NATA Illegal Charter Task Force Part Of The Organization's Air Charter Committee

NATA, along with its Air Charter Committee, launched an initiative to combat illegal charter, addressing a growing concern among members and industry. This initiative reinforces the association's ongoing efforts in opposing a serious threat to air charter and the public that is often difficult to identify due to the use of deceptive and convoluted agreements. NATA's initiative to combat illegal charter is overseen by a sub-committee of its Air Charter Committee called the NATA Illegal Charter Task Force.

Charter customers are urged to verify the operator's legitimacy. Ask for copies of the air carrier certificate and for validation that your selected aircraft is authorized for charter use. If an operator is resistant to providing verification, you would be wise to consider another charter operator. When leasing an aircraft, recognize that you are assuming responsibility for all aspects of the flight. If the lessor is retaining responsibility, it may be an illegal charter.

Aircraft owners should ensure you fully understand the requirements for legitimate leases as explained in AC 91-37B. If you consider placing your aircraft in a "leasing pool" or "leasing program," conduct an independent exam of the system to ensure you are not engaging in a disguised illegal charter system.

Finally, charter operators are advised to report suspected illegal charter operations to the ACSF's Illegal Charter Hotline (888-SKY-FLT1). All reports are forwarded to and reviewed by the FAA. Educate your aircraft owners and customers on the risks posed by illegal charter schemes. Legal operators incur relatively high overhead costs to properly maintain the aircraft, train and test crewmembers, and stay compliant with regulations. In return, they accept the legal and financial risks for their operations. Ultimately the adage holds true—if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

(Source: NATA news release)

FMI: www.nata.aero