Aviation Compliance: The Complete FAA Operator's Guide
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance is governed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, with operational requirements split across multiple Parts based on the type of operation. Part 91 covers general aviation. Part 121 governs commercial airlines. Part 135 applies to commuter and on-demand charter operations. Part 145 governs FAA-certificated repair stations (MROs). Part 107 covers commercial small unmanned aircraft (drone) operations. Part 120 establishes the drug and alcohol testing program for safety-sensitive aviation employees. Each Part carries specific recordkeeping, training, maintenance, and inspection obligations. Maximum FAA civil penalties reach $59,300 per violation under 2026 inflation-adjusted amounts.
📥 Free: FAA Compliance Calendar (Part 91/121/135/145)
Annual inspection schedule, AD compliance tracking matrix, pilot recurrent training calendar, Part 120 D&A program calendar.
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FAA Operating Parts At a Glance
| Part | Operation type | Common operators |
|---|---|---|
| Part 91 | General aviation, non-commercial | Private pilots, corporate flight departments, flight schools (with Part 61) |
| Part 121 | Commercial airline (scheduled and supplemental) | Major airlines, regional airlines, large cargo carriers |
| Part 135 | Commuter and on-demand commercial | Charter operators, air taxi, HEMS, small commuter airlines |
| Part 145 | Repair stations (MRO) | Maintenance providers, component overhaul facilities |
| Part 107 | Commercial small unmanned aircraft (drones <55 lb) | Aerial photography, inspection, surveying, mapping operators |
| Part 65 | Airmen other than flight crewmembers (mechanics, dispatchers) | A&P mechanics, IAs, aircraft dispatchers, repairmen |
| Part 120 | Drug and alcohol testing program | All operators with safety-sensitive employees |
Aviation Compliance Topics
- FAA Part 91 General Aviation: Pilot Requirements, Aircraft Maintenance, and Operating Rules
- FAA Part 121 Commercial Airline Operations: Operating Certificate, Training Programs, and FOQA
- FAA Part 135 Charter Operations: On-Demand Air Carrier Certificate, Training, and Maintenance Programs
- FAA Part 145 Repair Station Compliance: Certification, Ratings, RSM, and Quality Control Manual
- FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations: Remote Pilot Certificate, Operating Rules, and Waivers
- FAA Part 120 Drug and Alcohol Testing: Safety-Sensitive Functions, Required Tests, and Recordkeeping
- Airworthiness Directives (AD) Compliance: Inspection vs Action ADs, Recurring Compliance, and Logbook Documentation
- A&P Mechanic and IA Certification: Requirements, Privileges, and 24-Month Renewal
The Aviation Compliance Stack
An aircraft operator's compliance program typically must address the following functional areas. Each is its own scope item during FAA inspections.
- Operating certificate / authorization. Part 121 / 135 carriers hold an Air Carrier Certificate; Part 145 repair stations hold a repair station certificate; Part 107 operators hold Remote Pilot Certificates.
- Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs). Part 121 / 135 / 145 operators have detailed FAA-approved OpsSpecs governing their specific operations.
- Pilot certifications and currency. Class 1/2/3 medicals on schedule, recent flight experience (90-day passenger currency), instrument proficiency, type ratings as required.
- Aircraft airworthiness. Annual inspection (Part 91) or progressive program; AD compliance; required equipment by operation type.
- Maintenance recordkeeping. Aircraft logbooks (airframe, engine, propeller separately); 91.417 records; major repair / alteration documentation on Form 337.
- Training programs. Initial and recurrent training for pilots, flight attendants, dispatchers, mechanics; documented training records.
- Drug and alcohol testing. Part 120 program for safety-sensitive employees; pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, follow-up.
- Crew duty and rest. Part 117 (Part 121) or Part 135.265-273 flight time and rest rules.
- Drone operations. Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, Remote ID, registration, operating rules, waivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the FAA regulate?
The Federal Aviation Administration regulates civil aviation safety in the United States: aircraft certification (airworthiness), pilot certification, air carrier certification, repair station certification, drone operations, drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive employees, navigation services, and airspace management. Operational rules are in 14 CFR (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations), with each Part covering different operation types.
What's the difference between Part 91, 121, and 135?
Part 91 is the general operating and flight rules — applies by default to most non-commercial operations. Part 121 covers commercial airline operations (10+ passenger seats or large all-cargo). Part 135 covers commuter and on-demand operations including charter, air taxi, and HEMS. Operating Part determines training, maintenance, recordkeeping, and operational requirements — Part 121 is the most rigorous, Part 91 the least.
What are FAA penalty amounts?
Maximum FAA civil penalties under 2026 inflation-adjusted amounts: $59,300 per violation for most aviation safety violations; up to $44,539 per violation for hazmat transportation violations on aircraft; $13,775 per violation for individuals; up to $300,000 per violation for some commercial activities. Criminal violations carry imprisonment in addition to civil penalties. Each instance of a continuing violation typically counts as a separate violation.
What is a Part 145 repair station?
An FAA-certificated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility authorized to work on civil aircraft. Repair stations operate under specific ratings (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, Radio, Instrument, Accessory) and FAA-approved capability lists. Required documentation: Repair Station Manual (RSM) and Quality Control Manual (QCM), both FAA-approved. Records of maintenance work must be retained at least 2 years.
Do drone pilots need a certificate?
Commercial drone operations require a Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107 — any work for compensation requires the certificate. Recreational operations are governed separately under Section 49 USC 44809 and don't require the certificate but have their own rules. The Remote Pilot Certificate doesn't expire but requires recurrent training every 24 calendar months.
What is an Airworthiness Directive?
An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is an FAA-issued legally binding document under 14 CFR Part 39 requiring inspection, modification, or repair of an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance to address an unsafe condition. ADs are the FAA's primary mechanism for mandating safety actions across the affected fleet. Compliance is mandatory regardless of cost — late or non-compliance grounds the aircraft.
How long must aviation maintenance records be retained?
Per 14 CFR 91.417 for general aviation: total time in service permanently; current status of life-limited parts permanently; current inspection status retained 1 year after work superseded; AD compliance status retained 1 year after work repeated; major repairs and alterations permanently. Part 121 and Part 135 maintenance records retention follows their respective Parts (typically more rigorous than 91).
What software supports aviation compliance?
Aviation compliance tooling typically includes: maintenance management (CAMP Systems, Flightdocs, Aerotrac, Avitas), AD tracking, training records (CTS, Vistair, Coptering), drug & alcohol program management, and document management with FAA-specific rule packs (FileFlo). Larger air carriers use enterprise platforms; smaller operators often combine specialized tools.
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