Hi Bård Ove,

Can you please elaborate what a restricted AOC means to you? Like only A to A for sightseeing trips?

An aircraft operating under a Restricted Airworthiness Certificate is generally limited to certain specific activities and may not be used for all the operations covered under EASA regulations, which include Part-CAT (Commercial Air Transport) and Part-SPO (Specialised Operations).

Part-CAT operations involve commercial air transport, which is the transportation of passengers, cargo, or mail for remuneration or hire. This type of operation typically requires aircraft to be operated under a Standard Airworthiness Certificate because of the stringent safety standards and regulatory requirements that need to be met, ensuring the highest level of passenger safety.

Part-SPO operations cover specialised aviation operations that might not involve transport for hire or remuneration and can include activities like aerial work (agricultural, construction, photography, surveying), flight training, or historical aircraft flights. These operations can sometimes be performed with aircraft operating under a Restricted Airworthiness Certificate, provided the specific conditions of the certificate and the regulatory requirements for the operation are met.

The use of an aircraft with a Restricted Airworthiness Certificate in Part-SPO is more feasible than in Part-CAT, as the latter involves commercial passenger transport and requires adherence to more stringent safety and operational standards. The specific activities permitted for an aircraft with a Restricted Airworthiness Certificate are detailed in the certificate itself, and these operations must also comply with the regulations and safety standards applicable to the type of operation being conducted (e.g., Part-SPO).

If you need the most current regulations or specific guidance regarding the operation of an aircraft under a Restricted Airworthiness Certificate in either Part-CAT or Part-SPO operations, consulting the EASA regulations or the national aviation authority of the country in question would provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Thanks Benjamin,

That is also my understanding, but I have not been able to find anything about this in the EASA regulations (OPS, CS-23, CS-25, Part-145, Part-M or Part-CAMO.

Could you provide which regulations you refer to?

Certificates of Airworthiness are issued in accordance with the Part 21 Regulation (Initial Airworthiness).

As per 21.B.327(c):
Limitations for use will be associated with restricted certificates of airworthiness, including airspace restrictions, as necessary to take account of deviations from essential requirements for airworthiness laid down in Regulation (EC) No 216/2008.

Therefore limitations on operation shall be defined by the issuer of the restricted CoA, these should be listed in Section 5 of the certificate.

Hi Marcus, I did not mention a restricted AOC, only a restricted airworthiness certificate.

Best regards,

Bård Ove