A domestic, flag, or commuter carrier's ops specs are valid for how long?

A domestic, flag, or commuter carrier's ops specs are valid for how long?

• A. Until revoked by the FAA
• B. Indefinitely, unless a significant change occurs
• C. Until the carrier fails to conduct the approved operation for 30 days
• D. Until a new carrier certificate is issued

Answer: (C)

The operations specifications (ops specs) of a domestic, flag, or commuter carrier are valid until the carrier fails to conduct the approved operation for a period of 30 days. If a carrier does not engage in the activities specified in its ops specs for 30 consecutive days, this can trigger a potential suspension or revocation of those ops specs by the FAA. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining operational continuity for carriers to ensure their certification remains active.

The option of validity being indefinite until a significant change occurs lacks recognition of the operational activity requirement, which is essential for maintaining the status of the ops specs. Similarly, simply having the specs revoked by the FAA doesn't accurately reflect the conditions under which they remain valid or become invalid. The understanding of operational continuity is crucial for air carriers, as it serves as a guideline for maintaining their authority to operate under the specified regulations.