Module 10.5 — Air operations: AOC, operator responsibilities, MEL/CDL and documents on board

Scope and level

10.5 is level 1 for all categories: a general understanding of the Air Operations Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 and how operations affect maintenance. Note: the Air OPS EAR was not part of our downloaded research pack; the facts here are standard and should be cross-checked against the current EAR for Air Operations if a detail matters.

The Air Operations Regulation (EU) No 965/2012

Annex	Part	Content
I	Definitions	Terms used throughout
II	Part-ARO	Authority requirements
III	Part-ORO	Organisation requirements for operators (AOC, management system, crew, MEL approval, documents)
IV	Part-CAT	Commercial air transport operations
V	Part-SPA	Specific approvals (PBN, MNPS, RVSM, LVO, ETOPS, dangerous goods, NVIS, HHO, HEMS …)
VI	Part-NCC	Non-commercial operations with complex motor-powered aircraft
VII	Part-NCO	Non-commercial operations with other-than-complex aircraft
VIII	Part-SPO	Specialised operations (aerial work — e.g. photography, survey, banner towing)

Commercial vs non-commercial operations

• Commercial operation: any operation of an aircraft, in return for remuneration or other valuable consideration, which is available to the public or, when not made available to the public, is performed under a contract between an operator and a customer.
• Commercial air transport (CAT): transport of passengers, cargo or mail for remuneration.
• Influence on maintenance:
  • Aircraft used by licensed air carriers (and all complex motor-powered aircraft) must have continuing airworthiness managed by a CAMO and be maintained by a Part-145 organisation.
  • Non-commercial light aircraft can use Part-ML, Part-CAO organisations, independent certifying staff, or pilot-owner maintenance.
  • ARC issue/extension rules differ (e.g. CAMO extension in a controlled environment for airline aircraft).