Regulation Text
(a) Each owner in operational control of a program flight is ultimately responsible for safe operations and for complying with all applicable requirements of this chapter, including those related to airworthiness and operations in connection with the flight. Each owner may delegate some or all of the performance of the tasks associated with carrying out this responsibility to the program manager, and may rely on the program manager for aviation expertise and program management services. When the owner delegates performance of tasks to the program manager or relies on the program manager's expertise, the owner and the program manager are jointly and individually responsible for compliance.
(b) The management specifications, authorizations, and approvals required by this subpart are issued to, and in the sole name of, the program manager on behalf of the fractional owners collectively. The management specifications, authorizations, and approvals will not be affected by any change in ownership of a program aircraft, as long as the aircraft remains a program aircraft in the identified program.
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.1011) Each fractional owner in operational control of a program flight is ultimately responsible for safe operations and compliance with this chapter, including airworthiness. An owner may delegate task performance to the program manager, but the two are then jointly and individually responsible for compliance.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Can a fractional owner hand off responsibility to the program manager?
An owner may delegate some or all task performance and rely on the program manager's expertise, but does not shed responsibility — both parties share it.
“When the owner delegates performance of tasks to the program manager or relies on the program manager's expertise, the owner and the program manager are jointly and individually responsible for compliance.” — 14 CFR § 91.1011(a)
Whose name are the management specifications issued in?
They are issued in the sole name of the program manager on behalf of the fractional owners collectively.
“The management specifications, authorizations, and approvals required by this subpart are issued to, and in the sole name of, the program manager on behalf of the fractional owners collectively.” — 14 CFR § 91.1011(b)
Does a change in aircraft ownership void the management specifications?
No. The specifications are unaffected by a change in ownership of a program aircraft, as long as the aircraft remains a program aircraft in the identified program.
“The management specifications, authorizations, and approvals will not be affected by any change in ownership of a program aircraft, as long as the aircraft remains a program aircraft in the identified program.” — 14 CFR § 91.1011(b)
Angle of Attack is an aviation flight-training brand founded by Chris Palmer, a two-time Master Aviation Educator and Gold Seal CFI. We decode the FARs so pilots understand not just the words, but what they mean in the cockpit.
AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.