Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC)

Since the establishment of ICAO and the beginning of the regulation of civil aviation safety, complexity and density of aviation operations have not ceased to increase, together with the array of technological choices available.

The complexity of the aviation sector makes it impossible to regulate aviation without having different levels of regulatory text. While in some cases it is appropriate, and even necessary, to use binding rules (Regulations), in other cases some flexibility needs to be provided by the regulatory system, through the use of non-binding standards (soft law). This need for a balanced approach has been universally recognised and has been implemented by all international organisations and national regulators.

In the EASA system, three main levels of Regulatory material exist:

  • The Basic Regulation itself, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, binding in all its elements.
  • Implementing Rules to the Basic Regulation, adopted by the European Commission; and
  • Certification Specifications (CS), Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM), adopted by the Agency.

Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC)

AMCs are non-binding standards adopted by EASA to illustrate means to establish compliance with the Basic Regulation and its Implementing Rules.

The AMCs issued by EASA are not of a legislative nature. They cannot create additional obligations on the regulated persons, who may decide to show compliance with the applicable requirements using other means. However, as the legislator wanted such material to provide for legal certainty and to contribute to uniform implementation, it provided the AMC adopted by EASA with a presumption of compliance with the rules, so that it commits competent authorities to recognise regulated persons complying with EASA AMC as complying with the law.

Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC)

Since AMCs are non-binding, regulated persons may choose alternative means to comply with the rule. In this case, however, they lose the presumption of compliance provided by the EASA AMC, and need to demonstrate to competent authorities that they do comply with the law.

The implementing rules for Aircrew licensing, Air Operations, Aerodromes and Air Traffic Controller licensing describe the process to be used by regulated persons and competent authorities when they intend to use an AltMoC to comply with the rules.

Implementing Rules establish that the implementation of AltMoC by organisations is subject to prior approval by the competent authority and indicate what needs to be done in order to obtain the approval.

Implementing Rules also establish the obligations of competent authorities when giving the prior approval to an organisation and when they adopt themselves an AltMoC that can be used by the regulated organisations under their oversight.

One of the obligations stipulated in the Implementing Rules is to notify EASA of such AltMoCs. Competent authorities are requested to use a dedicated platform (FlexTool) for notifying AltMoCs.

For more information on AMCs and AltMoCs, please consult the FAQ section.

Information on Alternative Means of Compliance notified to the Agency

The List of EASA positively assessed AltMoCs notified by competent authorities is in the Download box of this page.

Only in cases when EASA is the competent authority, the organisation shall use the form in the download box to request the AltMoC.

For further information on the AltMOC referred above, please consult the relevant competent authority.


Disclaimer

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency ('EASA') maintains this list of AltMoCs notified to it by the competent authorities of the Member States ('CAs') for purely information purposes, at the request of the CAs. The content may be subject to changes at any time without prior notice.
This material is:

  • Fully based on information received from the CAs. Consequently it should not be relied upon as a statement, as any form of warranty, representation, undertaking, contractual, or other commitment binding in law upon EASA;
  • for Information purposes only. All information provided is of a general nature only and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular case, individual or entity. It may be used as a tool of guidance but under no circumstances it may substitute or be represented as an official position of EASA. If at any time there is a conflict or discrepancy between the information provided in this list and information given by the CAs that originated it or an official position of EASA, the latter prevails.
  • not necessarily comprehensive, complete, accurate or up to date. All information provided in this page is originating from the CAs. It is provided here without warranty of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise especially as to its quality, reliability, currency, accuracy or fitness for purpose.
  • not professional advice, or any form of assessment, judgement or acceptance by EASA.

Despite every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, it may contain occasional inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors. Any error brought to the attention of will be promptly corrected.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, EASA is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information. EASA shall not be liable for any kind of damages or other claims or demands incurred as a result of incorrect, insufficient or invalid data, or arising out of or in connection with the use, copying, or display of the content, to the extent permitted by European and National laws.
This disclaimer is not intended to limit the liability of EASA in contravention of any requirements laid down in applicable national law or to exclude its liability for matters which may not be excluded under that law.