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UK Civil Aviation Authority

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Air operator certificates

Information about the types of AOC available and the related costs and service standards.

Before you apply for an AOC it is essential that you understand what type of AOC you need.

You should consider:

  • the types of aircraft you intend to operate
  • what area and routes you wish to fly
  • whether you need an all weather operation or one which is limited to flights by day, or by night only

Types of Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

Also referred to by the CAA as a "Full AOC", this certificate enables operators to conduct commercial air transport operations between points A and B, subject to the scope and limitations specified in the certificate and associated approvals.

  • The scope of operations may be restricted to the UK or may permit international operations, subject to the approvals, resources and operational capabilities of the operator.
  • Operations may be approved for VFR operations, IFR operations and, where applicable, specific low visibility capabilities such as CAT II or CAT III operations.
  • Flights may be run as scheduled services, or as ad hoc charter.
  • An operating licence is required.

Also see: cost sharing flights

An AOC with a deliberately limited scope that allows operators to conduct flights from point A to point B. It has the following conditions:

  • Flights must be day VFR only.
  • Only single-engine piston aircraft with a maximum take-off mass not exceeding 2,000 kg.
  • A to B operations restricted to points within mainland UK.
  • The AOC may be issued with a limited but seasonal validity period depending upon the requirement.
  • An operating licence is required.

Also see: cost sharing flights

An AOC with a deliberately limited scope that allows operators to conduct flights that depart from and arrive at the same aerodrome. It has the following conditions:

  • Flights must be day VFR only.
  • Only applicable to aircraft not exceeding 5,000 kg Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW).
  • Flights are restricted in radius of operation of not more than 50 nautical miles (aeroplanes) or 25 nautical miles (helicopters) from the aerodrome. Application to operate outside of this area may be considered and is likely to incur additional costs.
  • The AOC may be issued with a limited but seasonal validity period depending upon the requirement.
  • A to A operators are not required to hold an Operating Licence.

Also see: cost sharing flights

A specialist National AOC granted to organisations operating in the Service of a Chief of Police.

This certificate requires procedures similar to those for a Full AOC; however, the nature of police operations may require specific regulatory provisions, approvals or exemptions as determined by the CAA.

List of UK AOC holders

An AOC will be granted only to operators that demonstrate conformity to all set requirements.

Note: Aeroplane and helicopter AOC holders can change the website address or e-mail address given as the contact in the above lists by contacting apply@caa.co.uk.

AOC charges

The CAA charges for an AOC. The cost of an AOC is based upon the type and weight of aircraft you intend to operate.

The charge for the initial issue of an AOC is determined by the planned scope and scale of the operation.
See the CAA Scheme of Charges – Flight operations for more details.

There is no charge for the AOC Application pre-meeting.