Legitimate charter operators often complain about illegal charters, but until 2008, there was no formal process for U.S. operators to bring possible illegal flights to the attention of the FAA, beyond calling a local FAA inspector and asking for the matter to be looked into. In 2008, the National Air Transportation Association launched the Illegal Charter Reporting Hotline (888-759-3581 or 888-SKY-FLT1), and it was eventually taken over by the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF).

Between 2010 and February 2015, there have been 64 reports to the hotline, according to the ACSF. The foundation is updating those numbers with more recent information, but president Bryan Burns emphasized, “The bigger picture that we have seen take place over the last several months is the fact that people are reporting, and [the Hotline] seems to be getting more traction.”

When someone calls the hotline with a complaint, Burns takes the call and gathers as much information as possible. Callers can remain anonymous if desired. Burns then passes the information on to the FAA’s Special Emphasis Investigation Team for further action.

While 64 calls in a five-year period seems low, given the many charter operations flown on a daily basis, Burns is a strong advocate for the Hotline. “Is it going to stop the bad guys from doing what they’re doing?” he asked. “It’s a worthwhile process, even though it’s not a perfect answer, and not a cure-all for [people who don’t want to comply with regulations]. We’re trying to look at the good guys and support them and trying to eliminate the guys doing it wrong.”

Part of the problem with snuffing out illegal charters is not only the difficulty of getting good information from Hotline callers, but also the complexity of some operations, especially those that involve dry leases. In these cases, it might require involvement by the Department of Justice, especially when non-regulated charter brokers are involved, Burns explained. “We’re trying to get to the heart of what’s truly legal and illegal. These things are not as simple as it might seem on the surface.

“When it comes to the FAA relative to enforcement and compliance with rules and regulations, versus [the agency’s] ability to truly do a thorough investigation and determine some type of result, it comes down to resources.” And within the FAA, there are relatively few staffers who are capable of this kind of investigation, he added.

Burns cited as an example a charter operator reporting to the Hotline about someone potentially flying an illegal charter and asking if the FAA can send someone to wait for the alleged illegal flier at the destination. “Timing-wise it doesn’t come together that easily,” he said.

Despite the drawbacks, the Illegal Charter Reporting Hotline is an important tool to try to stop illegal charters, Burns explained. “If you see something, report it. Every one of these gets investigated. And I do hold them accountable. [Reports] don’t just go into a pit. It may take a long time, but know that we’re all working to the best of our ability.”

By the Numbers: FAA Response/Determination

No action: legal operation 24

No action: inadequate information 15

No action: FAA monitoring 2

Referred to regional office, no action 9

Referred to regional office, enforcement action 8

Pending/on hold 6