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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-holding-out

Which FAA concept turns a for-hire operator into a common carrier?

Holding out to the public as willing to carry anyone who wants to go.

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  1. Holding itself out to the public as willing to carry ✔
  2. Owning more than three aircraft
  3. Charging over a set price per seat

Why: AC 120-12A says a carrier becomes a common carrier when it holds itself out to the public, or a segment of it, as willing to furnish transportation. Common carriage must follow Part 121 or 135.

Huh, didn't know that: Holding out can be signs, advertising, agents, or a reputation for serving all customers.

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Why did the librarian get kicked off the plane? Because it was overbooked.
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References

Answer: Holding itself out to the public as willing to carry. AC 120-12A says a carrier becomes a common carrier when it holds itself out to the public, or a segment of it, as willing to furnish transportation. Common carriage must follow Part 121 or 135.

  1. FAA AC 120-12A Private Carriage Versus Common Carriage of Persons or Property www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2020/May/AC_120-12A.pdf
    as willing to furnish transportation within the limits of its facilities
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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