March 30, 2026
Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) have often caused confusion in the Part 135 industry due to their frequently changing and unclear requirements, affecting everyone from directors of operations and chief pilots to the line pilots charged with daily OpSpecs compliance.
NBAA’s new resource, the NBAA Operations Specifications Guide: Demystifying Operations Specifications for Part 135 Operators, aims to eliminate that confusion by providing plain-language explanations of the purpose of OpSpecs, describing OpSpecs as essentially a customizable contract between the FAA and the operator.
An OpSpec may define specific activities and boundaries within which the operator may operate, or list the approved types of operations, specific aircraft, routes and areas that an operator can use.
The new guide, which is a sister publication to the popular The Whys and Hows of Special Authorizations – Part 91 LOAs, also provides detailed breakdowns of some of the most commonly misunderstood OpSpecs, including:
- OpSpec A005: Exemptions and Deviations
- OpSpec A025: Electronic Signatures, Electronic Recordkeeping Systems and Electronic Manual Systems
- OpSpec A057: Eligible On-Demand Operations
- OpSpec C055: Alternate Airport IFR Weather Minimums
- OpSpec C075: Category 1 IFR Landing Minimums – Circle-to-Land Approach Maneuver
NBAA’s Domestic Operations Committee’s Part 135 Subcommittee recognized the need for a clear, simple description of OpSpecs – what they are, how to obtain them and how they apply to every-day operations, and the risks of relying on artificial intelligence (AI) for OpSpecs details.
“The industry is changing so quickly, and we are seeing new industry participations, from management to pilots,” said Laila Stein, NBAA specialist, flight operations. “The Part 135 Subcommittee identified a need for a plain-English guide to OpSpecs to help stakeholders get up to speed and produced this unique resource.”
The subcommittee met with the FAA’s Office of Safety Standards responsible for Part 135 operator oversight (AFS-200) to learn from the agency about where the industry struggles most in OpSpec applications and compliance.
“We want to empower not just directors of operations and chief pilots but also the pilots who have to execute on those OpSpecs to understand how OpSpecs work, what they mean for their operation and their own obligation to comply with them,” said Ben van Niekerk, vice chair of the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee. “AI, in its current form, is wholly incapable of supporting OpSpecs compliance.”
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit requests for detailed explanations of other OpSpecs by completing the NBAA Operations Specifications Guide Feedback Form.
“We want this to be a growing resource over the years, adding content to meet member needs and revising information as requirements change,” said Stein.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.