INSIGHT
you’d expect; you can find the recommended list within the associated Part-NCO guidance material. For flight over water, the
lifejacket requirement is slightly different to national legislation. Lifejackets are required when operating a single engine aircraft when there is a likelihood of ditching or when out of gliding distance from land, and in all aeroplanes when operating more than 50 miles from land. Sensibly, it’s left to the discretion of the pilot when to carry other equipment such as liferafts and flares. A significant source of income for local suppliers of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) is the new requirement for all aeroplanes and helicopters to carry an ELT on all flights. As a concession to smaller aircraft, a
PLB may be carried instead of an ELT if the aircraft has six seats or fewer. As an examiner, I currently carry a PLB around with me when conducting tests because
ANY QUESTIONS?
What does NCO mean? Part-NCO refers to Non-Commercial Operations with other than complex motor-powered aircraft. Part-NCO is Annex VII of EASA Air Operations
easa.europa.eu/document-library/technical-publications/ easy-access-rules-air-operations
What is the meaning of ‘other than complex motor-powered aircraft’? There is some confusion over this because the FAA uses a completely different definition. The EASA definition of complex motor-powered aircraft is: (i) an aeroplane: ■ with a maximum certificated take-off mass exceeding 5700kg, or ■ certificated for a maximum passenger seating configuration of more than 19, or ■ certificated for operation with a minimum crew of at least two pilots, or ■ equipped with (a) turbojet engine(s) or more than one turboprop engine, or (ii) a helicopter certificated: ■ for a maximum take-off mass exceeding 3175kg, or ■ for a maximum passenger seating configuration of more than nine, or ■ for operation with a minimum crew of at least two pilots
Reference:
easa.europa.eu/easa-and-you/general-aviation/ operations-general-aviation
EASA aircraft and non-EASA aircraft – which is which? EASA has classified certain types of aircraft as EASA aircraft. This will affect where you find the applicable licensing, airworthiness, and operations regulations. You can tell if the aircraft you are flying is an EASA aircraft by having a look at the Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly. Otherwise, have a look on G-INFO under ‘EASA category’.
caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Pilot-licences/Introduction-to- licensing/What-is-an-EASA-aircraft-/
several flying schools I recently visited have been unaware of this requirement (remember to register your PLB and know how to use it as it is a legal requirement under NCO to brief passengers on the use of emergency equipment). .
SUMMARY You’ll appreciate that this is just a brief snapshot of the regulations in force at the time of writing. The regulations, and interpretation of them, may change over time, so please refer to the relevant documents directly as the authoritative source. I’ve provided links below to information you might find useful and answers to a few frequently asked questions. Our own version of the Highway Code,
a CAA published version aptly named the ‘Skyway Code’, is currently under development. We hope this will become a useful reference for recreational pilots to help us better understand and comply with relevant legislation. In the meantime, if you’re operating
EASA aircraft, do have a read through the EASA Air Operations regulation and associated AMC and GM: it’s not too onerous and is generally written in a readable format. Essential knowledge in training is classified
as ‘need to know’ while some areas might be considered as ‘nice to know’. Driving our cars, we all need to know who has right of way, and what is expected of us when operating our vehicles. Similarly, the law expects us to keep up with changes in legislation and to know essential rules and regulations when operating as pilot- in-command of our aircraft. When you’re heading towards me in your aircraft, I’m hoping you’ve revised the essential ‘need to know’ when I turn right to avoid you.
Jon Cooke is Head of Training and Pilot Coaching Scheme chairman for the LAA. He is a commercial pilot on Airbus A320s, having flown and instructed on a wide variety of vintage and modern aircraft. Jon specialises in instructor and examiner training with On-Track Aviation based at Wellesbourne.
Sample C of A from an EASA Aircraft
Do I need to know about EASA Air Operations? If you’re operating an EASA aircraft, which is other than complex motor-powered for recreation or instructing and examining, then you are operating under Part-NCO and must comply with the associated Air Operations regulations. For non-EASA aircraft, you must comply with the Air Navigation Order.
Where can I find a copy of the interception procedures? Safety Sense Leaflet 11 contains a set of interception procedures. You can find all of the CAA Safety Sense Leaflets online at:
caa.co.uk/safetysense
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