Which FAA exams test 14 CFR 135.243?

This regulation is tested on the following FAA exams: CAX, ATP. These include the FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX), FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP).

Part 135Commuter and On Demand Operations

14 CFR 135.243 — Pilot in Command Qualifications

Specifies PIC qualifications for Part 135 operations, including minimum certificate, instrument proficiency, and experience requirements.

Regulation Text

No certificate holder may use a person, nor may any person serve, as pilot in command in passenger-carrying operations under IFR unless that person holds an airline transport pilot certificate with appropriate type ratings, or for VFR operations, holds at least a commercial pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings and an instrument rating.

Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.

Plain-English Explanation

Part 135 PIC requirements are stricter than Part 91. For IFR passenger flights, you typically need an ATP certificate. For VFR passenger flights, a commercial certificate with instrument rating suffices. Part 135 also has specific experience requirements — typically 1,200 total hours for IFR PIC and 500 hours for VFR PIC. Many charter and air taxi operations fall under Part 135, making these requirements the gateway to professional flying for many pilots.