Buy 135 Cert and change base of operations

[check six]

If a 135 certificate is bought (including aircraft), can the base of operation be changed by the new owner? For example, if a 135 cert is bought that had been operated from Tampa, be changed to Los Angeles by the new owner?

I assume you would work through your local FSDO to do that.

Thanks,

Check Six

 

[CaptSeth]

Yes. It's a process and there is guidance on it in the 8900's. there will be a FSDO change in the instance.

 

[wingnutt]

It CAN be changed, but it aint easy...just ask XOjet

 

[jegermeister]

As stated previously, it can be done. It just isn't easy. Be careful and ask questions of each FSDO before you make the move. I worked for a guy who tried to beat the system by buying a light twin and certificate from someone in the midwest. When he showed up to the FSDO in Florida, he was pissed to find out that the certificate was no longer valid. He had essentially changed the OpSpec's (read base of operations) without approval. It was an expensive mistake. He paid twice as much for the twin than it was worth. The local FSDO did say they would be happy to work with him to create a new certificate. In the end he dropped the idea. It turned out to be a $60,000 life lesson.

 

[paid4training]

How difficult is it to get a 135 cert for operations?

 

[wingnutt]

How difficult is it to get a 135 cert for operations?

Depends, there are different levels of requirements...

The FAA classifies operators into 4 classes, depending on its complexity.
These classes are:

Single Pilot Operator. An operator using only one pilot. This is typically an owner-pilot operation using a single engine airplane or helicopter under VFR. It could also include a single pilot operation using a light twin under IFR with an approved autopilot in place of a second pilot.

Single Pilot-in-Command Operator. An operator that uses only a single crew for an aircraft requiring two pilots. Only one pilot may be pilot in command. Any other pilots, up to a maximum of three, must be only second-in-command.

Basic Operator. A Basic Operator is one that has a fairly simple operation without multiple bases of operation or other complicating factors and employs five pilots or less, and operates five aircraft or less.

Standard Operator. Any operator that employs more than five pilots or conducts operations of a complex nature involving more than one aircraft base or pilot domicile.

...as you go up in complexity, you will go up in difficulty to gain the certificate. Single pilot operator is a GREAT starting point