✈️
How to start a aviation business in Texas
Charter, flight school, drone services, aircraft management, or maintenance.
Recommended structure
LLC
Typical startup cost
$50,000 – $5,000,000
State
Texas
Step-by-step
- 1Form an LLC and get an EIN
- 2Apply for the appropriate FAA certificate (Part 135, 141, or 145)
- 3Get aircraft hull + liability insurance
- 4Open a business bank account + line of credit
- 5Hire a Director of Operations and Chief Pilot (if Part 135)
- 6Set up scheduling + maintenance tracking software (Flightdocs, CAMP)
Licenses & permits you'll likely need
- FAA Part 135 (charter) or Part 141 (flight school) certificate
- FAA Part 145 (repair station) if applicable
- Drone Part 107 (commercial drones)
- State business license
Exact requirements vary by city and county. Confirm locally before you operate.
Insurance
- • Aircraft hull + liability
- • General liability
- • Workers' comp
Tax notes
Aircraft depreciation under MACRS or bonus depreciation is significant. Bonus depreciation rules change year to year — verify with a CPA.
Business banking
Aviation has massive capital requirements — establish banking and lending relationships before you need them.
Official Texas filing links
File LLC / Corp with Texas
Texas Secretary of State
Search business name
Confirm your name is available
Texas Comptroller (Franchise Tax)
State tax registration
Apply for an EIN (IRS)
Free federal tax ID
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