It’s January 2020 as we taxi up to the FBO at Dallas Love (KDAL) in a beautiful C90B King Air. A quiet Sunday afternoon. On board are wife Patty and a mentor pilot. The King Air is new to me, and the flight from Nashville is a real weather challenge. The lineman signals as the big propellers on the PT6 engines wind down. My co-pilot offers to open the heavy door for Patty as a light mist covers the ramp.
“David, there are some guys back here that need to see you,” says Patty.
I glance out the left side cockpit window to see two large men dressed in matching, all-black outfits. Hanging around their thick necks are very large badges. Huge badges. Shiny gold badges.
“What’s up, guys?” I muse to keep things calm. “We need to see all your operating documents, everything,” one guy says. “And I am with the inspection division, and I need to see all your maintenance logs,” says the other.
“Can I get my car and go home?” Patty asks. “No ma’am, you can sit in the FBO, but do not leave the area, says one. And when did you charter the airplane?” he asks.
“I didn’t. My husband is the pilot.” “Who owns the airplane?” asks the taller of the two men in black.
“Let’s see, I think I own the house, and he owns the plane,” she says.
About this time, I begin to realize something serious must be happening. “Guys, it’s Sunday and raining. Did you track me all the way from Nashville to ask these questions?”
“Yes, sir. We are investigating a suspected illegal charter of the aircraft. Did you fly some teenagers a month ago?”
“Teenagers, I don’t even have any teenagers,” I ramble.
“Well, we’ve had some complaints that this aircraft has numerous owners and is flying illegally.”
Then it dawns on me. I purchased the airplane only a few weeks prior. The previous owner did indeed have multiple operating agreements.
“Well, I look like a teenager,” says Patty. “Sure, honey, of course you do.” What ensued was a thirty-minute discussion of my ownership and operations.
I finally convinced the guys in black that I was innocent.
Charter operations are governed by Part 135 regulations. They exist to protect the innocent flying public. Things like “operational control” are important. Folks who operate outside Part 135 boundaries are sometimes referred to as Part 134.5. Almost Part 135. It’s these operations that the FAA is rigorously attempting to clean up. I, for one, am glad they are doing this. Cutting corners does save time and money, but at the expense of safety. A few days after my encounter, they shut down several operators at the airport.
Bottom line, it’s possible to have multiple owners operate your aircraft. But you need seasoned aviation counsel to draft the proper documents and provide you with the best advice.
Watch out for the men in black.
Fly safe.
