The FAA is set to enforce new safety regulations that will require public air charters to adhere to the same safety standards as large commercial airlines. Additionally, a new regulatory framework will be explored for operators of scheduled flights using aircraft with 10 to 30 seats.
Impact on Air Charter Operators
The proposed changes will have a significant impact on JSX, a company that operates scheduled flights at 23 different airports. Other carriers such as Contour Airlines and SkyWest could also be affected by these new regulations. Currently, public charter operators are not required to follow certain rules that commercial airlines must adhere to, such as the 1,500-hour flight-training rule for pilots and the mandatory retirement age of 65 for commercial pilots.
FAA’s Safety Mission
According to FAA administrator Mike Whitaker, the safety mission of the FAA involves identifying risks early on, particularly as the usage of public charters continues to grow. The agency aims to determine whether operations that mimic scheduled airlines should be subject to the same stringent rules.
Reaction from Stakeholders
The debate surrounding public charters has caused a divide within the U.S. aviation industry. Supporters of public charter operators include JSX partners JetBlue and United, as well as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). On the other hand, opponents such as American and Southwest Airlines, along with airline unions like the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, have raised concerns about the safety standards of public charters.
In response to the FAA’s decision to implement new safety regulations for public charters, ALPA president Jason Ambrosi commended the agency for taking decisive action to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews. JSX expressed its support for the evaluation of a new authority for operators of scheduled flights with 10 to 30 seats. SkyWest, however, raised doubts about the FAA’s decision and emphasized that their safety standards for charters will exceed any potential regulations.
The FAA’s dedication to expanding air service to small communities is a key driving factor behind the proposed safety regulations for public charters. Whitaker highlighted the importance of making safe air travel options accessible to individuals living in areas that are not served by major airlines, particularly as major carriers have reduced air service to small markets in recent years.
The proposed safety regulations for public air charters aim to enhance safety standards in the aviation industry and ensure a level playing field for all operators. As the debate continues to unfold, it is essential for stakeholders to work collaboratively towards maintaining the highest safety standards for passengers and flight crews across the board.