How SkyAccess Vets Operators
Every operator on our platform clears a mandatory certification and safety check before their first flight. Here is the full process.
Our 4-Step Operator Vetting Process
1. Air Carrier Certificate Verification
Operators must hold an active FAA Part 135 certificate (US) or a valid CAA Air Operator Certificate (UK). We cross-reference the FAA AV-INFO and UK CAA registers directly — no self-certification accepted.
2. Independent Safety Audit Review
Operators holding ARGUS Gold or Platinum ratings, or Wyvern PASS or Wingman ratings, receive a verified badge on their profile. These third-party audits cover crew training, aircraft maintenance, and safety management systems.
3. Fleet Maintenance Records
We review maintenance logs and airworthiness certificates for each aircraft listed. Tail numbers must match the operator's certificate and show no open or deferred airworthiness directives that affect flight operations.
4. Liability Insurance Confirmation
Active liability insurance is mandatory. Operators provide current certificates of insurance during onboarding, and we flag expiries before renewal deadlines. Any operator whose coverage lapses is suspended from the platform until reinstated.
Certification Standards We Recognise
US federal air carrier certificate — the legal baseline for commercial charter in the United States.
CAA Air Operator Certificate
UK Civil Aviation Authority certificate — the equivalent regulatory framework for European operators.
Independent third-party safety audit covering ops, maintenance, crew records, and SMS.
Wyvern's tiered audit standard. Wingman is the deeper review; both exceed FAA minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does SkyAccess vet its operators?
- SkyAccess requires all operators to hold a valid FAA Part 135 (US) or CAA (UK) air carrier certificate before listing. We additionally verify ARGUS or Wyvern safety ratings where available, review fleet maintenance records, and confirm active liability insurance coverage.
- What is FAA Part 135 certification?
- FAA Part 135 is the US federal regulation that governs commercial charter operations. Operators must pass rigorous inspections covering pilot training, aircraft airworthiness, and operational safety procedures before the FAA issues a certificate.
- What are ARGUS and Wyvern ratings?
- ARGUS and Wyvern are independent aviation safety auditing organizations. Their ratings — ARGUS Gold/Platinum and Wyvern PASS/Wingman — signal that an operator has voluntarily submitted to an in-depth review of its safety management system, maintenance practices, and crew records.
- Is SkyAccess safe for private jet travel?
- Yes. Every operator on the SkyAccess platform holds a valid air carrier certificate under FAA Part 135 or the equivalent CAA (UK) framework. SkyAccess does not list uncertified brokers or operators whose certificates have lapsed.
- Does SkyAccess verify insurance?
- Yes. Active liability insurance is a mandatory requirement for all operators on the platform. Operators must maintain minimum coverage levels and provide current certificates of insurance as part of the onboarding process.
Browse vetted empty-leg flights
Every flight listed on SkyAccess is operated by a certified carrier.
View Empty Leg Flights