The FAA governs the airworthiness of all charter aircraft, which must pass maintenance requirements and inspections before every flight. They mandate safety and emergency equipment for charter aircraft, and require safety training, including hazardous materials training, for all charter flight personnel.
Air charters are licensed to carry passengers by the FAA, and must therefore meet regulations regarding providing safety information to passengers, prohibiting smoking on board and keeping passengers out of the cockpit. Other operational regulations cover airplane security, reporting of mechanical or weather problems and cockpit staffing requirements.
Because charter flights are commercial flights, the FAA governs limitations on crew members' flight time and requirements for rest breaks. All crew members are subject to testing by the FAA, and must meet training requirements to qualify for their posts. The FAA also sets qualifications for charter pilots.
The FAA regulates all flight data and voice recorders used in charter aircraft. They mandate equipment required under visual flight rules while carrying passengers. Charter aircraft must meet performance requirements for licensure. In addition, the FAA requires scheduled maintenance and reporting thereon for charter aircraft.
