How SkyAccess Vets Operators
We verify every operator's FAA Part 135 certificate (or its foreign equivalent) before listing; many also hold ARGUS, Wyvern or IS-BAO safety ratings. Here is the process.
Our 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.
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?
- We verify every operator's FAA Part 135 certificate (or its foreign equivalent) before listing; many also hold ARGUS, Wyvern or IS-BAO safety ratings.
- 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. We verify every operator's FAA Part 135 certificate (or its foreign equivalent) before listing; many also hold ARGUS, Wyvern or IS-BAO safety ratings.
Browse vetted empty-leg flights
Every flight listed on SkyAccess is operated by a certified carrier.
View Empty Leg Flights