DOT is easing the per-seat limitation on Part 135 charters providing transportation for presidential election travel.
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NBAA praised the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to provide a blanket waiver that will enable Part 135 air taxi operators to provide lift for presidential election campaigns. The waiver removes restrictions that essentially limit air taxis to selling charters to single entities rather than on a per-seat basis.
Otherwise, air taxis would have to conduct such flights as public charters under DOT’s Part 380, which accompanies financial arrangement, disclosure, and advance notice requirements. Further, the FAA is looking at definitions of Part 135 that may ultimately preclude those operators from flying under Part 380.
In the case of presidential election seasons, pools of journalists will fly along but are required to reimburse the campaigns for their travel expenses. By waiving the restriction on per-seat costs, DOT eases the path for campaigns to charter flights, NBAA explained.
“The presidential campaign charter service is specialized and tailored to the specific needs of the candidates,” the DOT noted. “The security protection furnished by the Secret Service is provided by law, and the news coverage provided by the news media representatives accompanying the candidates provides a valuable service to the public.”
The waiver remains in place until November 12 and also extends to the Republican and Democratic convention delegates, state, and national party committee members.
“NBAA commends the DOT for its proactive approach to meeting the needs of the 2024 presidential campaigns,” said Doug Carr, NBAA senior v-p of safety, security, sustainability, and international affairs. “Part 135 operators are the perfect choice to meet the particular needs of a presidential campaign, and with this waiver, our members are in a better position to determine if a campaign charter is the right decision for them.”
DOT Offers Charter Waivers for Presidential Election
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NBAA praised the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to provide a blanket waiver that will enable Part 135 air taxi operators to provide lift for presidential election campaigns. The waiver removes restrictions that essentially limit air taxis to selling charters to single entities rather than on a per-seat basis.
Otherwise, air taxis would have to conduct such flights as public charters under DOT Part 380, which accompanies financial arrangement, disclosure, and advance notice requirements. Further, the FAA is looking at definitions of Part 135 that may ultimately preclude those operators from flying under Part 380.
In the case of presidential election seasons, pools of journalists will fly along but are required to reimburse the campaigns for their travel expenses. By waiving the restriction on per-seat costs, DOT eases the path for campaigns to charter flights, NBAA explained.
“The presidential campaign charter service is specialized and tailored to the specific needs of the candidates,” the DOT noted. “The security protection furnished by the Secret Service is provided by law, and the news coverage provided by the news media representatives accompanying the candidates provides a valuable service to the public.”
The waiver remains in place until November 12 and also extends to the Republican and Democratic convention delegates, state, and national party committee members.