Harvest Aviation, Inc.
1314 Maurice Sonny Clavel Rd.
Wauchula, FL 33873
June 1, 2022
Significant Changes Relevant to the Ministry of Harvest Aviation
Harvest Aviation exists to glorify Jesus Christ through aviation-related ministry. Primary to accomplishing this purpose, Harvest Aviation provides flight service to deliver supplies and equipment to missionaries serving Jesus Christ on the mission field in Central America and the Caribbean. While our purpose to glorify Jesus Christ through aviation ministry will never change, the FAA requirements under which we operate do periodically change. Harvest Aviation has been operating under FAA Part 91-General Operating and Flight Rules, but the FAA views our flight service to be a charter service that must operate under Part 135-Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft. The FAA safety requirements are more stringent for Part 135 operations. For example, some notable differences are:
Part 91 pilots have no legally required rest periods.
But Part 135 pilots must adhere to strict rest schedules.
Part 91 mechanics can inspect their own work.
But Part 135 mechanics require another person to inspect their work.
Part 91 operations do not require passenger identification for domestic flights.
But Part 135 operations require passenger identities to be verified by the operator.
Under the FAA compliance rules to avoid adverse legal actions against us, Harvest Aviation must cease all operations under Part 91 and convert to operations under Part 135.
This transformation will be time-consuming, challenging, and fairly expensive. But as a ministry organization, we are excited as we rise to meet this new level for which we can glorify Jesus Christ through aviation-related ministry. We are already experiencing answers to prayer to this end.
Every person who supports Harvest Aviation in any capacity is a spiritual stakeholder. As a stakeholder, the administration of Harvest Aviation is committed to communicating this recent FAA Part 135 requirement information to you. And in regard to our mission to deliver supplies and equipment to missionaries serving Jesus Christ on the mission field in Central America and the Caribbean, we continue to receive, process, and manifest the cargo for the missionaries. But instead of loading it on our plane, we palletize it and use a third party to transport.
To the glory of our Lord and Savior, thank you for your continued support to Harvest Aviation.
Brian Smith
Executive Director
Harvest Aviation, Inc.