Q: Why are you issuing annual charges if the CAA is currently not undertaking any oversight work as no site visits allowed?
A: The UK Civil Aviation Authority continues to oversee aviation safety and security throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. We are doing this in a number of ways, including:
- Conducting desk top safety reviews
- Maintaining regular contact with those we regulate to understand the decisions being made and the associated safety / security implications
- Helping industry navigate aviation safety and security related tasks during this unprecedented time by issuing exemptions where appropriate
Our work as the UK's aviation regulator continues and as such our fees and charges are still due.
Q: The number of aircraft being charged for as part of my AOC annual charge has reduced substantially as most, if not all, are currently grounded. Therefore, should I not receive a reduction in the annual charge?
A: The number of aircraft has been based on the average of the numbers reported to the Civil Aviation Authority on 30 June and 31 December 2019 for Type A Aircraft and 31 May and 31 October 2019 for other operators in accordance with the Official Record Series 5, No. 359 / Ref: 539W.
Q: There is a 'Concession on the calculation of the AOC annual charge' included in the Official Record Series 5, No. 359/359W. Most, or all, of my fleet has been grounded and therefore why does this not apply to me?
A: There are several reasons why this would not apply:
- . If the aircraft have only been grounded and have not been removed from the fleet
- . If there are plans to increase the fleet or re-instate aircraft over the coming charge year
- . The reduction did not take place prior to 1 April 2020
Q: The March deposit invoices for my variable charge have been based on the previous year's levels. I have seen a significant reduction in my volumes in March 2020. Therefore, please can you amend the deposit invoice?
A: The March deposit invoice was issued prior to the downturn in volumes of traffic. However, if you can provide actual volumes to our Aviation Statistics team, we can then issue a credit note to offset the invoiced amount.
Q: I am unable to provide the relevant traffic statistics to the CAA to enable the CAA to calculate my monthly variable charge. What will happen?
A: Where statistics are not available from operators and airports because of the current situation, an estimated deposit variable charge invoice will be issued based on prior year traffic volumes for that month. Adjustments to the traffic volumes for the following month will be:
- April 2020 Deposit invoice will be based on April 2019 less 85%.
Invoices relating to May 2020 traffic onwards will be assessed at a later date.
Q: I am unable to pay the charges levied or need to extend my payment term?
A: We appreciate the size of the impact Covid-19 is having on the aviation industry and are doing everything we can to support industry through this unprecedented event. This includes deferring any increases to our charges for three months to 1 July 2020, which we are keeping under continuous review. However, we are unfortunately unable to waive our regulatory charges or extend payment terms.
Q: I normally pay by direct debit. What are the direct debit arrangements for 2020/21 payments?
A: We have delayed the start of the 10 month direct debit payment plan to the end of May 2020. We will be sending out your payment schedule by 7 May 2020.
The direct debit payment plan is only available to cover the annual charges within the Air Operator Certification Scheme (para 4.1 refers) and the Aerodrome Licensing and EASA Certification and Aerodrome Air Traffic Services Regulation Scheme (paras 3.1.1 and/or 4.2 refer).