Is an ATP required to fly Air Ambulance ? (ME airplanes)

Piperflyer

Piperflyer

Well-Known Member
I was always under the impression that ALL pilots flying part 135 multi-engine airplanes need to be ATP licenced. Recently, someone told me that's not always the case. Is there special times when this applies? After a quick review of part 135, I couldn't find anything other than that you have to have your ATP.

Any help appreciated :)
 
Piperflyer said:
I was always under the impression that ALL pilots flying part 135 multi-engine airplanes need to be ATP licenced. Recently, someone told me that's not always the case. Is there special times when this applies? After a quick review of part 135, I couldn't find anything other than that you have to have your ATP.

Any help appreciated :)
Click to expand...

As far as I'm aware, the only time a 135 multi-engine PIC needs an ATP is for scheduled (commuter) operations, turbojet aircraft, or aircraft in excess of 9 passenger seats. In fact, here it is:

135.243 said:
(a) No certificate holder may use a person, nor may any person serve, as pilot in command in passenger-carrying operations—

(1) Of a turbojet airplane, of an airplane having a passenger-seat configuration, excluding each crewmember seat, of 10 seats or more, or of a multiengine airplane in a commuter operation as defined in part 119 of this chapter, unless that person holds an airline transport pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings and, if required, an appropriate type rating for that airplane.
Click to expand...
 
ATP may or may not be required for air ambulance operators (depends if they are CAMTS certified or not). Usually most ambulance ops require it... not because the FAA requires it, but only because organizations such as CAMTS requires/suggests it.
 
It's right there in 135.243

Think about this. Many frieght dogs fly Barons, Ho's, 402's etc under 135 with 1200 hours. They are more than able to fly lifeguard flights aswell. (opspecs notwithstanding )
 
The only FAA requirements for an ATP in those circumstances would be a two pilot crew conducting eligible on-demand operations. Many operators use the eligible on-demand exemptions to execute approaches to airports that do not have an approved weather source while under Part 135.
 
jergar999 said:
The only FAA requirements for an ATP in those circumstances would be a two pilot crew conducting eligible on-demand operations. Many operators use the eligible on-demand exemptions to execute approaches to airports that do not have an approved weather source while under Part 135.
Click to expand...

again, this only applies to turbojet aircraft which the PIC is required to have an ATP if under part 135 anyway. Eligible on demand or not...
 
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