Managing and Operating a Business Jet on the Maltese Register - Part 2

Air Operating Certificate.

Yesterday we sarted this series of articles investigating the Maltese legislation relative to operating a business jet using the Maltese infrastructure. in this post, Part 2 of this series, we will talk about the requisites to obtain an AOC.

Strictly speaking an owner who is operating his aircraft for his own use, will not require an AOC, as the aircraft will be operated in the private category, however this scenario can be very restrictive, as it is at best unclear whether employees of the owner and sub-contractors can legally use the aircraft, as it can be argued that the aircraft will be operated for gain, and hence an AOC will be required. Further more if the aircraft is given under management to a third party company, even if the aircraft is not available for third party charter, the third party company managing the aircraft must obtain an AOC. Simply put, an aircraft can be operated in the private category without an AOC, however to obtain an AOC, the company must also have an ASL. The applications for the AOC and ASL, should be submitted together to the Director of Maltese Civil Aviation. In order to apply for an AOC, a company must demonstrate ownership of an aircraft, or a lease agreement for an aircraft. An aircraft need not be registered to be operated by a Maltese AOC, however the registered aircraft must have a European Union and JAA country registration. The reverse is also true, ie a Maltese registered aircraft can be operated on a European Union and JAA AOC, however both of these scenarios are not preferred by the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation. Similar procedures are required by the company applying for an AOC as for company applying for an ASL. The process for obtaining an AOC, ASL and registration of aircraft should take from three to six months, subject to demonstrating to the Maltese Department of Civil Aviation full compliance to JAR OPS 1.