Aircraft operator.

What does Aircraft operator mean in practice?

When you charter through a broker you are still flying with an operator.

The operator's name should appear on your contract, and you can check its certificate with the relevant regulator: the FAA in the United States, national authorities under EASA in the EU, or the UK CAA. The operator decides whether the flight goes, which crew fly it, and how the aircraft is maintained. If weather or a technical fault grounds the aircraft, the operator's obligations under the charter agreement determine what you are owed. Some aircraft are owned by private individuals and placed on an operator's certificate for charter. That is normal and legal, provided the operator has operational control. Beware of any arrangement where the owner or a pilot offers to fly you directly for money without a certificate. Regulators treat that as illegal charter, and insurance may not cover you.

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