Is a VHF radio required for part 135 operations?

For part 135 operations, which involve air taxi services and commuter flights, a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio is indeed required. This is primarily due to the need for effective communication with air traffic control and other aircraft during operations. The requirement emphasizes the necessity for the VHF radio to have the capability to maintain communication throughout the entire flight, ensuring safety and adherence to operational standards.

The reason this option is correct lies in the essential nature of reliable two-way communication in aviation, especially in a commercial context where safety is paramount. VHF radios are commonly used in airspace within line-of-sight communication ranges, which typically covers the cruising altitudes for most part 135 operations.

In contrast, some other options suggest different scenarios, such as only needing HF (High Frequency) for communications, which wouldn't suffice for all necessary interactions, or limiting the need for VHF radios to specific situations like over water, which doesn't reflect the overarching regulations in place for part 135 operations. Thus, the requirement is clear: operations must have a VHF radio capable of maintaining communication throughout the entirety of the flight, solidifying the importance of continuous communication capabilities in commercial aviation safety protocols.