Third Country Operators (TCO)

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Third Country Operators - General

Are approvals obtained in the field of aviation security (e.g., ACC3) considered in the TCO authorisation process?

How long should we expect the process to take for the initial TCO authorisation?

How is the economic aspect of the approval (commercial traffic rights - air services agreement) split from the EASA Safety oversight element?

Does EASA collect any fees or charges to operators under Part-TCO?

Applications for TCO a Authorisation

Who has access to the EASA TCO web-interface?

What is the responsibility of the operator’s focal point the so-called TCO Master User?

How do we get our EASA TCO authorisation document when the authorisation process is completed?

Where can I find the TCO technical specifications associated with my TCO authorisation?

What is the "TCO authorisation number" mentioned on the TCO authorisation?

What are the technical requirements needed to access the EASA TCO web interface?

Will Member States or EASA be responsible for the authorisation of special approvals, e.g. for Low Visibility Operations (LVO)?

Is there any effect on an operator who applies for a TCO authorisation if an EASA Member State is not ICAO compliant with a specific ICAO standard?

Are EU Member States involved in related processes?

How can we obtain operating permits for commercial operations to EASA Member States?

Which aircraft should be notified in the TCO Web Interface as part of our TCO application?

We have applied for an EASA TCO Authorisation, but it has not yet been granted. Can we operate to the EU before we have received an EASA TCO authorisation?

What is the difference between the EASA TCO Authorisation and an operating permit issued by an EASA member State?

Which information must an air operator provide during the administrative TCO application?

Where do I find the TCO application form?

How do I submit my technical data?

How do I get access to the EASA TCO web-interface?

Can you explain the steps involved in the TCO application process, beginning with how the carrier should initiate contact to apply, through to the issuance of the TCO authorisation?

How much in advance should an application for TCO authorisation be submitted before the intended starting date of our EU operations?

How can I submit my application form?

Applicability

Is a TCO authorisation issued by EASA required to perform commercial air transport operations to the United Kingdom?

We run a helicopter operation and are contracted for aerial work in the EU. Do I have to apply for a TCO Authorisation?

Our operation is currently subject to an operating ban in accordance with the EU Air Safety List (Reg. (EC) No 2111/2005). Can we nevertheless apply for a TCO authorisation?

We are a non-EU AOC holder with no plans to fly commercially to the EU. However, our maintenance facility is located in the EU. Do I need a TCO authorisation when flying there?

How will the provisions on code-sharing that are laid down in the EU Rules for Air Operations interact with Part-TCO?

Leasing scenario 1. We plan to wet lease-out one of our aircraft to an EU operator. The operations will be performed under our own AOC, with our crew and under our full operational responsibility. Do we need a TCO authorisation?

Leasing, scenario 2. Could you specify if the lessor must have a TCO authorisation in the following situation? A third country operator (lessee) uses an aircraft wet leased-in from a non-EU carrier operating flights under the AOC of the lessor, using the flight number of the third-country operator.

Leasing, scenario 3. Could you specify if the lessor must have a TCO authorisation in the following situation? A third country operator (lessee) uses an aircraft for commercial air transport operations to the EU that is dry leased-in from another non-EU or EU operator (lessor).

Leasing, scenario 4. Please specify which of the two operators must have a TCO authorisation in the following situation: A third country operator (lessee) uses an aircraft wet leased-in from an EU carrier (lessor) operating flights to the EU under the AOC of the lessor, and using the flight number of the third-country operator.

Which EU operating rules are applicable to third country operators?

Do AOC holders certified by an EASA Member State need to apply for a TCO authorisation?

Are there any territories related to the EU to which a third country operator can fly without holding a TCO authorisation?

Will the TCO authorisation cover the transport of forbidden Dangerous Goods?

For a flight requiring diplomatic clearance, does it need to be performed under a TCO authorisation?

My principle place of business (POB) is in an EU overseas territory which is not listed in the scope of Commission Regulation (EU) No 452/2014. Do I need a TCO authorisation to fly to territories which are in the scope of Commission Regulation (EU) 452/2014 ?

Is a TCO authorisation required by Business Aviation Operators?

We are a U.S. 14 CFR Part 91 operator. Are we subject to a TCO authorisation?

We are a U.S. 14 CFR Part 125 Operator. Do we need a TCO authorisation issued by EASA for operations to EU territories?

I plan to overfly EU territories without intending to land. Is a TCO authorisation required?

I plan a technical fuel stop in EU territories. Is a TCO authorisation required?

I plan to fly from a non-EU departure airport to a non-EU destination airport and I intend to file a destination alternate airport in the territory of an EASA Member State. Can I do this without holding a TCO authorisation?

We are a U.S. 14 CFR Part 135 operator. Do I need to hold an authorisation if I intend flying commercially to Europe?

Do non-scheduled charter operators need a TCO authorisation?

One-off notification flights

What type of operations may be performed under a one-off notification?

Under which conditions may I apply for a one-off notification?

Where do I find the One-off notification form?

What information must an air operator provide with the one-off notification form?

What is a one-off notification?

How do I apply for a one-off notification?

How long is a ‘one-off notification’ valid?

Under which circumstances may I re-apply for a one-off notification?

What happens if I did not apply formally for a TCO authorisation within 14 days following the ‘one-off notification date?

What happens following the submission of the ‘one-off notification’ accompanied with the provided application form and supporting documents?

What happens if EASA has not taken any decision on my formal TCO application for a TCO authorisation within the consecutive twelve (12) weeks (84 calendar days) following the ‘one-off notification date?

What happens if EASA takes a negative decision regarding my formal TCO application for a TCO authorisation within the consecutive twelve (12) weeks (84 calendar days) following the ‘one-off notification date?

How can I submit my one-off notification form and the supporting documents?

Technical Issues

Does EASA require us to keep current a registry of aircraft?

Can EASA issue a TCO authorisation in the absence of any aircraft compliant with the applicable standards of the Annexes to the Chicago Convention?

My aircraft is not fitted with a reinforced cockpit door. Can I use it for flights to the EU?

Can EASA issue a TCO authorisation to an operator with open SAFA ramp inspection findings?

Can EASA issue a TCO authorisation in case for one or more aircraft, a non-compliance is found with the applicable standards of the Annexes to the Chicago Convention?

Are there recognised industry standards or third-party audit programmes (e.g., ISO 9001, IOSA, IS-BAO, Air Charter Safety Foundation IAS, etc.) that, if accomplished, may ease the assessment process for operators requesting authorisation?