JSX is ratcheting up its campaign to preserve its business base after the FAA put out a notice that it is rethinking air carrier definitions in a move that could push certain operations flying under Part 380 public charter economic authority into Part 121.
Released in August, the FAA notice of intent stated that the agency is planning a rulemaking to address “the exception from FAA’s domestic, flag, and supplemental operations regulations for public charter operators.” The notice followed appeals from airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association to prohibit the operation of models such as JSX’s under 380, saying those operators are using a “loophole” to avoid Part 121 standards.
JSX has issued public appeals for support, saying that the airlines and labor unions want to legislate it and other similar operators out of business. “They're using unsubstantiated allegations about aviation safety to push for our shutdown out of greed…If these airlines and labor groups succeed, JSX will be forced out of business,” the operator said.
JSX maintained that it and “public charter flying have an untarnished safety record.” The carrier also noted that its pilot training program mirrors major U.S. airlines, and its pilots have thousands of hours. JSX further noted that if it were to cease operations, regular services to places such as Taos, New Mexico; Destin, Florida; and Odessa, Texas, would end.