a turning point for private aviation safety and transparency. With expanded SMS requirements and growing operator accountability, passengers gain assurance while operators face new operational complexities. The 1.6% month-over-month growth in certified aircraft suggests strong market confidence despite increased compliance costs.

Looking ahead, the convergence of “135 Plus” proposals and automated safety systems points to an era of airline-level oversight for charter operations. As biometric screening becomes standardized, the industry must balance security needs with the premium experience private flyers expect. These changes ultimately aim to sustain private aviation’s impressive safety record while accommodating projected 5.8% annual market growth through 2030.

FAQ

What’s the difference between Part 91 and Part 135 operations?
Part 91 covers general private flights, while Part 135 regulates paid charter operations with stricter maintenance and crew training requirements.

How can I verify if my charter operator is Part 135 certified?
Check the FAA’s monthly published list using the operator name or aircraft tail number at faa.gov.

Will the new SMS rules increase charter costs?
Industry analysts predict 3-5% cost increases as operators implement safety management systems and enhanced training programs.

Sources:
FAA,
NBAA,
Private Jet Card Comparisons,
Eckert Seamans