Commercial airlines are held to strict operating standards as governed by Part 121, and if there are compromises or breaches, they face tall fines. For instance, in 2007, the FAA fined Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) $10.2 million for flying 60,000 flights with cracks in fuselages across its fleet, and the negative press coverage all but ensured that other carriers would take heed.
Passengers using corporate or private aviation might be surprised to learn that they are covered under the same levels of protection every time they board an airplane. While Part 91 and Part 135 operating rules outline business charter operations, those in this category can operate through a wider envelope because they utilize a different regulatory basis. A small handful take advantage of this, running afoul of the law.
