Buyer’s guide · ΛtlΛntΛ chΛrter
Operator vs broker: what you are actually buying
A Part 135 operator holds the certificate and operational control of the flight. A broker arranges a flight on someone else’s certificate. Both can be fine. You need to know which one you hired - and who has operational control when you take off.
Side by side
The role changes what you should ask.
| Part 135 operator | Charter broker | |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Holds the FAA Part 135 certificate | Does not operate under its own certificate for that flight |
| Operational control | Yes - the operator runs the flight | Arranges another certificated carrier |
| Ask for | Legal name, certificate, N-number, base | Which operator is flying, certificate, aircraft, insurance |
| PARK AIR LLC on the Epic | We are the operator | - |
| PARK AIR LLC on other aircraft / international | - | We broker and name the carrier before you confirm |
WhΛt operΛtionΛl control meΛns
It is more than the name on an invoice.
Operational control is the authority and responsibility for initiating, conducting, and terminating a flight. The operator decides how the aircraft, crew, maintenance, weather review, and dispatch plan come together. The operator also holds the certificate that permits the flight.
A broker can still provide an excellent buying experience, but the broker is not the carrier. The broker should tell you which certificated operator is flying, which aircraft registration is assigned, and what standards apply. Those details should be clear before you approve the trip or send a deposit.
PΛRK ΛIR LLC on the Epic
One clear operating identity.
PARK AIR LLC operates Epic E1000 GX N747WL under FAA Part 135 certificate PRKA774T from DeKalb-Peachtree (KPDK). Wyvern Registered. On those trips, we are the operator: our crews, our maintenance program, and our operational control.
Legal name: PARK AIR LLC · Certificate: PRKA774T · Aircraft: N747WL · Base: KPDK.
When PΛrk Λir brokers
Another aircraft, named before you confirm.
For other aircraft classes or international trips, we arrange another certificated carrier and name that operator before you confirm. You know who is flying, whose certificate applies, and what aircraft is planned. We remain your point of contact while the carrier retains operational control.
Buyer checklist
Five questions worth asking.
1. Who holds the Part 135 certificate for my flight?
2. Who has operational control?
3. What is the aircraft N-number?
4. Where is the operator based?
5. What insurance and third-party review apply?
If the trip is brokered, ask which operator is flying before you wire a deposit.
ReΛdy to verify?
We will answer the certificate question directly.
For the Epic, the answer is PARK AIR LLC, PRKA774T, N747WL, KPDK, Wyvern Registered. For a different mission, we identify the carrier before you confirm.
Request a quoteQuestions
Asked before a first booking.
Is Park Air a broker or an operator?
On the Epic E1000 GX (N747WL), Park Air is the Part 135 operator under PRKA774T. When a mission needs another aircraft or an international routing, we act as broker and name the certificated carrier before you confirm.
What is the difference between a Part 135 operator and a broker?
The operator holds the certificate and operational control. A broker arranges a flight on another carrier's certificate. Ask which role you are hiring and who is actually flying.
How do I verify a private charter company is legitimate?
Ask for legal name, Part 135 certificate number, aircraft N-number, base, and insurance. Check third-party reviews such as Wyvern when your policy requires it.
What does Wyvern Registered mean?
It means independent third-party review of pilots, maintenance, insurance, and operational control against Wyvern's operator standard.