(a) Any person desiring to provide air transportation as a commuter air carrier must first obtain a Commuter Air Carrier Authorization. This shall be accomplished by filing with the Department—

(1) An application in accordance with the requirements of parts 201 and 302 of this chapter;

(2) Data in accordance with part 204 of this chapter to support a determination by the Department that the person is “fit, willing, and able” to operate the proposed commuter service; and

(3) A $670 filing fee in the form of a check, draft, or postal money order payable to the Department of Transportation.

(b) An executed original and two true copies of an application for a Commuter Air Carrier Authorization shall be filed with Department of Transportation Dockets, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.