Definitions
Operator
Operators must:
- Have an operations manual
- Have a management system.
- Have an approved minimum equipment list (MEL) for each aircraft.
- Complete and submit a declaration to us which details their aircraft type, their operational and continuing airworthiness arrangements, any approvals held etc.
- Ensure that the pilot(s) flying the aircraft hold(s) a Part-FCL licence or a validation issued under Annex III to Part-FCL
Non commercial
'Commercial operation' shall mean any operation of an aircraft, in return for remuneration or other valuable consideration, which is available to the public or, when not made available to the public, which is performed under a contract between an operator and a customer, where the latter has no control over the operator.
“non-commercial” has no specific definition but is classed as anything not falling into the remit of “commercial” as defined above.
Beginning operations after making a declaration
Operations can begin immediately once a declaration has been made.
The CAA will verify the details supplied and may get in touch with the operator to confirm or query information, but this should not halt operations in the meantime. However, high risk operations will require prior authorisation.
Part SPO and Part NCC/NCO
Operators can switch between these parts depending on the purpose of the flight.
The applicable Part works on a flight-by-flight basis. The crew would need to know the basis under which they were flying and which rules were applicable. AOC holders must make a separate SPO Declaration if also conducting SPO flights.
Types of operation
The operator will be expected to approach the foreign NAA for any possible authorisation relating to high risk activities.
Flight Time Limitation rules relating to Part-SPO will be developed by EASA.
Aerobatics
Aerobatic flights (for example practice flights) need to comply with Part-NCO/SPO outside the airshow environment.
The management of airshows is covered under the Air Navigation Order (ANO).
Winching
The requirement for a Part-SPA approval applies only to AOC/CAT operations such as sea pilot transfer.
For Part-SPO operators there is not the same requirement for the Specific Approval but Articles 88 & 89 of the ANO 2016 will still apply.
Flights with a person on board operating non-aircraft equipment
Someone operating photographic equipment would be considered a Task Specialist rather than a passenger as long as they are undertaking their specialised tasks as assigned by the operator.
Where not undertaking their specialised tasks, or not being positioned to undertake specialised tasks, they would be defined as passengers.
Low level flying
Exemptions and permissions for low level flying will still be issued.
Such exemptions are not part of SPO but continue to be governed by the Rules of the Air Regulations.
Information for ATOs
ATOs must comply with Part-NCC or Part-NCO, depending on the complexity of the aircraft being used for the training.
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