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.

What can you do to avoid illegal charter?

When choosing an air charter operator, ask the operator for a copy of its:
   1. FAA-issued Part 135 air carrier certificate.
   2. Insurance certificate.

Be wary of operators encouraging leasing, interchange or timeshare scenarios. While these arrangements may be appropriate for some passenger needs and legal in certain cases, leasing, interchange and timeshare agreements are sometimes used to mask illegal charter operations.

Clearly document which party is required to pay Federal Excise Taxes (FET). Be suspect of any operator that does not want to discuss collecting and remitting FET or says FET is not required on their flights.

Make your voice heard in DC, join the National Air Transportation Association and other industry organizations.

Participate in regional and national events (conference, town halls, etc.). 

Educate your customers on the risks posed by illegal charter schemes, using the fact sheets and resources found on this website.  

For more information, please contact info@avoidillegalcharter.com.

Articles

"Is Your Charter Deal Too Good To Be True?" (James Wynbrandt, Business Jet Traveler, November 2018)

Stay Out of the Illegal Charter Trap

FAA CRACKING DOWN ON UNAUTHORIZED CHARTER? HOW THAT CAN AFFECT YOUR “PURELY PRIVATE” FLIGHTS (By Joe Hardy, Aviation Law Section, Winter 2018 Newsletter)

Fact Sheet

Download Fact Sheet