REGULATION · GLOSSARY
Illegal Charter
Also known as: grey market charter
Any compensated passenger flight conducted outside a valid Part 135 / AOC certificate — including most flights offered through sham dry leases or owner-pilot arrangements.
Other names for Illegal Charter
In the private aviation industry, Illegal Charter is also commonly referred to as grey market charter. These terms are used interchangeably by operators, brokers and crews.
IN PRACTICE
Illegal charter is a recurring enforcement priority for the FAA, EASA and UK CAA. Aside from regulatory penalties, the consequence that matters most to passengers is insurance: most charter aircraft insurance is void if the flight was operated illegally.
The simplest defence is to insist on seeing the operator's Part 135 / AOC certificate before payment.
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Frequently asked
What does Illegal Charter mean in private aviation?
Also called grey market charter. Any compensated passenger flight conducted outside a valid Part 135 / AOC certificate — including most flights offered through sham dry leases or owner-pilot arrangements.
Which authority enforces illegal charter?
In the United States, the FAA (under 14 CFR) is the lead authority. In Europe, EASA sets the framework, implemented by national CAAs. Operators flying internationally must comply with the regulation of every state they operate to.
Does illegal charter affect the price or availability of a charter?
Indirectly, yes. Regulatory requirements drive operator costs, callout times and route options, which flow through to charter pricing and aircraft availability.
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RELATED TERMS
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