An aircraft being operated under 14 CFR 135 must have a distinquished marking on the aircraft to identify who operates the aircraft. Where is this marking located and what does it state?

• A. On the fuselage near the tail; it states the operator's name.
• B. On the cockpit instrument panel; it states the flight number.
• C. On the left side of the cockpit window or near the door; it states the AOC or Air Operator Certificate number.
• D. On the nose cone; it states the registration number.

Answer: (C)

Under Part 135 operations, the aircraft must display a distinguishing marking that identifies the operator. This marking is the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) number, and it must be visible on the exterior of the aircraft, specifically on the left side of the cockpit window or near the door. The AOC number is the certificate identifier issued by the FAA to the operator authorized to conduct Part 135 operations, so having it visible lets authorities, air traffic control, and responders verify who is operating the aircraft. Other options don’t fit because the required marking is not the operator’s name or a flight number, and it isn’t the nose cone’s registration—it's the AOC number placed in the designated exterior location.