Definitions of Domestic, Supplemental, and Flag (Part 121)

Rickie C.

As an aircraft dispatcher and pilot, it is important to know the definitions of domestic, supplemental, and flag. If you are working or operating a Part 121 airliner, you will be operating in one of these three categories. 

 

Domestic (§ 110.2)

In order to qualify as a domestic operation, you must meet these criteria:

  • Turbojet powered planes
    • Can carry 9 passengers OR
    • Payload capacity more than 9,500 pounds
  • Operate within United States
    • Scheduled operation 48 continuous states OR
    • Scheduled operation entirely within the United States' states, territory, and possession

Flag (§ 110.2)

In order to qualify as a flag operation, you must meet these criteria:

  • Turbojet powered planes
    • Can carry 9 passengers OR
    • Payload capacity more than 9,500 pounds
  • Locations
    • From the 48 continuous states to a point anywhere outside the 48 continuous states and vice versa OR
    • From the states, territories, and possessions outside the 48 continuous states to any points outside of it and vice versa OR
    • From any points outside the United States to any points outside the United States

Supplemental (§ 110.2)

In order to qualify as a supplemental operation, you must meet these criteria:

  • Planes
    • Any air planes
      • 30 passenger seats
      • payload capacity of more than 7500 pounds
    • Propeller-powered air planes
      • More 9 passenger seats but less than 31
      • Have to be specified as domestic or flag aircraft in operation specifications
    • Turbojet powered planes
      • More than 1 passenger seat but less than 31
      • Have to be specified as domestic or flag aircraft in operation specifications
  • Service
    • Flight specifically negotiated with the customer OR
    • All-cargo operations OR
    • Passenger carry under Part 380