In short. In the United States a paid private jet flight must be operated by a carrier holding an FAA Part 135 (or Part 121) certificate. A charter broker is not the operator: under DOT rules in 14 CFR Part 295, brokers must disclose that they are brokers and name the operating carrier. Foreign operators cannot sell flights between two US airports. New York traffic mostly uses Teterboro, Westchester and other relievers rather than JFK.
Who may legally fly you
Paid passenger flights in the US are operated under 14 CFR Part 135 (on-demand and commuter) or Part 121. Flights under Part 91 are private: an owner can fly guests, but cannot sell seats or trips. "Grey" or illegal charter, where a Part 91 aircraft is effectively sold for hire, leaves passengers without the safety oversight and possibly without the insurance they think they have.
Brokers are common and useful, but they are not operators. The Department of Transportation's rules for air charter brokers (14 CFR Part 295) require brokers to disclose their role and the operating carrier, and to handle client payments transparently.
Main airports for private flights
- New York: Teterboro (TEB) is the main business aviation airport for Manhattan; Westchester (HPN) and Republic (FRG) are alternatives. Toronto to Teterboro is about 300 nm.
- Florida: Palm Beach International, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Miami-Opa locka Executive and Naples are the usual winter destinations for Canadian and New York travellers.
- Los Angeles: Van Nuys (VNY) and the Signature terminal at LAX serve the city; Vancouver to Los Angeles is about 940 nm.
Crossing the border
For international arrivals the operator files the passenger and crew manifest through U.S. Customs and Border Protection's eAPIS system and lands at an airport of entry with CBP available. Allow time for the operator to complete this; last-minute passenger changes can delay departure.
Questions to ask before you pay
- What is the legal name of the operating carrier, and what is its certificate number?
- What is the aircraft registration, and is it on that carrier's certificate?
- If a broker is involved, what is its role and where are client funds held?
- What insurance covers the flight, and for how much?
Read more in Part 91 vs Part 135 and Canada's rules.
Our role. AeroSterling does not operate or sell flights and holds no air operator certificate. Through our charter request desk we pass your brief to independent, licensed operators and charter brokers that we vet, and they quote and contract with you directly, naming the operating carrier in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Part 135 operator and a charter broker?
The Part 135 certificate holder operates the aircraft and holds operational control. A broker arranges the flight on your behalf; under 14 CFR Part 295 an air charter broker must say it is a broker, not an operator, and disclose the operating carrier.
Can a Canadian or European operator fly me between two US cities?
No. Foreign air carriers are not permitted to carry passengers for hire between two points in the United States (cabotage). They may fly you into or out of the US with the right permits.
Which New York airport do private jets use?
Most private flights use Teterboro (TEB) in New Jersey, with Westchester County (HPN), Republic (FRG) and others as alternatives depending on where you are going.
What is needed to fly privately from Canada into the US?
The operator files the passenger manifest through CBP eAPIS and arrives at an airport of entry with customs available. Passengers need valid travel documents for entry.
General information, not legal, tax or operational advice. Rules, airport procedures and prices change; the operator and your advisers confirm what applies to your trip. Distances are great-circle figures from our airport data; times are indicative.
