Air tours documents
Part 136 subpart A applies to commercial air tours in rotorcraft, including Part 91 operators under § 91.147 (14 CFR 136.1). A § 91.147 operator must also run Part 120 drug and alcohol testing, comply with Part 5 and hold a Letter of Authorization (14 CFR 91.147(b)).
Documents for this operation
One published flat fee each. A 50% deposit starts the work; the balance is due when you approve the proof.
- Part 136 / 91.147 Letter of Authorization A049 (commercial air tours, incl. drug & alcohol)14 CFR 91.147; 136 subpart A; Part 120$350
- Commercial air tour safety requirements program (Part 136 subpart A)14 CFR 136.5-136.13$350
- Hawaii air tours below 1,500 feet: OpSpec/LOA B048 application packageSFAR 71/14 CFR 136 App A; SFAR 50-2$875
- Safety Management System (SMS) manual + implementation plan (Part 5)14 CFR part 5 (5.95 documentation); 5.9 (part 135 deadline May 28, 2027; declaration of compliance); AC 120-92D 3.2.5.3$1,875
- Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program + OpSpec A449 request14 CFR Part 120; 49 CFR Part 40$450
The rules behind them
Sections of 14 CFR part 136 and § 91.147 and related rules your documents are traced to.
- § 91.147Passenger-carrying flights for compensation or hire
- § 136.7Passenger briefings
- § 136.9Life preservers for operations over water
- § 136.11Rotorcraft floats for over water
- § 136.13Performance plan
- § 5.9Requirements for commuter and on-demand operations or passenger-carrying flights for compensation or hire
SMS declaration of compliance
Operators authorized under Part 135, or holding a § 91.147 Letter of Authorization, before May 28, 2024 must implement an SMS that meets Part 5 and submit a declaration of compliance no later than May 28, 2027.
Questions
Does the SMS deadline apply to § 91.147 tour operators?
Yes, for holders of a § 91.147 Letter of Authorization issued before May 28, 2024: 14 CFR 5.9(a) requires an SMS that meets Part 5 and a declaration of compliance no later than May 28, 2027.
What does Part 136 subpart A require on the aircraft?
Passenger briefings (136.7), life preservers for operations over water (136.9), rotorcraft floats for over water (136.11) and a performance plan (136.13). Our safety program covers each section.
Who applies for the Letter of Authorization?
You do, to the responsible Flight Standards office (14 CFR 91.147(b)(4)). We prepare the application and the documents behind it.
Other helicopter operations
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