Charter operators have formed the US Private Aviation Association (USPAA), an organization devoted to the Part 135 private air charter industry.

“USPAA aims to elevate industry standards, foster cooperation, and drive progress as a dedicated voice for Part 135 private air charter operators,” said USPAA Chairman Dann Standard, of Augusta, Georgia-based Bravo Air. “It is our priority that we advocate for fair regulations and policies that promote safety, growth and innovation in our industry.”

There are more than 1,800 private air charter companies across the U.S. that operate 11,000 aircraft, according to the association. The USPAA was created to provide a platform for operators to connect, share insights and engage in collaborative efforts to support and grow the air charter industry, it said in a launch announcement Sept. 28. 

“We formed USPAA because we recognized the urgent need for an organization dedicated to our unique challenges and opportunities as private charter air operators,” said Erik Neiderman, a founding board member with STA Jets, based at John Wayne Airport, Orange County, California.

Among issues the industry faces is the pending FAA mandate that Part 135 charter operators and Part 91 air tour companies implement safety management systems, which have been required for commercial airlines since 2018. The association’s website (usprivateaviation.com) also highlights the issue of illegal charter operations and how to identify them.

“We knew from day one that an organization like USPAA could bring operators together to meet common goals and address common issues,” said Chuck White, a founding board member with Hera Flight, of Clearwater, Florida. “We now have a dedicated voice that is focused exclusively on Part 135 operators. That is what we need for advocacy, collaboration and innovation in the private air charter industry.”

Membership in the USPAA is open to all private air charter operators with a Part 135 certificate. Associate memberships are open to individuals, businesses and industries that work with private air charter operators.