Tag: Non-Commercial Complex

Key Issues Facing International Flight Operators to and from Europe

With the 2018 European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) taking place this month, all eyes in the business aviation industry will be focusing on Europe. We thus wanted to share the key issues flight operators need to keep in mind when traveling to and from Europe.

Regulatory Compliance

2018 has ushered in some significant changes that impact the business aviation industry. For those operating to and from Europe, the two key regulatory issues to keep in mind are:

  • The 2018 IS-BAO standard. Released at the beginning of 2018 in beta version, the go-live date is scheduled for July 1, 2018. It is a code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve a high level of safety. If your manual has not been updated to the latest IS-BAO standards, and you have an audit prior to July 1, 2019, you should consider updating your FOM at least two months prior to your audit. We can include best practices and any revisions that you may have as part of a standard reissue.
  • Part-NCC. The European Union’s Part-NCC (Non-Commercial Complex) is a regulation aimed at enhancing safety, training and record-keeping protocols within Europe for companies flying complex corporate aircraft privately. With Part-NCC, it’s not about where the aircraft is registered, but where the operator of the aircraft is established or, in the event of an individual owner, resides. So, if you are a UK-based operator with a Cayman Island registered aircraft, you should be Part-NCC compliant for instance.

Customs

Customs can be a challenge for flight operators traveling to multiple European destinations. Each country and airport may have unique customs requirements, and managing those requirements for flight operators is critical to quickly and efficiently clear customs. The US is currently working on a customs compliance guide for private operators with hopes it will be commonplace within the next few years.

A key factor to keep in mind is ensuring passports or visas for all flight crew are current, and making sure visas especially – which may vary from country to country – are approved well in advance.

Weather

On Atlantic crossings, weather and volcanic activity become a significant factor and one that flight operators need to be prepared for. Temperature conditions, for instance near Greenland, may also make it challenging to maintain altitudes in certain aircraft.

Security

Flight operators need to stay vigilant when it comes to personal and IT security. With recent system hackings, it is crucial to ensure that flight (and personal) devices stay within your control and that malware is not downloaded. Breached network issues also apply to onboard Wi-Fi systems, so it is important that operators equip aircraft broadband access with secure networks.

Finally, regarding personal security, flight operators should establish an emergency plan that is ready to be implemented if a situation arises. This should include, for instance, an evacuation plan coordinated with passengers designating and communicating a meeting place.

To learn more about how AviationManuals can help support your efforts to achieve trouble-free flights to and from Europe, contact us today.

Part-NCC is here – Are You Compliant?

The European Union’s Part-NCC (Non-Commercial Complex) is a regulation aimed at enhancing safety, training and record-keeping protocols within Europe for companies flying complex corporate aircraft privately. Yet, even though the regulation went into effect on August 25 2016, there remains considerable confusion within the industry.

Let’s try to shed some light on this complex issue.

First, let’s clarify who exactly is affected by Part-NCC. The answer to this comes down to who is the operator and where they are geographically located.

As to the first, although you would be forgiven for thinking that the operator is the owner, it’s not always that easy, since Part-NCC uses a much broader definition. According to the regulation, the operator is the person or entity that effectively manages and oversees the operation of the aircraft and who has the responsibility to commence, terminate or deviate the aircraft’s flight.

Once you determine who the operator is, the next step is to look at the geographic location of the operator. With Part-NCC, it’s not about where the aircraft is registered, but where the operator of the aircraft is established or, in the event of an individual owner, resides. So, if you are a UK-based operator with a Cayman Island registered aircraft, you should be Part-NCC compliant.

Isn’t IS-BAO Good Enough?

IS-BAO is a good starting point, but it only covers around 90% of what Part-NCC is looking for. So, while it’s certainly better than nothing, IS-BAO certification itself cannot be used to show full compliance with Part-NCC.

What About that Last 10%?

The challenge with becoming Part-NCC compliant is that it’s a complex regulation, and many small operators don’t know where to begin – let alone understand what’s required of them. This is a big reason why, nearly a year after coming into effect, compliance levels appear to remain low.

Though some aircraft management companies offer Part-NCC compliance plans, they aren’t usually the best fit for operators. Other solutions are simply software platforms that do not provide sufficient content, regulatory or editorial support. Most operators do not have the financial resources to afford the aircraft management company solutions or the personnel and editorial skills to simply subscribe to a software platform that does not provide any real guidance on regulatory content.

Many operators are thus seemingly taking a wait and see approach, potentially a risky bet.

A Part-NCC Service That Fits Your Operation

To help private aircraft operators comply with all new European regulations, including Part-NCC, AviationManuals has developed affordable, customized solutions. An operator needs to do little more than participate in online development sessions. We take care of providing, managing and editing all Part NCC requirements and more. Our packages include ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Annex 6 Part II content, EASA Part NCC Compliance Content, IS-BAO Standards and Protocols, industry Best Practices, Policies and Procedures and input from literally hundreds of operators and auditors.  It is a simple and affordable process for all operators regardless of size and resources.

Learn more about our Part-NCC service.