(a) A person may not operate as a direct air carrier unless that person
--
(1) Is a citizen of the United States;
(2) Obtains an Air Carrier Certificate; and
(3) Obtains operations specifications that prescribe the
authorizations, limitations, and procedures under which each kind of
operation must be conducted.
(b) A person other than a direct air carrier may not conduct any
commercial passenger or cargo aircraft operation for compensation or hire
under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter unless that person --
(1) Is a citizen of the United States;
(2) Obtains an Operating Certificate; and
(3) Obtains operations specifications that prescribe the
authorizations, limitations, and procedures under which each kind of
operation must be conducted.
(c) Each applicant for a certificate under this part and each applicant
for operations specifications authorizing a new kind of operation that is
subject to §121.163 or §135.145 of this chapter shall conduct proving
tests as authorized by the Administrator during the application process
for authority to conduct operations under part 121 or part 135 of this
chapter. All proving tests must be conducted in a manner acceptable to the
Administrator. All proving tests must be conducted under the appropriate
operating and maintenance requirements of part 121 or 135 of this chapter
that would apply if the applicant were fully certificated. The
Administrator will issue a letter of authorization to each person stating
the various authorities under which the proving tests shall be conducted.