Part-NCC requires each operator to adhere to the same essential requirements as commercial air transport operators
but the rules are proportionate.
Instead of holding an AOC, operators must submit a declaration to us about their operation.
The declaration will help us to establish and maintain the required oversight programme for Part-NCC aircraft.
Pre-requisites
Declarations should be made by operators of complex motor-powered aircraft flying non-commercial flights:
- with an aircraft which is registered in the UK, wherever the operator is established or residing; or
- with an aircraft which is registered in a State other than the UK but where the operator is established or
residing in the UK.
The operator will need to be aware of the legal requirements surrounding this issue and act within them.
The operator must have an approved minimum equipment list (MEL) for each aircraft.
How do I determine who the operator is?
To determine who the operator is you should consider who is responsible for functions such as:
- Making sure the pilots are licensed, trained and hold the correct ratings
- Making sure the aircraft is insured
- Making sure flight planning is undertaken
- Ensuring the aircraft is airworthy/maintained and properly equipped in accordance with the operating rules
- Writing and updating the Operations Manual
- Applying for approvals (RVSM, LVO etc.) and therefore, in whose name is the approval given
- Maintaining records, submitting MORs
- Who is responsible for delivering those functions where, in the rules, it says 'an operator shall...'
The person responsible for these things is the operator. If the operator is established or resident in the UK
(regardless of where the aircraft is registered) they should make a declaration to the CAA and show their UK address in
the 'Operator' section of the declaration. The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not part of the UK for the
purposes of these regulations.
It is possible that the place from which the operations are normally conducted is different from the place at which
the operator is established or residing. If that is the case, there are provisions for that to be shown on the
declaration.
It should be noted that, in addition to the above, if the aircraft is registered in the UK and the operator is
established or residing outside the European Union then a declaration must be made to the CAA.
Who should make the declaration?
The declaration must be completed by the 'accountable manager' for the operation.
The accountable manager is a person, appointed by the operator, who has the authority for ensuring that all
activities can be financed and carried out in accordance with the applicable requirements. The accountable manager is
responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective management system. The accountable manager may be the same
person as the operator.