--- title: "Aviation Crew Compliance: What Private Jet Operators Must Know in 2026" description: Aviation crew compliance mistakes can ground your certificate. This guide covers the key compliance requirements for contract and employed crew in Part 91 and Part 135 operations. image: https://www.crewblast.co/hubfs/Private%20Jet%20Charter%20with%20AI.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/aviation-crew-compliance-what-private-jet-operators-must-know-in-2026#main-content) [![Crew-Blast-Logo](https://www.crewblast.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Crew-Blast-Logo.png?width=1024&height=552&name=Crew-Blast-Logo.png)](https://www.crewblast.co/) - [How it Works](https://www.crewblast.co/how-it-works) - For Operators Show submenu for For Operators - [Get Crew Now](https://www.crewblast.co/crewblast-request) - [How CrewBlast Works for Operators](https://www.crewblast.co/how-it-works) - [Submit a Crew Request](https://www.crewblast.co/crewblast-request) - [Private Aviation Staffing](https://www.crewblast.co/operators) - [Crew Management Platform (SaaS)](https://www.crewblast.co/saas) - [CLEAR Crew Verification](https://www.crewblast.co/vetting) - [Contract Pilot Daily Rates](https://www.crewblast.co/daily-rate) - 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[Miami — South Florida KOPF](https://www.crewblast.co/contract-pilot-miami) - [Gulfstream Contract Pilots](https://www.crewblast.co/gulfstream-contract-pilot) - [Challenger Contract Pilots](https://www.crewblast.co/challenger-contract-pilot) - [Citation Contract Pilots](https://www.crewblast.co/citation-contract-pilot) - [Falcon Contract Pilots](https://www.crewblast.co/falcon-contract-pilot) - [Global Express Contract Pilots](https://www.crewblast.co/global-6000-contract-pilot) - Solutions Show submenu for Solutions - [Daily Rates](https://www.crewblast.co/daily-rate) - [CrewBlast Connect](https://www.crewblast.co/crewblast-connect) - [CertiFly™](https://www.crewblast.co/certifly) - [CrewBlast OS™](https://www.crewblast.co/crewblast-os) - [Get Access](https://www.crewblast.co/saas) - [Login](https://my.crewblast.co/) [Get Access](https://www.crewblast.co/saas) [Login](https://my.crewblast.co/) Jun 9, 2026, 10:30:00 AM # Aviation Crew Compliance: What Private Jet Operators Must Know in 2026 [CrewBlast](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/author/crewblast) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.crewblast.co/blog/aviation-crew-compliance-what-private-jet-operators-must-know-in-2026) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.crewblast.co/blog/aviation-crew-compliance-what-private-jet-operators-must-know-in-2026) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.crewblast.co/blog/aviation-crew-compliance-what-private-jet-operators-must-know-in-2026) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://www.crewblast.co/blog/aviation-crew-compliance-what-private-jet-operators-must-know-in-2026) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://www.crewblast.co/blog/aviation-crew-compliance-what-private-jet-operators-must-know-in-2026) Aviation crew compliance is one of those operational responsibilities that can seem routine, until a problem arises. When a crew qualification issue is discovered during an FAA inspection, audit, incident investigation, or insurance review, the consequences can be significant. Depending on the circumstances, operators may face enforcement action, certificate-related issues, operational disruptions, insurance complications, or increased liability exposure. For business aviation operators, crew compliance can be particularly challenging because most flight departments and charter operators do not have the extensive compliance infrastructure available to major airlines. As a result, maintaining accurate crew records, tracking qualifications, and verifying regulatory requirements becomes a critical operational function. This guide covers the crew compliance requirements most relevant to private jet operators in 2026, with particular attention to areas where operators, especially those utilizing contract pilots, frequently encounter compliance issues. ## Core Crew Compliance Requirements ### Type Ratings and Aircraft Qualification ![Business Jet Staffing](https://www.crewblast.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Business%20Jet%20Staffing.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=Business%20Jet%20Staffing.jpg)Pilots serving in positions that require a type rating must hold the appropriate FAA type rating for the aircraft they operate. Type ratings are issued for specific aircraft types identified by the FAA and are not automatically transferable across unrelated aircraft models. However, operators should recognize that many aircraft variants share a common type rating. For example, several Gulfstream aircraft are operated under the GV type rating, while multiple Bombardier Challenger variants are covered by the CL-600 type rating. Possessing the appropriate type rating alone may not be sufficient; pilots must also complete any required differences training, recurrent training, proficiency checks, and operator-specific qualification requirements before serving as a required crewmember. Operators should verify not only that a pilot holds the correct type rating, but also that all required training and checking events remain current. ### Medical Certificate Currency Medical certification requirements vary based on the type of operation and the pilot's role. For Part 135 operations, pilots are generally required to hold a valid second-class medical certificate. Part 91 operations may permit different medical certificate classes depending on the operation being conducted and the privileges exercised. Regardless of the applicable standard, operators should maintain an accurate system for tracking medical certificate status and expiration dates. Relying on individual pilots to monitor their own compliance creates unnecessary risk and increases the likelihood of administrative oversight. ### Recent Flight Experience Requirements ![Pilot Currency Requirements](https://www.crewblast.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202025-10-01%20at%2012.35.57%20PM.png?width=500&height=305&name=Screen%20Shot%202025-10-01%20at%2012.35.57%20PM.png)FAR 61.57 establishes minimum recent-flight-experience requirements for acting as pilot in command carrying passengers. Generally, pilots must have completed three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class, and, where required, type of aircraft. Separate requirements apply for night passenger-carrying operations, and instrument currency requirements must also be tracked for pilots conducting IFR operations. Many operators establish internal standards that exceed regulatory minimums, particularly when utilizing contract pilots. Requiring recent experience within shorter timeframes may help ensure proficiency in demanding operational environments. ## Part 135 Compliance: Common Issues Involving Contract Pilots Many of the compliance findings involving Part 135 operators stem from one of three situations: - Using a contract pilot who has not been fully qualified under the operator's approved training program. - Inadequate documentation supporting training, checking, or qualification status. - Duty and rest compliance issues involving contract crewmembers. The first issue is among the most commonly misunderstood. A Part 135 operator generally cannot place a newly hired contract pilot directly into revenue service solely because the pilot is type rated and experienced. The pilot must complete all applicable qualification requirements under the operator's approved training program and satisfy the operator's checking and authorization requirements before serving as a required crewmember in Part 135 operations. Because this process often requires significant lead time, operators should build and maintain a qualified contractor pool proactively rather than attempting to solve staffing shortages immediately before a scheduled trip. CrewBlast supports Part 135 operators by providing access to a broad pool of pre-vetted aviation professionals. The identity verification and background-screening processes completed by CrewBlast can help reduce the initial due-diligence burden associated with evaluating potential contractor candidates. ## Pilot Records Database (PRD) Requirements By 2026, operators should focus primarily on compliance with the FAA Pilot Records Database (PRD), which has replaced much of the traditional Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) process. Part 135 operators and air carriers are required to review applicable pilot records through the PRD before allowing pilots to serve in covered positions. These records may include training history, qualification information, enforcement records, and other data required by regulation. Because records review and qualification processes take time, operators should not assume that a pilot can be onboarded immediately before a scheduled assignment. Building a [compliant contractor](https://www.crewblast.co/operators) pool requires advance planning and systematic record verification. ## Drug and Alcohol Testing Compliance Part 135 operators must maintain an FAA- and DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing program covering safety-sensitive personnel. Contract pilots serving in Part 135 operations must participate in a compliant testing program and be properly documented before performing safety-sensitive duties. Operators should independently verify testing-program participation and maintain supporting documentation in their compliance records. Assumptions regarding enrollment status can create unnecessary compliance risk. Verification should occur before the pilot's first assignment rather than after a scheduling need arises. ## Building an Effective Compliance Documentation System The most effective compliance systems are not necessarily the most complex, they are the most consistent. Whether managed through specialized crew-management software or a structured internal tracking system, operators should maintain current records for every employed and contract crewmember, including automated reminders before key expirations and qualification events. A disciplined tracking process helps operators identify potential issues before they become operational disruptions or regulatory findings. For operators seeking to manage employed and contract crew documentation within a single platform, [CrewBlast's SaaS](https://www.crewblast.co/saas) tools support centralized compliance workflows. Operators interested in understanding the [vetting and verification processes](https://www.crewblast.co/vetting) already completed for crew members within the CrewBlast network can find additional details through the platform's vetting resources. ## Related posts [![](https://www.crewblast.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Best%20Aviation%20Staffing%20Platform.jpeg?height=200&name=Best%20Aviation%20Staffing%20Platform.jpeg)](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/how-charter-companies-staff-their-crew-a-practical-guide-to-part-135-crew-sourcing) ## [How Charter Companies Staff Their Crew: A Practical Guide to Part 135 Crew Sourcing](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/how-charter-companies-staff-their-crew-a-practical-guide-to-part-135-crew-sourcing) [CrewBlast](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/author/crewblast) Jun 20, 2026, 10:00:00 AM How Successful Part 135 Charter Operators Build Reliable Contract Crew Infrastructure Running a... [Read more](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/how-charter-companies-staff-their-crew-a-practical-guide-to-part-135-crew-sourcing) [![](https://www.crewblast.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Contract%20Flight%20Attendant%20Requirements.jpg?height=200&name=Contract%20Flight%20Attendant%20Requirements.jpg)](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/part-91-vs-part-135-crew-requirements-what-operators-must-know-crewblast) ## [Part 91 vs Part 135 Crew Requirements: What Operators Must Know | CrewBlast](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/part-91-vs-part-135-crew-requirements-what-operators-must-know-crewblast) [CrewBlast](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/author/crewblast) Apr 27, 2026, 9:00:01 AM Part 91 vs Part 135 Crew Requirements: A Practical Guide for Private Aviation Operators The... [Read more](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/part-91-vs-part-135-crew-requirements-what-operators-must-know-crewblast) [![](https://www.crewblast.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Private%20Jet%20Charter%20%7C%20CharterBlast.jpg?height=200&name=Private%20Jet%20Charter%20%7C%20CharterBlast.jpg)](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/what-is-a-corporate-flight-department-complete-guide-for-2026) ## [What Is a Corporate Flight Department? Complete Guide for 2026](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/what-is-a-corporate-flight-department-complete-guide-for-2026) [CrewBlast](https://www.crewblast.co/blog/author/crewblast) Jul 5, 2026, 12:42:05 PM A corporate flight department is the internal aviation operation of a company that owns or operates... 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