ICAO Air Operator Certification Consideration of Airworthiness Aspects

Presentation by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

 Introduction

The purpose of an AOC is to certify that specified commercial air transport operations are authorized by the States Civil Aviation Authority and are in conformance with applicable regulations.  

During the certification process, the CAA is to be satisfied that:

       »  The applicant, who will have the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the operation, is eligible for the issuance of an AOC and
       »  Has the ability and competence both to conduct safe and efficient operations and to comply with applicable regulations. [State CAA]

To be eligible for an AOC an applicant must be certified for operating at least one aircraft that is not wet-leased.

Note: Applicants that plan to operate only wet-leased aircraft cannot satisfy the certification procedures and it is necessary for the state to revoke or suspend the AOC of an organization (typically 6 months are allowed). 

At the commencement of the certification process, a CAA inspector will be appointed as project manager (PM), and a certification team will be established consisting of qualified and experienced inspectors of the necessary specializations, such as operations, airworthiness, cabin safety, and dangerous goods.

The applicant will be informed that the PM will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the certification process and will be the focal point for dealing with all matters between the applicant and the CAA.

The safety oversight workload of the PM and team members may need to be adjusted so that enough time is provided for the certification of a new air operator.

The certification process shall be documented with all documents and checklists used to be completed, signed and dated, and appropriately filed. All findings or discrepancies noted during the inspections and evaluations must be notified to the applicant in writing.

 The applicant should address all findings and discrepancies to the satisfaction of the CAA  before the issue of the AOC.

  Operator’s maintenance responsibilities

 Operators shall ensure that in accordance with procedures acceptable to the State of Registry:

        »  Each aeroplane/helicopter they operate is maintained in an airworthy condition;
       »  The operational and emergency equipment necessary for an intended flight is serviceable; and
       »  The certificate of airworthiness of each aircraft they operate remains valid.
       »  An operator shall not operate an aeroplane/helicopter unless it is maintained and released to service by an organization approved in accordance with Annex 6, Part I, Chapter 8.7, or under an equivalent system, either of which shall be acceptable to the State of Registry

Next Steps

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