OpSpecs Quick Reference

Operations Specifications are FAA-issued documents that define the scope, authorizations, and limitations for each Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate holder. They are negotiated between the operator and the FAA during certification and amended as the operation changes. OpSpecs are organized into four groups: A-specs (general), B-specs (enroute authorizations), C-specs (airport authorizations), and D-specs (aircraft and equipment).

The Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring all operations comply with the certificate holder's OpSpecs. Every dispatch decision must be within the scope of the OpSpecs — from which airports are authorized, to which aircraft types are listed, to whether IFR operations are permitted. Dispatching outside OpSpec authority is a serious violation of 14 CFR 119.65.

If an airport requires a C060 special airport authorization and that airport is not listed in the OpSpecs, the certificate holder cannot dispatch to that airport under Part 135. Similarly, if a transatlantic route requires B060 MNPS authorization and the OpSpecs lack it, the operation is not authorized. Operating outside OpSpec authority is grounds for certificate action.

OpSpec amendments are processed through the operator's FSDO Principal Operations Inspector (POI). The operator submits the requested change; the FAA reviews and either approves or denies. For aircraft additions (D050), the process includes an airworthiness inspection and potentially a proving run. Amendments can take days to weeks depending on the complexity.

No — this is a reference guide covering the most common OpSpecs encountered in Part 135 operations. The full list of OpSpec paragraphs runs to hundreds of entries and varies by operation type. Your specific Operations Specifications document, issued by your FSDO, is the authoritative source for your certificate.