Final answer:
Under Part 135, pilots can land at an uncontrolled airport if weather minimums are met for the type of operation and approach being used. They must adhere to Part 91 general rules and non-towered airport procedures, while also checking for NOTAMs and ensuring the safety of all on board.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under Part 135, which governs commuter and on-demand operations, pilots can land at an uncontrolled airport provided that weather minimums, such as visibility and cloud ceilings, meet the specified criteria for that particular kind of operation and type of approach. These minimums are typically higher than those at controlled airports due to the lack of air traffic control services. For example, while flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), a pilot must ensure that the weather conditions are at or above the minimums prescribed for the approach being used.
Pilots must also follow the general operating and flight rules of Part 91 when operating under Part 135, which include procedures for uncontrolled airspace. They need to be mindful of the airport's traffic pattern, announce their position and intentions on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF), and visually scan for other aircraft. It is the pilot's responsibility to ensure a safe approach and landing, applying non-towered airport procedures.
Additionally, it's important for pilots to check Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for any temporary flight restrictions or relevant updates about the airport's condition and the available facilities. Part 135 operations require careful pre-flight planning and adherence to the Federal Aviation Regulations to ensure the safety of the flight, passengers, and crew, even when landing at uncontrolled fields.