What are Operational Credits?
New rules for all-weather operations are being introduced in Europe. These include provisions for approach operations with “operational credits”, but what is an operation...
Articles
Why can’t the EU recognise UK pilots’ licences?
You have a pilot’s licence issued by the UK CAA. You complete the same training and checking as someone who has a licence issued by an EU state. Until 2021 you could fly an a...
Who’s going to manage your Business Jet?
If you are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the advantages of business aviation (private jet travel) then there may come a time when you decide to invest in your own airc...
UK ATOs approved by EASA
Back in the days when the United Kingdom (UK) was a member of the European Union (EU) approved training organisations (ATOs) in the UK could train pilots holding licences iss...
Can I buy an Air Operators' Certificate?
If you’re planning to start an airline, then the process of applying for an air operators’ certificate (AOC) and operating licence (AOL) can take many months. Is it possible ...
How to start an airline on the cheap
The pandemic of 2020 destroyed many airlines. The loss of demand may be temporary, but there is a consensus that there will also be permanent changes to the travel industry. ...
Regulations for aircraft ferrying
(or, why I don’t want to ferry an aircraft for you)One sector of the aviation industry that has benefitted from the covid pandemic is aircraf...
Can I use MS Flight Simulator to train for my pilot’s licence?
Flight simulators are everywhere. People have them in their garages and bedrooms, excellent software packages such as Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane are available for...
Update to the Aircrew Regulation
In December 2018 the European Commission published an amendment to the Aircrew Regulation. ‘
Aviation safety if there’s no Brexit deal: What will it mean for you?
In September 2018 the UK government published
Easier process for low visibility approach approvals
Present European Regulations for low visibility operations (LVO) such as CAT II/III or EVS require an operator to conduct an ‘operational demonstration’ before the Competent ...
New Operational Credits for Enhanced Vision
Many new aircraft are fitted with ‘Enhanced Vision Systems’. These systems use infra-red cameras and other technology to see through atmospheric obscuration such as fog, snow...
EASA rule-making reveals a ‘latent safety risk’ in low-visibility operations.
EASA has been developing new rules for 'All Weather Operations' ('AWO') such as low visibility approach and landing. A notice of proposed amendment (NPA) ...
Are you ready for an NCC Audit?
WHAT’S AN NCC AUDIT?Since 2016 private aircraft operators in Europe have had to comply with regulations for the “non-commercial operation of complex m...
EASA Workshop on the use of training devices, including FSTDs.
On 6 March 2018 EASA hosted a workshop on the use of training devices, including flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) at their headquarters in Cologne. The purpose of t...
How to start an airline
If you’re going to start an airline then you need a number of things, for example quite a lot of money. In order to stay on the right side of the law you will need an air ope...
What's the difference between an MEL and an MMEL?
In order to operate an aircraft with instruments, equipment or services inoperative the pilot-in-command needs to comply with the provisions of the Minimum Equipment List (ME...
PBN Operations
Traditional instrument rating (IR) training includes non-precision and precision approaches based around radio-aids like VOR, NDB and ILS. Real-life flying now involves all k...
Operating rules for NCC
On 25th August 2016 new operating rules come into effect in Europe for non-commercial operators of complex motor-powered aircraft (‘NCC’ operators). These rules, published in...
EASA / EBAA Workshop on Part-NCC Implementation
On Wednesday 2nd March EASA hosted the joint EASA / EBAA Workshop on Part-NCC implementation. The event was oversubscribed with 180 delegates from industry and the national a...
Fly a King Air 200? Don’t worry about NCC.
Business aircraft operators need to comply with new European rules (Commission Regulation (EU) 956/2012). This regulation includes new operating rules (Part-NCC) and new orga...
Re-certification
There’s an increasing trend for national aviation authorities (NAAs) in some states to subject organisations to ‘re-certification’. This can affect any organisation approved ...
Line checks from the third seat
Back in 2008, a change crept into EU-OPs. It required that the person conducting the “line check … shall occupy an observer’s seat where installed”. It seems that ma...