FAR 135

Question 1

1. Is a pilot required to report any hazardous weather conditions or irregularities with navigation aids?

Answer 1

§ 135.67 Reporting potentially hazardous meteorological conditions and irregularities of ground facilities or navigation aids.
Whenever a pilot encounters a potentially hazardous meteorological condition or an irregularity in a ground facility or navigation aid in flight; the knowledge of which the pilot considers essential to the safety of other flights; the pilot shall notify an appropriate ground radio station as soon as practicable

Question 2

2. Who is responsible for the airworthiness check?

Answer 2

§ 135.71 Airworthiness check.
The pilot in command may not begin a flight unless the pilot determines that the airworthiness inspections required by § 91.409 of this chapter; or § 135.419; whichever is applicable; have been made.

Question 3

3. Where are the types of IFR approaches and weather minimums located?

Answer 3

C052 / § 135.78 Instrument approach procedures and IFR landing minimums.
No person may make an instrument approach at an airport except in accordance with IFR weather minimums and instrument approach procedures set forth in the certificate holder’s operations specifications.

Question 4

4. What is the minimum altitude at which an autopilot can be used?

Answer 4

§ 135.93 Minimum altitudes for use of autopilot.
(b) Takeoff and initial climb. No person may use an autopilot for takeoff or initial climb below the higher of 500 feet or an altitude that is no lower than twice the altitude loss specified in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM); except as follows -

(1) At a minimum engagement altitude specified in the AFM; or

(2) At an altitude specified by the Administrator; whichever is greater.

(c) Enroute. No person may use an autopilot enroute; including climb and descent; below the following -

(1) 500 feet;

(2) At an altitude that is no lower than twice the altitude loss specified in the AFM for an autopilot malfunction in cruise conditions; or

(3) At an altitude specified by the Administrator; whichever is greater.

(d) Approach. No person may use an autopilot at an altitude lower than 50 feet below the DA(H) or MDA for the instrument procedure being flown; except as follows -

Question 5

5; What is the farthest north a GCA aircraft can operate?

Answer 5

§ 135.98 Operations in the North Polar Area.
After August 13; 2008; no certificate holder may operate an aircraft in the region north of 78° N latitude (“North Polar Area”); other than intrastate operations wholly within the state of Alaska; unless authorized by the FAA.

Question 6

6. Can a passenger bring their personal alcoholic beverages onboard a GCA aircraft?

Answer 6

§ 135.121 Alcoholic beverages.
(a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage.

(b) No certificate holder may serve any alcoholic beverage to any person aboard its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

(c) No certificate holder may allow any person to board any of its aircraft if that person appears to be intoxicated.

Question 7

7. Are portable voice recorders considered prohibited from use during flight on GCA aircraft?

Answer 7

§ 135.144 Portable electronic devices.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section; no person may operate; nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of; any portable electronic device on any U.S.-registered civil aircraft operating under this part.

(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to -
(1) Portable voice recorders;
(2) Hearing aids;
(3) Heart pacemakers;
(4) Electric shavers;
(5) Portable oxygen concentrators that comply with the requirements in § 135.91; or
(6) Any other portable electronic device that the part 119 certificate holder has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.

Question 8

8. What are the weather minimum requirements for an Alternate Airport?

Answer 8

§ 135.223 IFR: Alternate airport requirements.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section; no person may operate an aircraft in IFR conditions unless it carries enough fuel (considering weather reports or forecasts or any combination of them) to -

(1) Complete the flight to the first airport of intended landing;

(2) Fly from that airport to the alternate airport; and

(3) Fly after that for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed or; for helicopters; fly after that for 30 minutes at normal cruising speed.

(b) Paragraph (a)(2) of this section does not apply if part 97 of this chapter prescribes a standard instrument approach procedure for the first airport of intended landing and; for at least one hour before and after the estimated time of arrival; the appropriate weather reports or forecasts; or any combination of them; indicate that -

(1) The ceiling will be at least 1;500 feet above the lowest circling approach MDA; or

(2) If a circling instrument approach is not authorized for the airport; the ceiling will be at least 1;500 feet above the lowest published minimum or 2;000 feet above the airport elevation; whichever is higher; and

(3) Visibility for that airport is forecast to be at least three miles; or two miles more than the lowest applicable visibility minimums; whichever is the greater; for the instrument approach procedure to be used at the destination airport.

Question 9

9. What is the minimum take-off visibility at a foreign airport?

Answer 9

§ 135.225 IFR: Takeoff; approach and landing minimums.
n addition; unless authorized by the certificate holder’s operations specifications; no pilot may; at that airport -

(1) Take off under IFR when the visibility is less than 1 mile;

Question 10

10. How many hours can a crewmember fly within a 7 day period?

Answer 10

§ 135.265 Flight time limitations and rest requirements: Scheduled operations.
(3) 34 hours in any 7 consecutive days.

Question 11

11. Must you notify ATC is DME is lost above FL240?

Answer 11

§ 91.205 Powered civil aircraft with standard category U.S. airworthiness certificates: Instrument and equipment requirements.
When the DME or RNAV system required by this paragraph fails at and above FL 240; the pilot in command of the aircraft must notify ATC immediately; and then may continue operations at and above FL 240 to the next airport of intended landing where repairs or replacement of the equipment can be made.

Question 12

12. When must crewmembers use oxygen?

Answer 12

1§ 135.89 Pilot requirements: Use of oxygen.
(a) Unpressurized aircraft. Each pilot of an unpressurized aircraft shall use oxygen continuously when flying -

(1) At altitudes above 10;000 feet through 12;000 feet MSL for that part of the flight at those altitudes that is of more than 30 minutes duration; and

(2) Above 12;000 feet MSL.

(b) Pressurized aircraft.

(1) Whenever a pressurized aircraft is operated with the cabin pressure altitude more than 10;000 feet MSL; each pilot shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section.

(2) Whenever a pressurized aircraft is operated at altitudes above 25;000 feet through 35;000 feet MSL; unless each pilot has an approved quick-donning type oxygen mask -

(i) At least one pilot at the controls shall wear; secured and sealed; an oxygen mask that either supplies oxygen at all times or automatically supplies oxygen whenever the cabin pressure altitude exceeds 12;000 feet MSL; and

(ii) During that flight; each other pilot on flight deck duty shall have an oxygen mask; connected to an oxygen supply; located so as to allow immediate placing of the mask on the pilot’s face sealed and secured for use.

(3) Whenever a pressurized aircraft is operated at altitudes above 35;000 feet MSL; at least one pilot at the controls shall wear; secured and sealed; an oxygen mask required by paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section.

(4) If one pilot leaves a pilot duty station of an aircraft when operating at altitudes above 25;000 feet MSL; the remaining pilot at the controls shall put on and use an approved oxygen mask until the other pilot returns to the pilot duty station of the aircraft.

Question 13

13. How does a crewmember report a mechanical irregularity/discrepancy?

Answer 13

§ 135.65 Reporting mechanical irregularities.
(a) Each certificate holder shall provide an aircraft maintenance log to be carried on board each aircraft for recording or deferring mechanical irregularities and their correction.

(b) The pilot in command shall enter or have entered in the aircraft maintenance log each mechanical irregularity that comes to the pilot’s attention during flight time. Before each flight; the pilot in command shall; if the pilot does not already know; determine the status of each irregularity entered in the maintenance log at the end of the preceding flight.

(c) Each person who takes corrective action or defers action concerning a reported or observed failure or malfunction of an airframe; powerplant; propeller; rotor; or appliance; shall record the action taken in the aircraft maintenance log under the applicable maintenance requirements of this chapter.

(d) Each certificate holder shall establish a procedure for keeping copies of the aircraft maintenance log required by this section in the aircraft for access by appropriate personnel and shall include that procedure in the manual required by § 135.21.

/GOM 11.98

Question 14

14. Can GCA land at airports that have no weather reporting?

Answer 14

§ 135.225 IFR: Takeoff; approach and landing minimums.
(b) A pilot conducting an eligible on-demand operation may begin and conduct an instrument approach procedure to an airport that does not have a weather reporting facility operated by the U.S. National Weather Service; a source approved by the U.S. National Weather Service; or a source approved by the Administrator if -

(1) The alternate airport has a weather reporting facility operated by the U.S. National Weather Service; a source approved by the U.S. National Weather Service; or a source approved by the Administrator; and

(2) The latest weather report issued by the weather reporting facility includes a current local altimeter setting for the destination airport. If no local altimeter setting for the destination airport is available; the pilot may use the current altimeter setting provided by the facility designated on the approach chart for the destination airport.

Question 15

15. Describe the Destination Airport Analysis Program?

Answer 15

This Destination Airport Analysis Program provides information; instructions and guidance to be used by crewmembers. It must be used if a reduction below landing and stopping within 60% of the effective runway is planned or considered under the provisions of FAR 135.385(f) which authorizes landings and stopping within 80% of the effective runway upon compliance with this program. All information; instructions and guidance contained herein must be considered and were appropriate; applied before landing at a destination airport using less than the 60%. Crewmembers shall not accept an assignment requiring a landing or landings at airports requiring a reduction below 60% unless that crew meets the pilot qualifications and experience requirements; and they are satisfied that full compliance with this analysis program is attained.
Crew Complement
2 pilot Crew
Flight Crew Experience and
• PIC must have at least 1500 hours and possess an Airline Transport Pilot certificate
• SIC must have at least 500 hours and possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating
• For multi-engine turbine-powered fixed wing and powered-lift aircraft; the PIC must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and applicable ratings.
• The SIC must possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate and instrument rating
• For all other aircraft; the PIC and SIC must both possess a Commercial Pilot Certificate and instrument ratings.

Question 16

16. What are the maximum holding speeds?

Answer 16

AIM 5.3.8
MHA to 6000feet - 200kts
6;000 feet to 14;000 feet - 230kts
Above 14;000 feet - 265kts

Question 17

17. How would you brief a blind person prior to flight?

Answer 17

§ 135.83 - Operating information required
The company will transport unaccompanied handicapped passengers who are capable of personal care and do not require attention or assistance from the flight crew that would detract from their normal cockpit duties. If special attention is required; an attendant who will be responsible for providing the necessary care must accompany the passenger(s).
No handicapped person will be seated next to an emergency exit
Vision impaired passengers will be individually briefed on the location and use of the nearest emergency exit and use of oxygen masks.
Deaf passengers will be seated and briefed individually. Being unable to hear the “No Smoking/Fasten Seat Belt” audible signals; it is essential that they be shown the briefing cards.
Two non-ambulatory passengers should not be seated directly across from each other since their attendants would interfere with each other while attempting to remove the passengers from their seats.

Question 18

18. Is an alternate airport required to be filed if the destination weather is as reported as VFR?

Answer 18

§ 135.223 IFR: Alternate airport requirements.
An IFR flight shall not be commenced unless; taking into account both the meteorological conditions and any delays that are expected in flight; the aircraft carries sufficient fuel and oil to ensure that it can safely complete the flight. A destination alternate airport must be designated for any destination airport having only one runway.

Question 19

19. What is the maximum speed below Class B airspace?

Answer 19

§ 91.117 Aircraft speed.
Below 10;000 feet - 250 KIAS
Class B - 250 KIAS below 10;000 feet
Beneath Class B - 200 KIAS
Procedure Turn - 200 KIAS
Class C or D (below 2;500 AGL within 4NM of the airport) – 200 KIAS
Class E or G Airport Traffic Pattern - 200 KIAS (recommended)
(d) If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section; the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed.

Question 20

20. What are the required passenger briefing items? (8 items)

Answer 20

§ 135.117 Briefing of passengers before flight.
1. Smoking.
2. The use of safety belts; including instructions on how to fasten and unfasten the safety belts.
3. The placement of seat backs in an upright position before takeoff and landing
4. Location and means of opening the passenger entry door and emergency exits
5. Location of survival equipment
6. If the flight involves extended overwater operation; ditching procedures and the use of required flotation equipment
7. If the flight involves operations above 12;000 feet MSL; the normal and emergency use of oxygen; and
8. Location and operation of fire extinguishers

Question 21

21. What are the maximum flight and duty time limits?

Answer 21

§ 135.265 Flight time limitations and rest requirements: Scheduled operations.
§ 135.267 Flight time limitations and rest requirements: Unscheduled one- and two-pilot crews.The guidance given here is designed to meet the requirements for the types of operations being conducted by GCA. “Flight Time” for purposes of pilot time is defined in FAR 1.1 as Block-to-Block time. A duty period includes any work; whether flight related or not; for the company.
GCA will not schedule nor may any pilot accept an assignment for a flight that will exceed the limits listed below:
Flight Time Limits (except as provided in FAR 135.267(c);):
• 500 hours in any calendar quarter
• 800 hours in any two consecutive calendar quarters
• 1;400 hours in any calendar year
• 8 hours for a single pilot crew in a 24 hour period
• 10 hours for a 2 pilot crew in a 24 hour period
• 12 hours for a 3 pilot crew in a 24 hour period
Duty Time Limits
• 14 hours of continuous duty for a 1 or 2 pilot crew
• 16 hours of continuous duty for a 3 pilot crew

Question 22

22. What are the currency requirements for a PIC?

Answer 22

135.247/135.293/135.297/135.299
GCA; per FAR 135.95; will not use the services of any person as an airman unless the person performing those services:
a. Holds an appropriate and current airman certificate
b. Is qualified; under FAR 135 and the applicable flight experience requirements of FAR 61; for the operation for which the person is to be assigned
GCA will not assign a trip to a pilot nor may a pilot accept a trip assignment unless the following have been completed and records have been:
1. Initial or Recurrent flight and ground training program for the aircraft to be flown within the past 12 months;
2. Within the past 12-calendar months the crewmembers’ (PIC and SIC) have completed a competency check under FAR 135.293 for the aircraft assigned;
3. The PIC has completed an IFR proficiency check (flight or approved simulator) given under the provisions of FAR 135.297 within the preceding six months;
4. The PIC must have completed a line or route check under the provisions of FAR 135.299 within the preceding 12 calendar months;
5. All FAR Part 135 pilots (PIC and SIC) must be IFR current in accordance with the provisions of FAR 61.57
6. The PIC must meet Recent Experience requirements of FAR 135.247 for day and nighttime operations. (3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop day and night)