The Air Navigation Order (ANO) requires operators to hold an appropriate approval or permission for certain activities and equipment.

Exemptions may be applied for and granted if the CAA is satisfied that an equivalent level of safety will be assured. Holders of approvals can also apply for a variation to any current approval or permission.

Some approvals often require additional continuing airworthiness management.

Further information:

• Minimum Equipment Lists
• Flight Time Limitations
• Air Ambulance Operations

Helicopters

Helicopter AOC Holders applying for a Permission or Exemption should use the Helicopter Permission/Exemption Template (SRG 1836) to check that all required information is included. A Word version of the Helicopter Permission/Exemption Template is also available to make completion easier.

Variations

Operators must have approval from the CAA to:

• add or remove an aircraft type to or from their AOC
• change the operating regions of their aircraft
• make any other changes to their AOC

Most changes constitute a formal variation and are subject to the CAA Scheme of Charges - Air Operator and Police Air Operator Certificates.

Applying for an AOC Variation

• Submit CAA Form SRG 1802, together with the appropriate fee.

Details of costs can be found in the CAA Scheme of Charges - Air Operator and Police Air Operator Certificates.

The completed application form and fee should reach the CAA at least 30 working days before the date of intended operation.

Applicants will receive a decision within 30 working days of receipt of all documentation, including appropriate Operations Manual extracts, amended (where necessary) to the CAA's satisfaction.

An Exemption from the ANO can never be regarded as a means of circumventing the law for commercial expediency and will be granted only when the CAA is satisfied that an equivalent level of safety will be assured.

Flying Displays

AOC holders wishing to display their aircraft must first obtain a Display Authorisation or Exemption. For further information, see Flying Displays and Special Events.

Checklists

Checklists and related guidance for AOC holders are provided to assist in their compliance with operational requirements. Some of these checklists will be required when the AOC is varied (see form SRG 1802).