Guidelines for handling exemptions from crew training and checking requirements in the field of commercial air transport operations under Article 71 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 (The Basic Regulation)

guidelines in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic

This document provides guidelines for national competent authorities (NCAs) in using Article 71 BR for extending the exemption regime for CAT operators that still face significant issues when seeking compliance with crew training and testing requirements in the course of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

This document includes a job aid for NCAs to ensure that all provisions of Article 71(1) and Article 71(2) BR are complied with.

The revised guidelines emphasise the additional consideration and necessary changes to address the ICAO target exemptions framework that will become applicable after March 31, 2021 and the specific timeline considerations on the extension of the theoretical knowledge examinations validity period.