To generalize, Part 91 refers to non-commercial operations; Part 121 is reserved for major commercial airlines; Part 135 governs commercial charter operators such as Jet Linx; and Part 134.5 is an informal reference to illegal charter operations, a very unsafe and frowned-upon practice in the aviation industry.

The FAA believes the public has a right to expect that people in the business of providing transportation will be especially careful in doing so. All operators must earn the certificate that designates which Part FAA regulations they must follow. Earning a certification for Part 121 and Part 135 operations requires major investments of time and talent. To receive payment for air transportation, you must hold one of these certificates from the FAA and the operator also needs approval from the Department of Transportation. Operations that fall outside of these categories carry additional risk and potential pitfalls.

How do you avoid “Part 134.5” illegal charter? Ask the right questions. Focus on experience, safety, security, maintenance and insurance. Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and the air carrier operator certificate number; these are significant evidence of a legal Charter operator. Most often, if the price of a chartered flight seems too good to be true, there is something amiss.