Operations
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PRIVATE AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS (NCC)

Applicability

Certain General Aviation aircraft operations which fall into any of the following categories are required to obtain an approval from the BCAA:

  • Operating aircraft with an MTOM over 5,700 kg
  • Turbojet aircraft
  • Aircraft approved for more than nine passenger seats
  • A helicopter with an MTOM over 3,180 kg
  • A helicopter approved for more than five passenger seats
  • Part of an operation that involves more than two aircraft

Requirement

The requirement to obtain an approval is stated in Articles 132 and 133 of the AN(OT)O 2013 and the approval process is explained in Article 134, as amended. Further details are provided in OTAR 125 Appendix A.

Process

Historically, there were two routes to obtain BCAA approval: either through continued achievement of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) standard as run by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), or by satisfying the needs of OTAR 125, overseen directly by the BCAA.

However, the BCAA has recently decided to introduce a wider spectrum of methods for compliance by including other industry standards (subject to an OTAR Gap analysis).

Examples of possible AMOCs are:

  • IS-BAO
  • Wyvern
  • Argus
  • EASA Part NCC
  • Flight Safety Foundation

New Application Package

Agencies Assisting in Article 134 (NCC) Approvals

There are several private companies that can assist an operator with the process of achieving BCAA approval. Rather than publish a list, we encourage operators to conduct their own research and if necessary, approach the BCAA for un-biased guidance.

Minimum Equipment List

OTAR 125 requires that where an aircraft has a Master MEL, the operator must develop a customised MEL. The following documents are available to help the operator produce a MEL:

Low Visibility Operations

The requirements for Low Visibility Operations (LVO) are found in Section IV of OTAR Part SPA (Special Approvals) and the applicable appendices. Please note OTAR 125.1115 (c), states the need for six-month (biannual) simulator checks. OTAR 125, which includes the LVO SPA, can be found on www.airsafety.aero.

Note: CAT 1 or Non-Precision Approach (LOC, RNP, VOR-DME) utilizing HUDLS/hybrid HUD/HUDLS and/ or EVS is not classified as Low Visibility Operations and therefore does NOT require Governor’s Approval.

Airspace Approvals

An extensive application form for airspace approvals, as well as guidance on completing it, is available on the BCAA AIRS public website. This application form includes all aspects of Performance Based Navigation, Surveillance and Communications as well as RVSM and NAT HLA.

Electronic flight bag (e.f.b.)

The Electronic Flight Bag (E.F.B.) requirements are found in OTAR Part 91/part 125 (airsafety.aero)

Please note that the safety management system (SMS) should be utilized by carrying out a risk analysis which documents any anomalies experienced by using the E.F.B. The operations manual should include the standard operating procedures for the use of aircraft, crew, and other operating staff for every aircraft type operated. These procedures shall contain the normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures relating to the operation of the aircraft.

FORM

Training Best Practices

Aircrew Training Best Practices:

  Ground Training Flight Training
Annual - Flight Crew Donning of lifejacket
Donning of PBE
Handling of fire extinguishers
Instruction/location of all Safety/emergency equipment
First aid kits
Defibrillators (if carried)
Operation of all exits
Aviation security
Licence Proficiency Check (mandatory)
LVO (if approval held – every six months)
Use of HUD/EVS
Right hand seat (if co-Captain)
Specific airfield RNP AR (if approved)
Biennial – Flight Crew Safe transport of dangerous goods
Navigation procedures
SMS
 
Triennial – Flight Crew CRM awareness
Use of aircraft slides (if fitted)
Actual use of fire-fighting equipment
Smoke filled cabin
Handling of distress flares
Demonstration of life raft (if fitted)
Ditching procedures
 
Annual - Cabin Crew (when carried as per Regulations) Authority structure
Normal and emergency assignments
Passenger handling and briefings
Use of cabin equipment and controls
Use of normal and emergency exits
Instruction/location of all Safety/emergency equipment
Location and use of oxygen equipment
Use of aircraft slides (if fitted)
Aviation security
 
Biennial – Cabin Crew (when carried as per Regulations) Safe transport of dangerous goods
SMS
 
Triennial – Cabin Crew (when carried as per Regulations) CRM awareness
Aircraft documentation