AIR OPS, commercial air transport + related EASA decisions (AMC&GM).
Date: 2013-07-15
Institutions: European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Subjects: Community certification, air safety, air transport, aircraft, maintenance, technical standard

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AIR OPERATIONS
COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT

(Aeroplanes and Helicopters)

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First issue May 2013 

AIR OPS – 
Commercial Air Transport

Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 of 05 October 2012
laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to air operations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008
of the European Parliament and of the Council
Initially published on 25.10.2012, Official Journal L 296

+ related EASA Decisions 
(AMC&GM)

ED Decision 2012/015/R (GM to Definitions for terms used in Annexes II-V (OPS - Annex I))
ED Decision 2012/016/R (AMC and GM to Part-ARO (OPS - Annex II))
ED Decision 2012/017/R (AMC and GM to Part-ORO (OPS - Annex III))
ED Decision 2012/018/R (AMC and GM to Part-CAT (OPS - Annex IV))
ED Decision 2012/019/R (AMC and GM to Part-SPA (OPS - Annex V))

 
 
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ISBN 978-92-9210-150-3 
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Layout by EASA.

AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 
AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Dear Reader
Dear Reader,

Dear Reader,

We are pleased to confirm that the EASA Technical Publications are becoming more known and 
also more successful. 2013 starts with two new productions, AIR OPS and Part-21. This AIR OPS 
version  you  are  looking  at  contains  the  first  package  of  all  adopted  OPS  rules  in  the Technical 
Publications format. It includes Definitions, Authority Requirements, Organisation Requirements, 
Commercial  Air  Transport,  and  Specific  Approvals.  The  upcoming  Annexes  that  are  yet  to  be 
adopted will also be published in the Technical Publications format on a CD.

The  Agency’s  3  other  Technical  Publications  of  2012  —  Part-M,  Part-145  and  Part-66  —  are 
also available for our stakeholders. In 2013 and beyond, there will be additional new Technical 
Publications in the various technical fields.

Cologne, May 2013 

Patrick Goudou
Executive Director, EASA

3 | AIR OPS

 
AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

This AIR OPS consolidated version has been prepared by the Agency in order to provide stakeholders with an updated and 
easy-to-read publication. It has been prepared by combining the officially published corresponding text of the regulation 
and all amendments together with the acceptable means of compliance and guidance material adopted so far. However, 
this is not an official publication and the Agency accepts no liability for damage of any kind resulting from the risks inher-
ent in the use of this document.

Officially published documents, used to amalgamate all the elements into this consolidated version, may be found on the 
Agency’s webpage www.easa.europa.eu

The format of this publication has been adjusted in order to make it easier to read and for reference purposes. Readers are 
invited and encouraged to report to Air_Ops@easa.europa.eu any perceived errors or comments relating to this publication.

The  footnotes  in  this  consolidated  version  of  AIR  OPS  have  not  preserved  the  same  numbering  as  the  footnotes  in  the 
original documents because the regulation and its related acceptable means of compliance and guidance materials have 
combined into a single unit. However, the references in the footnotes have not changed.

4 | AIR OPS

AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Key to use of document

Annex number and 
Part of the rule

Implementing Rule (no 
coloured bar on the side 
of the page)

Subpart of the rule

AMC  –  Acceptable  Means  of 
Compliance  [pages  with  thick 
yellow bars (light grey)]

GM – Guidance Material
[pages with thick green bars 
(dark grey)]

Key to use of document

AIR OPS and AMC/GM – January 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ARO.GEN.350  Findings and corrective actions — organisations

(a)  The competent authority for oversight in accordance with ARO.GEN.300 (a) shall have a system to analyse 

ﬁ ndings for their safety signiﬁ cance.

(b)  A  level  1  ﬁ nding  shall  be  issued  by  the  competent  authority  when  any  signiﬁ cant  non-compliance  is 
detected with the applicable requirements of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules, 
with the organisation’s procedures and manuals or with the terms of an approval or certiﬁ cate which low-
ers safety or seriously hazards ﬂ ight safety.

The level 1 ﬁ ndings shall include:

(1) 

failure to give the competent authority access to the organisation’s facilities as deﬁ ned in ORO.GEN.140 
during normal operating hours and after two written requests; 

(2)  obtaining or maintaining the validity of the organisation certiﬁ cate by falsiﬁ cation of submitted docu-

mentary evidence; 

(3)  evidence of malpractice or fraudulent use of the organisation certiﬁ cate; and

(4)  the lack of an accountable manager. 

(c)  A level 2 ﬁ nding shall be issued by the competent authority when any non-compliance is detected with the 
applicable requirements of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules, with the organisa-
tion’s procedures and manuals or with the terms of an approval or certiﬁ cate which could lower safety or 

AIR OPS and AMC/GM – January 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.305(b)  Oversight programme

SPECIFIC NATURE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE ORGANISATION, RESULTS OF PAST OVERSIGHT

(a)  When determining the oversight programme for an organisation the competent authority should consider 

in particular the following elements, as applicable: 

(1)  the implementation by the organisation of industry standards, directly relevant to the organisation’s 

activity subject to this Regulation;

(2)  the procedure applied for and scope of changes not requiring prior approval;

(3)  speciﬁ c approvals held by the organisation; 

(4)  speciﬁ c procedures implemented by the organisation related to any alternative means of compliance 

used.

(b)  For  the  purpose  of  assessing  the  complexity  of  an  organisation’s  management  system,  AMC1  ORO.

GEN.200(b) should be used. 

(c)  Regarding results of past oversight, the competent authority should also take into account relevant results 
of ramp inspections of organisations it has certiﬁ ed that were performed in other Member States in accord-
ance with ARO.RAMP.

AIR OPS and AMC/GM – January 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.300(a); (b);(c)  Oversight

GENERAL

(a)  Responsibility for the conduct of safe operations lies with the organisation. Under these provisions a posi-
tive move is made towards devolving upon the organisation a share of the responsibility for monitoring 
the safety of operations. The objective cannot be attained unless organisations are prepared to accept the 
implications of this policy including that of committing the necessary resources to its implementation. Cru-
cial to the success of the policy is the content of Part-ORO, which requires the establishment of a manage-
ment system by the organisation.

(b)  The  competent  authority  should  continue  to  assess  the  organisation’s  compliance  with  the  applicable 
requirements, including the eﬀ ectiveness of the management system. If the management system is judged 
to have failed in its eﬀ ectiveness, then this in itself is a breach of the requirements which may, among oth-
ers, call into question the validity of a certiﬁ cate, if applicable.

(c)  The accountable manager is accountable to the competent authority as well as to those who may appoint 
him/her. It follows that the competent authority cannot accept a situation in which the accountable man-
ager is denied suﬃ  cient funds, manpower or inﬂ uence to rectify deﬁ ciencies identiﬁ ed by the management 
system.

GM1 ARO.GEN.300(d)  Oversight 

ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE MEMBER STATE

(a)  Activities performed in the territory of the Member State by persons or organisations established or resid-

ing in another Member State include:

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European Aviation Safety Agency

CONSOLIDATED DOCUMENT 
OF ANNEX I – DEFINITIONS FOR TERMS USED 
IN ANNEXES II–V

Implementing Rule, Acceptable Means 
of Compliance and Guidance Material

First edition: May 2013

AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex I Part-Definitions

Contents

Dear Reader ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Key to use of document .......................................................................................................................................... 5

ANNEX I 
Definitions for terms used in Annexes II-V ................................................................................. 9
GM1 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 16
GM2 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 17
GM3 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 25
GM4 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 25
GM5 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 25
GM6 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 25
GM7 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 25
GM8 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 25
GM9 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 26
GM10 Annex I  Definitions  ................................................................................................................................... 26

8 | AIR OPS

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex I Part-Definitions

ANNEX I 
Defi nitions for terms used in Annexes II-V

For the purpose of this Regulation, the following defi nitions shall apply:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

‘Accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA)’ means the length of the take-off  run available plus the length 
of stopway, if such stopway is declared available by the State of the aerodrome and is capable of bearing 
the mass of the aeroplane under the prevailing operating conditions. 

‘Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC)’ means non-binding standards adopted by the Agency to illus-
trate means to establish compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules.

‘Acceptance checklist’ means a document used to assist in carrying out a check on the external appear-
ance of packages of dangerous goods and their associated documents to determine that all appropriate 
requirements have been met with.

‘Adequate aerodrome’ means an aerodrome on which the aircraft can be operated, taking account of the 
applicable performance requirements and runway characteristics.

For the purpose of passenger classifi cation:

(a) 

(b) 

‘adult’ means a person of an age of 12 years and above;

‘child/children’ means persons who are of an age of two years and above but who are less than 12 
years of age; 

(c) 

‘infant’ means a person under the age of two years.

‘Aeroplane’ means an engine-driven fi xed-wing aircraft heavier than air that is supported in fl ight by the 
dynamic reaction of the air against its wings.

‘Aided night vision imaging system (NVIS) fl ight’ means, in the case of NVIS operations, that portion of 
a visual fl ight rules (VFR) fl ight performed at night when a crew member is using night vision goggles 
(NVG). 

‘Aircraft’ means a machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other 
than the reactions of the air against the earth’s surface.

‘Alternative means of compliance’ mean those means that propose an alternative to an existing Accept-
able Means of Compliance or those that propose new means to establish compliance with Regulation 
(EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules for which no associated AMC have been adopted by the 
Agency. 

‘Anti-icing’, in the case of ground procedures, means a procedure that provides protection against the 
formation of frost or ice and accumulation of snow on treated surfaces of the aircraft for a limited period 
of time (hold-over time).

‘Cabin crew member’ means an appropriately qualifi ed crew member, other than a fl ight crew or techni-
cal crew member, who is assigned by an operator to perform duties related to the safety of passengers 
and fl ight during operations. 

‘Category  I  (CAT  I)  approach  operation’  means  a  precision  instrument  approach  and  landing  using  an 
instrument landing system (ILS), microwave landing system (MLS), GLS (ground-based augmented global 
navigation satellite system (GNSS/GBAS) landing system), precision approach radar (PAR) or GNSS using 
a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) with a decision height (DH) not lower than 200 ft and with 
a runway visual range (RVR) not less than 550 m for aeroplanes and 500 m for helicopters.

13. 

‘Category II (CAT II) operation’ means a precision instrument approach and landing operation using ILS or 
MLS with: 

(a) 

(b) 

DH below 200 ft but not lower than 100 ft; and 

RVR of not less than 300 m.

14. 

‘Category IIIA (CAT IIIA) operation’ means a precision instrument approach and landing operation using 
ILS or MLS with: 

(a) 

DH lower than 100 ft; and 

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Annex I Part-Definitions

(b) 

RVR not less than 200 m. 

15. 

‘Category IIIB (CAT IIIB) operation’ means a precision instrument approach and landing operation using 
ILS or MLS with: 

(a) 

(b) 

DH lower than 100 ft, or no DH; and 

RVR lower than 200 m but not less than 75 m.

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

23. 

24. 

25. 

26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 

31. 

‘Category  A  with  respect  to  helicopters’  means  a  multi-engined  helicopter  designed  with  engine  and 
system isolation features specifi ed in the applicable airworthiness codes and capable of operations using 
take-off  and landing data scheduled under a critical engine failure concept that assures adequate desig-
nated surface area and adequate performance capability for continued safe fl ight or safe rejected take-off  
in the event of engine failure.

‘Category B with respect to helicopters’ means a single-engined or multi-engined helicopter that does 
not meet Category A standards. Category B helicopters have no guaranteed capability to continue safe 
fl ight in the event of an engine failure, and unscheduled landing is assumed. 

‘Certifi cation Specifi cations’ (CS) mean technical standards adopted by the Agency indicating means to 
show compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules and which can be used 
by an organisation for the purpose of certifi cation.

‘Circling’ means the visual phase of an instrument approach to bring an aircraft into position for landing 
on a runway/FATO that is not suitably located for a straight-in approach.

‘Clearway’ means a defi ned rectangular area on the ground or water under the control of the appropriate 
authority, selected or prepared as a suitable area over which an aeroplane may make a portion of its initial 
climb to a specifi ed height.

‘Cloud base’ means the height of the base of the lowest observed or forecast cloud element in the vicin-
ity of an aerodrome or operating site or within a specifi ed area of operations, normally measured above 
aerodrome elevation or, in the case of off shore operations, above mean sea level.

‘Code share’ means an arrangement under which an operator places its designator code on a fl ight oper-
ated by another operator, and sells and issues tickets for that fl ight. 

‘Congested area’ means in relation to a city, town or settlement, any area which is substantially used for 
residential, commercial or recreational purposes.

‘Contaminated runway’ means a runway of which more than 25% of the runway surface area within the 
required length and width being used is covered by the following:

(a) 

(b) 

surface water more than 3 mm (0.125 in) deep, or by slush, or loose snow, equivalent to more than 
3 mm (0.125 in) of water;

snow which has been compressed into a solid mass which resists further compression and will hold 
together or break into lumps if picked up (compacted snow); or

(c) 

ice, including wet ice.

‘Contingency  fuel’  means  the  fuel  required  to  compensate  for  unforeseen  factors  that  could  have  an 
infl uence on the fuel consumption to the destination aerodrome.

‘Continuous descent fi nal approach (CDFA)’ means a technique, consistent with stabilised approach pro-
cedures, for fl ying the fi nal-approach segment of a non-precision instrument approach procedure as a 
continuous descent, without level-off , from an altitude/height at or above the fi nal approach fi x altitude/
height to a point approximately 15 m (50 ft) above the landing runway threshold or the point where the 
fl are manoeuvre shall begin for the type of aircraft fl own.

‘Converted meteorological visibility (CMV)’ means a value, equivalent to an RVR, which is derived from 
the reported meteorological visibility.

‘Crew member’ means a person assigned by an operator to perform duties on board an aircraft.

‘Critical phases of fl ight’ in the case of aeroplanes means the take-off  run, the take-off  fl ight path, the fi nal 
approach, the missed approach, the landing, including the landing roll, and any other phases of fl ight as 
determined by the pilot-in-command or commander.

‘Critical  phases  of  fl ight’  in  the  case  of  helicopters  means  taxiing,  hovering,  take-off ,  fi nal  approach, 
missed approach, the landing and any other phases of fl ight as determined by the pilot-in-command or 
commander.

‘Damp runway’ means a runway where the surface is not dry, but when the moisture on it does not give 
it a shiny appearance.

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32. 

33. 

‘Dangerous goods (DG)’ means articles or substances which are capable of posing a risk to health, safety, 
property or the environment and which are shown in the list of dangerous goods in the Technical Instruc-
tions or which are classifi ed according to those Instructions.

‘Dangerous goods accident’ means an occurrence associated with and related to the transport of danger-
ous goods by air which results in fatal or serious injury to a person or major property damage.

34. 

‘Dangerous goods incident’ means:

(a) 

an occurrence other than a dangerous goods accident associated with and related to the transport 
of dangerous goods by air, not necessarily occurring on board an aircraft, which results in injury to 
a person, property damage, fi re, breakage, spillage, leakage of fl uid or radiation or other evidence 
that the integrity of the packaging has not been maintained; 

(b) 

any occurrence relating to the transport of dangerous goods which seriously jeopardises an air-
craft or its occupants.

‘De-icing’,  in  the  case  of  ground  procedures,  means  a  procedure  by  which  frost,  ice,  snow  or  slush  is 
removed from an aircraft in order to provide uncontaminated surfaces.

‘Defi ned point after take-off  (DPATO)’ means the point, within the take-off  and initial climb phase, before 
which  the  helicopter’s  ability  to  continue  the  fl ight  safely,  with  the  critical  engine  inoperative,  is  not 
assured and a forced landing may be required.

‘Defi ned  point  before  landing  (DPBL)’  means  the  point  within  the  approach  and  landing  phase,  after 
which  the  helicopter’s  ability  to  continue  the  fl ight  safely,  with  the  critical  engine  inoperative,  is  not 
assured and a forced landing may be required.

‘Distance DR’ means the horizontal distance that the helicopter has travelled from the end of the take-off  
distance available.

‘Dry lease agreement’ means an agreement between undertakings pursuant to which the aircraft is oper-
ated under the air operator certifi cate (AOC) of the lessee. 

‘Dry operating mass’ means the total mass of the aircraft ready for a specifi c type of operation, excluding 
usable fuel and traffi  c load. 

‘Dry runway’ means a runway which is neither wet nor contaminated, and includes those paved runways 
which have been specially prepared with grooves or porous pavement and maintained to retain ‘eff ec-
tively dry’ braking action even when moisture is present.

‘Elevated fi nal approach and take-off  area (elevated FATO)’ means a FATO that is at least 3 m above the 
surrounding surface.

‘En-route  alternate  (ERA)  aerodrome’  means  an  adequate  aerodrome  along  the  route,  which  may  be 
required at the planning stage.

‘Enhanced  vision  system  (EVS)’  means  a  system  to  display  electronic  real-time  images  of  the  external 
scene achieved through the use of imaging sensors.

‘Final  approach  and  take-off   area  (FATO)’  means  a  defi ned  area  for  helicopter  operations,  over  which 
the fi nal phase of the approach manoeuvre to hover or land is completed, and from which the take-off  
manoeuvre is commenced. In the case of helicopters operating in performance class 1, the defi ned area 
includes the rejected take-off  area available.

35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 

45. 

46. 

‘Flight data monitoring (FDM)’ means the proactive and non-punitive use of digital fl ight data from rou-
tine operations to improve aviation safety. 

47. 

‘Flight simulation training device (FSTD)’ means a training device which is:

(a) 

(b) 

in the case of aeroplanes, a full fl ight simulator (FFS), a fl ight training device (FTD), a fl ight and 
navigation procedures trainer (FNPT), or a basic instrument training device (BITD);

in the case of helicopters, a full fl ight simulator (FFS), a fl ight training device (FTD) or a fl ight and 
navigation procedures trainer (FNPT).

‘Fuel ERA aerodrome’ means an ERA aerodrome selected for the purpose of reducing contingency fuel.

‘GBAS landing system (GLS)’ means an approach landing system using ground based augmented global 
navigation satellite system (GNSS/GBAS) information to provide guidance to the aircraft based on its lat-
eral and vertical GNSS position. It uses geometric altitude reference for its fi nal approach slope.

‘Ground emergency service personnel’ means any ground emergency service personnel (such as police-
men, fi remen, etc.) involved with helicopter emergency medical services (HEMSs) and whose tasks are to 
any extent pertinent to helicopter operations. 

48. 

49. 

50. 

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51. 

52. 

53. 

54. 

55. 

56. 

57. 

58. 

59. 

60. 

61. 

62. 

63. 

64. 

65. 

‘Grounding’ means the formal prohibition of an aircraft to take-off  and the taking of such steps as are 
necessary to detain it.

‘Head-up display (HUD)’ means a display system which presents fl ight information to the pilot’s forward 
external fi eld of view and which does not signifi cantly restrict the external view.

‘Head-up  guidance  landing  system  (HUDLS)’  means  the  total  airborne  system  that  provides  head-up 
guidance to the pilot during the approach and landing and/or missed approach procedure. It includes all 
sensors, computers, power supplies, indications and controls. 

‘Helicopter’ means a heavier-than-air aircraft supported in fl ight chiefl y by the reactions of the air on one 
or more power-driven rotors on substantially vertical axes.

‘Helicopter hoist operation (HHO) crew member’ means a technical crew member who performs assigned 
duties relating to the operation of a hoist.

‘Helideck’ means a FATO located on a fl oating or fi xed off shore structure.

‘HEMS crew member’ means a technical crew member who is assigned to a HEMS fl ight for the purpose 
of attending to any person in need of medical assistance carried in the helicopter and assisting the pilot 
during the mission.

‘HEMS fl ight’ means a fl ight by a helicopter operating under a HEMS approval, the purpose of which is to 
facilitate emergency medical assistance, where immediate and rapid transportation is essential, by carry-
ing:

(a)  medical personnel; 

(b)  medical supplies (equipment, blood, organs, drugs); or

(c) 

ill or injured persons and other persons directly involved.

‘HEMS operating base’ means an aerodrome at which the HEMS crew members and the HEMS helicopter 
may be on stand-by for HEMS operations. 

‘HEMS operating site’ means a site selected by the commander during a HEMS fl ight for helicopter hoist 
operations, landing and take-off . 

‘HHO fl ight’ means a fl ight by a helicopter operating under an HHO approval, the purpose of which is to 
facilitate the transfer of persons and/or cargo by means of a helicopter hoist.

‘HHO off shore’ means a fl ight by a helicopter operating under an HHO approval, the purpose of which 
is to facilitate the transfer of persons and/or cargo by means of a helicopter hoist from or to a vessel or 
structure in a sea area or to the sea itself.

‘HHO passenger’ means a person who is to be transferred by means of a helicopter hoist. 

‘HHO site’ means a specifi ed area at which a helicopter performs a hoist transfer.

‘Hold-over time (HoT)’ means the estimated time the anti-icing fl uid will prevent the formation of ice and 
frost and the accumulation of snow on the protected (treated) surfaces of an aeroplane.

66. 

‘Hostile environment’ means:

(a) 

an environment in which:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

a safe forced landing cannot be accomplished because the surface is inadequate; 

the helicopter occupants cannot be adequately protected from the elements; 

search and rescue response/capability is not provided consistent with anticipated exposure; 
or

(iv) 

there is an unacceptable risk of endangering persons or property on the ground.

(b) 

in any case, the following areas:

(i) 

for overwater operations, the open sea areas North of 45N and South of 45S designated by 
the authority of the State concerned; 

(ii) 

those parts of a congested area without adequate safe forced landing areas.

67. 

68. 

‘Landing decision point (LDP)’ means the point used in determining landing performance from which, 
an engine failure having been recognised at this point, the landing may be safely continued or a balked 
landing initiated.

‘Landing distance available (LDA)’ means the length of the runway which is declared available by the 
State of the aerodrome and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane landing.

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69. 

70. 

71. 

72. 

73. 

74. 

75. 

76. 

77. 

78. 

‘Landplane’ means a fi xed wing aircraft which is designed for taking off  and landing on land and includes 
amphibians operated as landplanes.

‘Local helicopter operation’ means a commercial air transport operation of helicopters with a maximum 
certifi ed take-off  mass (MCTOM) over 3 175 kg and a maximum operational passenger seating confi gura-
tion (MOPSC) of nine or less, by day, over routes navigated by reference to visual landmarks, conducted 
within a local and defi ned geographical area specifi ed in the operations manual.

‘Low visibility procedures (LVP)’ means procedures applied at an aerodrome for the purpose of ensuring 
safe operations during lower than Standard Category I, other than Standard Category II, Category II and 
III approaches and low visibility take-off s.

‘Low visibility take-off  (LVTO)’ means a take-off  with an RVR lower than 400 m but not less than 75 m.

‘Lower  than  Standard  Category  I  (LTS  CAT  I)  operation’  means  a  Category  I  instrument  approach  and 
landing operation using Category I DH, with an RVR lower than would normally be associated with the 
applicable DH but not lower than 400 m.

‘Maximum operational passenger seating confi guration (MOPSC)’ means the maximum passenger seat-
ing  capacity  of  an  individual  aircraft,  excluding  crew  seats,  established  for  operational  purposes  and 
specifi ed in the operations manual. Taking as a baseline the maximum passenger seating confi guration 
established during the certifi cation process conducted for the type certifi cate (TC), supplemental type 
certifi cate (STC) or change to the TC or STC as relevant to the individual aircraft, the MOPSC may establish 
an equal or lower number of seats, depending on the operational constraints.

‘Medical passenger’ means a medical person carried in a helicopter during a HEMS fl ight, including but 
not limited to doctors, nurses and paramedics.

‘Night’ means the period between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twi-
light or such other period between sunset and sunrise as may be prescribed by the appropriate authority, 
as defi ned by the Member State.

‘Night  vision  goggles  (NVG)’  means  a  head-mounted,  binocular,  light  intensifi cation  appliance  that 
enhances the ability to maintain visual surface references at night.

‘Night vision imaging system (NVIS)’ means the integration of all elements required to successfully and 
safely use NVGs while operating a helicopter. The system includes as a minimum: NVGs, NVIS lighting, 
helicopter components, training and continuing airworthiness.

79. 

‘Non-hostile environment’ means an environment in which:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

a safe forced landing can be accomplished;

the helicopter occupants can be protected from the elements; and

search and rescue response/capability is provided consistent with the anticipated exposure.

80. 

81. 

82. 

83. 

84. 

85. 

86. 

In any case, those parts of a congested area with adequate safe forced landing areas shall be considered 
non-hostile. 

‘Non-precision  approach  (NPA)  operation’  means  an  instrument  approach  with  a  minimum  descent 
height (MDH), or DH when fl ying a CDFA technique, not lower than 250 ft and an RVR/CMV of not less 
than 750 m for aeroplanes and 600 m for helicopters.

‘NVIS crew member’ means a technical crew member assigned to an NVIS fl ight.

‘NVIS fl ight’ means a fl ight under night visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with the fl ight crew using 
NVGs in a helicopter operating under an NVIS approval.

‘Off shore operations’ means operations which routinely have a substantial proportion of the fl ight con-
ducted over sea areas to or from off shore locations. 

‘Operating site’ means a site, other than an aerodrome, selected by the operator or pilot-in-command or 
commander for landing, take-off  and/or external load operations.

‘Operation in performance class 1’ means an operation that, in the event of failure of the critical engine, 
the helicopter is able to land within the rejected take-off  distance available or safely continue the fl ight to 
an appropriate landing area, depending on when the failure occurs.

‘Operation in performance class 2’ means an operation that, in the event of failure of the critical engine, 
performance is available to enable the helicopter to safely continue the fl ight, except when the failure 
occurs early during the take-off  manoeuvre or late in the landing manoeuvre, in which cases a forced 
landing may be required.

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87. 

88. 

89. 

90. 

91. 

92. 

93. 

94. 

95. 

96. 

97. 

98. 

99. 

100. 

101. 

102. 

103. 

104. 

105. 

106. 

‘Operation in performance class 3’ means an operation that, in the event of an engine failure at any time 
during the fl ight, a forced landing may be required in a multi-engined helicopter and will be required in 
a single-engined helicopter.

‘Operational control’ means the responsibility for the initiation, continuation, termination or diversion of 
a fl ight in the interest of safety. 

‘Other  than  Standard  Category  II  (OTS  CAT  II)  operation’  means  a  precision  instrument  approach  and 
landing operation using ILS or MLS where some or all of the elements of the precision approach category 
II light system are not available, and with:

(a) 

(b) 

DH below 200 ft but not lower than 100 ft; and

RVR of not less than 350 m.

‘Performance class A aeroplanes’ means multi-engined aeroplanes powered by turbo-propeller engines 
with an MOPSC of more than nine or a maximum take-off  mass exceeding 5 700 kg, and all multi-engined 
turbo-jet powered aeroplanes.

‘Performance class B aeroplanes’ means aeroplanes powered by propeller engines with an MOPSC of nine 
or less and a maximum take-off  mass of 5 700 kg or less.

‘Performance class C aeroplanes’ means aeroplanes powered by reciprocating engines with an MOPSC of 
more than nine or a maximum take-off  mass exceeding 5 700 kg.

‘Pilot-in-command’ means the pilot designated as being in command and charged with the safe conduct 
of  the  fl ight.  For  the  purpose  of  commercial  air  transport  operations,  the  ‘pilot-in-command’  shall  be 
termed the ‘commander’.

‘Principal place of business’ means the head offi  ce or registered offi  ce of the organisation within which 
the principal fi nancial functions and operational control of the activities referred to in this Regulation are 
exercised.

‘Prioritisation of ramp inspections’ means the dedication of an appropriate portion of the total number of 
ramp inspections conducted by or on behalf of a competent authority on an annual basis as provided in 
Part-ARO. 

‘Public interest site (PIS)’ means a site used exclusively for operations in the public interest.

‘Ramp inspection’ means the inspection of aircraft, of fl ight and cabin crew qualifi cations and of fl ight 
documentation in order to verify the compliance with the applicable requirements. 

‘Rectifi cation interval’ means a limitation on the duration of operations with inoperative equipment.

‘Rejected take-off  distance available (RTODAH)’ means the length of the fi nal approach and take-off  area 
declared available and suitable for helicopters operated in performance class 1 to complete a rejected 
take-off .

‘Rejected take-off  distance required (RTODRH)’ means the horizontal distance required from the start of 
the take-off  to the point where the helicopter comes to a full stop following an engine failure and rejec-
tion of the take-off  at the take-off  decision point.

‘Runway visual range (RVR)’ means the range over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centre line of a 
runway can see the runway surface markings or the lights delineating the runway or identifying its centre 
line.

‘Safe forced landing’ means an unavoidable landing or ditching with a reasonable expectancy of no inju-
ries to persons in the aircraft or on the surface.

 ‘Seaplane’ means a fi xed wing aircraft which is designed for taking off  and landing on water and includes 
amphibians operated as seaplanes.

‘Separate  runways’  means  runways  at  the  same  aerodrome  that  are  separate  landing  surfaces.  These 
runways may overlay or cross in such a way that if one of the runways is blocked, it will not prevent the 
planned type of operations on the other runway. Each runway shall have a separate approach procedure 
based on a separate navigation aid.

‘Special VFR fl ight’ means a VFR fl ight cleared by air traffi  c control to operate within a control zone in 
meteorological conditions below VMC.

‘Stabilised approach (SAp)’ means an approach that is fl own in a controlled and appropriate manner in 
terms of confi guration, energy and control of the fl ight path from a pre-determined point or altitude/
height down to a point 50 ft above the threshold or the point where the fl are manoeuvre is initiated if 
higher.

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107. 

108. 

109. 

110. 

111. 

112. 

113. 

114. 

115. 

116. 

117. 

118. 

119. 

120. 

‘Take-off  alternate aerodrome’ means an alternate aerodrome at which an aircraft can land should this 
become necessary shortly after take-off  and if it is not possible to use the aerodrome of departure.

‘Take-off  decision point (TDP)’ means the point used in determining take-off  performance from which, an 
engine failure having been recognised at this point, either a rejected take-off  may be made or a take-off  
safely continued.

‘Take-off  distance available (TODA)’ in the case of aeroplanes means the length of the take-off  run avail-
able plus the length of the clearway, if provided.

‘Take-off  distance available (TODAH)’ in the case of helicopters means the length of the fi nal approach 
and take-off  area plus, if provided, the length of helicopter clearway declared available and suitable for 
helicopters to complete the take-off .

‘Take-off  distance required (TODRH)’ in the case of helicopters means the horizontal distance required 
from the start of the take-off  to the point at which take-off  safety speed (VTOSS), a selected height and a 
positive climb gradient are achieved, following failure of the critical engine being recognised at the TDP, 
the remaining engines operating within approved operating limits.

‘Take-off  fl ight path’ means the vertical and horizontal path, with the critical engine inoperative, from a 
specifi ed point in the take-off  for aeroplanes to 1 500 ft above the surface and for helicopters to 1 000 ft 
above the surface.

‘Take-off  mass’ means the mass including everything and everyone carried at the commencement of the 
take-off  for helicopters and take-off  run for aeroplanes.

‘Take-off  run available (TORA)’ means the length of runway that is declared available by the State of the 
aerodrome and suitable for the ground run of an aeroplane taking off .

‘Technical crew member’ means a crew member in commercial air transport HEMS, HHO or NVIS opera-
tions other than a fl ight or cabin crew member, assigned by the operator to duties in the aircraft or on the 
ground for the purpose of assisting the pilot during HEMS, HHO or NVIS operations, which may require 
the operation of specialised on-board equipment.

‘Technical  Instructions  (TI)’  means  the  latest  eff ective  edition  of  the  Technical  Instructions  for  the  Safe 
Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, including the Supplement and any Addenda, approved and pub-
lished by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

‘Traffi  c  load’  means  the  total  mass  of  passengers,  baggage,  cargo  and  carry-on  specialist  equipment, 
including any ballast.

‘Unaided NVIS fl ight’ means, in the case of NVIS operations, that portion of a VFR fl ight performed at night 
when a crew member is not using NVG.

‘Undertaking’  means  any  natural  or  legal  person,  whether  profi t-making  or  not,  or  any  offi  cial  body 
whether having its own personality or not.

‘V1’ means the maximum speed in the take-off  at which the pilot must take the fi rst action to stop the 
aeroplane within the accelerate-stop distance. V1 also means the minimum speed in the take-off , fol-
lowing a failure of the critical engine at VEF, at which the pilot can continue the take-off  and achieve the 
required height above the take-off  surface within the take-off  distance.

121. 

‘VEF’ means the speed at which the critical engine is assumed to fail during take-off .

122. 

123. 

124. 

‘Visual approach’ means an approach when either part or all of an instrument approach procedure is not 
completed and the approach is executed with visual reference to the terrain.

‘Wet lease agreement’ means an agreement between air carriers pursuant to which the aircraft is oper-
ated under the AOC of the lessor. 

‘Wet runway’ means a runway of which the surface is covered with water, or equivalent, less than speci-
fi ed by the ‘contaminated runway’ defi nition or when there is suffi  cient moisture on the runway surface 
to cause it to appear refl ective, but without signifi cant areas of standing water.

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GM1 Annex I  Defi nitions 

DEFINITIONS FOR TERMS USED IN ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE AND GUIDANCE MATERIAL 

For the purpose of Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 [air 
operations], the following defi nitions should apply:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

(i) 

(j) 

(k) 

(l) 

‘Committal point’ means the point in the approach at which the pilot fl ying decides that, in the event of 
an engine failure being recognised, the safest option is to continue to the elevated fi nal approach and 
take-off  area (elevated FATO).

‘Emergency locator transmitter’ is a generic term describing equipment that broadcasts distinctive sig-
nals on designated frequencies and, depending on application, may be activated by impact or may be 
manually activated.

‘Exposure time’ means the actual period during which the performance of the helicopter with the criti-
cal engine inoperative in still air does not guarantee a safe forced landing or the safe continuation of the 
fl ight.

‘Fail-operational fl ight control system’ means a fl ight control system with which, in the event of a failure 
below alert height, the approach, fl are and landing can be completed automatically. In the event of a 
failure, the automatic landing system will operate as a fail-passive system.

‘Fail-operational hybrid landing system’ means a system that consists of a primary fail-passive automatic 
landing system and a secondary independent guidance system enabling the pilot to complete a landing 
manually after failure of the primary system.

‘Fail-passive fl ight control system’: a fl ight control system is fail-passive if, in the event of a failure, there 
is no signifi cant out-of-trim condition or deviation of fl ight path or attitude but the landing is not com-
pleted automatically. For a fail-passive automatic fl ight control system the pilot assumes control of the 
aeroplane after a failure.

‘Flight control system’ in the context of low visibility operations means a system that includes an auto-
matic landing system and/or a hybrid landing system.

‘HEMS dispatch centre’ means a place where, if established, the coordination or control of the helicopter 
emergency medical service (HEMS) fl ight takes place. It may be located in a HEMS operating base.

‘Hybrid head-up display landing system (hybrid HUDLS)’ means a system that consists of a primary fail-
passive automatic landing system and a secondary independent HUD/HUDLS enabling the pilot to com-
plete a landing manually after failure of the primary system.

‘Landing distance available (LDAH)’ means the length of the fi nal approach and take-off  area plus any 
additional area declared available by the State of the aerodrome and suitable for helicopters to complete 
the landing manoeuvre from a defi ned height.

‘Landing distance required (LDRH)’, in the case of helicopters, means the horizontal distance required to 
land and come to a full stop from a point 15 m (50 ft) above the landing surface.

‘Maximum structural landing mass’ means the maximum permissible total aeroplane mass upon landing 
under normal circumstances.

(m) 

‘Maximum zero fuel mass’ means the maximum permissible mass of an aeroplane with no usable fuel. 
The mass of the fuel contained in particular tanks should be included in the zero fuel mass when it is 
explicitly mentioned in the aircraft fl ight manual.

(n) 

(o) 

(p) 

(q) 

(r) 

‘Overpack’, for the purpose of transporting dangerous goods, means an enclosure used by a single ship-
per to contain one or more packages and to form one handling unit for convenience of handling and 
stowage.

‘Package’, for the purpose of transporting dangerous goods, means the complete product of the packing 
operation consisting of the packaging and its contents prepared for transport.

‘Packaging’, for the purpose of transporting dangerous goods, means receptacles and any other compo-
nents or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its containment function.

‘Rotation point (RP)’ means the point at which a cyclic input is made to initiate a nose-down attitude 
change during the take-off  fl ight path. It is the last point in the take-off  path from which, in the event of 
an engine failure being recognised, a forced landing on the aerodrome can be achieved.

‘Touch down and lift-off  area (TLOF)’ means a load-bearing area on which a helicopter may touch down 
or lift off .

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GM2 Annex I  Defi nitions 

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in the Annexes to this Regulation:

A

a/c

AAC

AAL

AC

AC

ACAS

ADF

ADG

ADS

ADS-B

ADS-C

AEA

AEO

AFFF

AFM

AFN

AFN

AGL

AHRS

AIS

ALARP

ALSF

AMC

AML

AMSL

ANP

AOC

AOC

APU

APV

ARA

ARA

ARO

ARP

ASC

ASDA

ASE

ATA

ATC

ATIS

ATN

ATPL

ATQP

ATS

ATSC

aeroplane

aircraft

aeronautical administrative communications

above aerodrome level

advisory circular

alternating current

airborne collision avoidance system

automatic direction finder

air driven generator

automatic dependent surveillance

automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast

automatic dependent surveillance – contract 

Association of European Airlines

all-engines-operative

aqueous film forming foams

aircraft flight manual

aircraft flight notification

ATS facilities notification

above ground level

attitude heading reference system

aeronautical information service

as low as reasonably practicable

approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights

Acceptable Means of Compliance

aircraft maintenance licence

above mean sea level

actual navigation performance

aeronautical operational control

air operator certificate

auxiliary power unit

approach procedure with vertical guidance

airborne radar approach

Authority Requirements for Aircrew

Authority Requirements for Air Operations

Aerospace Recommended Practices

Air Safety Committee

accelerate-stop distance available

altimeter system error

Air Transport Association

air traffic control

automatic terminal information service

air traffic navigation

airline transport pilot licence

alternative training and qualification programme

air traffic services

air traffic service communication

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AVGAS

AVTAG 

AWO

BALS

BCAR

BITD

CAP

CAT

aviation gasoline

aviation turbine gasoline (wide-cut fuel)

all-weather operations

basic approach lighting system

British civil airworthiness requirements

basic instrument training device

controller access parameters

commercial air transport

CAT I/II/III

category I / II / III

CBT

CC

CDFA

CDL

CFIT

CG

CM

CMV

CofA

COP

CoR

CP

CPA

CPDLC

CPL

C-PED

CRE

CRI

CRM

CS

CVR

DA

DA/H

DAP

D-ATIS

DC

DCL

D-FIS

DG

DH

DI

DIFF

DLR

DME

D-METAR

D-OTIS

DPATO 

DPBL

DR

DSTRK

EC

ECAC

18 | DEF

computer-based training

cabin crew

continuous descent final approach

configuration deviation list

controlled flight into terrain

centre of gravity

context management

converted meteorological visibility

certificate of airworthiness

code of practice

certificate of registration

committal point

closest point of approach

controller pilot data link communication

commercial pilot licence

controlled portable electronic device

class rating examiner

class rating instructor

crew resource management

Certification Specifications

cockpit voice recorder

decision altitude

decision altitude/height

downlinked aircraft parameters

digital automatic terminal information service

direct current

departure clearance

data link flight information service

dangerous goods

decision height

daily inspection

deck integrated fire fighting system

data link recorder

distance measuring equipment

data link – meteorological aerodrome report

data link – operational terminal information service

defined point after take-off

defined point before landing

decision range

desired track

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EFB

EFIS

EGNOS

EGT

ELT

ELT(AD)

ELT(AF)

ELT(AP)

ELT(S)

EPE

EPR

EPU

ERA

ERP

ETOPS

EU

electronic flight bag

electronic flight instrument system

European geostationary navigation overlay service

exhaust gas temperature

emergency locator transmitter

emergency locator transmitter (automatically deployable)

emergency locator transmitter (automatic fixed)

emergency locator transmitter (automatic portable)

survival emergency locator transmitter

estimated position of error

engine pressure ratio

estimated position of uncertainty

en-route alternate (aerodrome)

emergency response plan

extended range operations with two-engined aeroplanes

European Union

EUROCAE

European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment

EVS

FAA

FAF

FALS

FANS

FAP

FAR

FATO

FC

FCL

FCOM

FDM

FDO

FDR

FFS

FGS

FI

FLIPCY

FLTA

FMECA

FMS

FNPT

FOD

fpm

FSTD

ft

FTD

FTE

FTL

g

GAGAN

GBAS

GCAS

GEN

enhanced vision system

Federal Aviation Administration

final approach fix

full approach lighting system

future air navigation systems

final approach point

Federal Aviation Regulation

final approach and take-off

flight crew

flight crew licensing

flight crew operating manual

flight data monitoring

flying display operation

flight data recorder

full flight simulator

flight control/guidance system

flight instructor

flight plan consistency

forward-looking terrain avoidance

failure mode, effects and criticality analysis

flight management system

flight and navigation procedures trainer

foreign object damage

feet per minute

flight simulation training device

feet

flight training device

full time equivalent 

flight and duty time limitations

gram

GPS aided geo augmented navigation

ground-based augmentation system

ground collision avoidance system

general

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GIDS

GLS

GM

GMP

GNSS

GPS

GPWS

H

HEMS

HF

Hg

HHO

HIALS

HIGE

HLL

HOGE

HoT

hPa

HPL

HUD

HUDLS 

HUMS

IAF

IALS

ICAO

IDE

IF

IFR

IFSD

IGE

ILS

IMC

in

INS

IP

IR

IR

IRS

ISA

ISO

IV

JAA

JAR

kg

km

kt

LDA

LDP

LED

LHS

LIFUS

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ground ice detection system

GBAS landing system

Guidance Material

general medical practitioner

global navigation satellite system

global positioning system

ground proximity warning system

helicopter

helicopter emergency medical service

high frequency

mercury

helicopter hoist operation

high intensity approach lighting system

hover in ground effect

helideck limitations list

hover out of ground effect

hold-over time

hectopascals

human performance and limitations

head-up display

head-up guidance landing system

health usage monitor system

initial approach fix

intermediate approach lighting system

International Civil Aviation Organization

instruments, data and equipment

intermediate fix

instrument flight rules

in-flight shutdown

in ground effect

instrument landing system

instrument meteorological conditions

inches

inertial navigation system

intermediate point

Implementing Rule

instrument rating

inertial reference system

international standard atmosphere

International Organization for Standardization

intravenous

Joint Aviation Authorities

Joint Aviation Requirements

kilograms

kilometres

knots

landing distance available

landing decision point

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LNAV

LoA

LOC

LOE

LOFT

LOQE

LOS

LPV

LRCS

LRNS

LVO

LVP

LVTO

m

MALS

MALSF

MALSR

MAPt

MCTOM

MDA

MDH

MEA

MED

MEL

lateral navigation

letter of acceptance

localiser

line-oriented evaluation

line-oriented flight training

line-oriented quality evaluation

limited obstacle surface

localiser performance with vertical guidance

long range communication system

long range navigation system

low visibility operation

low visibility procedures

low visibility take-off

metres

medium intensity approach lighting system

medium intensity approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights

medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights

missed approach point

maximum certified take-off mass

minimum descent altitude

minimum descent height

minimum en-route altitude

medical

minimum equipment list

METAR

meteorological aerodrome report

s
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MGA

MHA

MHz

MID

MLR

MLS

MLX

mm

MM

MMEL

MNPS

MOC

MOCA

MOPSC

MORA

MPSC

MSA

MSAS

MTCA

N

NADP

NALS

NCC

NCO

NF

NG

minimum grid altitude

minimum holding altitude

megahertz

midpoint

manuals, logs and records

microwave landing system

millilux

millimetres

multi-mode

master minimum equipment list

minimum navigation performance specifications

minimum obstacle clearance

minimum obstacle clearance altitude

maximum operational passenger seating configuration

minimum off-route altitude

maximum passenger seating capacity

minimum sector altitude

multi-functional satellite augmentation system

minimum terrain clearance altitude

North

noise abatement departure procedure

no approach lighting system

non-commercial operations with complex motor-powered aircraft

non-commercial operations with other-than-complex motor-powered aircraft

free power turbine speed

engine gas generator speed

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NM

NOTAM

NOTECHS

NOTOC

NPA

NPA

NVD

NVG

NVIS

OAT

OCH

OCL

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nautical miles

notice to airmen

non-technical skills evaluation

notification to captain

non-precision approach

Notice of Proposed Amendment

night vision device

night vision goggles

night vision imaging system

outside air temperature

obstacle clearance height

oceanic clearance

ODALS

omnidirectional approach lighting system

OEI

OFS

OGE

OIP

OM

OML

ONC

OPS

ORO

one-engine-inoperative

obstacle-free surface

out of ground effect

offset initiation point

operations manual

operational multi-pilot limitation

operational navigation chart 

operations

Organisation Requirements for Air Operations

OTS CAT II

other than standard category II

PAPI

PAR

PBE

PBN

PCDS

PDA

PDP

PED

PIC

PIN

PIS

PNR

POH

PRM

QAR

QFE

QNH

RA

RAT

RCC

RCF

RCLL

RF

RF

RFC

RI

RI

RIE

22 | DEF

precision approach path indicator

precision approach radar

protective breathing equipment

performance-based navigation

personnel carrying device system

premature descent alert

predetermined point

portable electronic device

pilot-in-command

personal identification number

public interest site

point of no return

pilot’s operating handbook

person with reduced mobility

quick access recorder

atmospheric pressure at aerodrome elevation / runway threshold

atmospheric pressure at nautical height

resolution advisory

ram air turbine

rescue coordination centre

reduced contingency fuel

runway centre line lights

fixed radius

radio frequency

route facility chart

ramp inspection

rectification interval

rectification interval extension

 
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RMA

RNAV

RNP

ROD

RP

RTCA

RTODAH

RTODRH

RTOM

RTZL

RVR

RVSM

S

SAFA

SALS

SALSF

SAp

SAP

SAR

SAS

SBAS

SCC

SCP

SDCM

SFE

SFI

SID

SMM

SMS

SNAS

SOP

SPA

SPECI

SPO

SRA

SSALF

SSALR

SSALS

SSEC

SSR

STAR

STC

TA

TAC

TAS

TAWS

TC

TC

TCAS

TCCA

TCH

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regional monitoring agency

area navigation

required navigation performance

rate of descent

rotation point

Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics

rejected take-off distance available (helicopters)

rejected take-off distance required (helicopters)

reduced take-off mass

runway touchdown zone lights

runway visual range

reduced vertical separation minima

South

safety assessment of foreign aircraft

simple approach lighting system

simple approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights

stabilised approach

system access parameters

search and rescue

stability augmentation system

satellite-based augmentation system

senior cabin crew

special category of passenger

system of differential correction and monitoring

synthetic flight examiner

synthetic flight instructor

standard instrument departure

safety management manual

safety management system

satellite navigation augmentation system

standard operating procedure

operations requiring specific approvals

aviation selected special weather report

specialised operations

surveillance radar approach

simplified short approach lighting system with sequenced flashing lights

simplified short approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights

simplified short approach lighting system

static source error correction

secondary surveillance radar

standard terminal arrival route

supplemental type certificate

traffic advisory

terminal approach chart

true airspeed

terrain awareness warning system

technical crew

type certificate

traffic collision avoidance system

Transport Canada Civil Aviation

type certificate holder

23 | DEF

 
AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex I Part-Definitions 

take-off decision point

touchdown zone

threshold

Technical Instructions

turbine inlet temperature

touring motor glider

take-off distance available (aeroplanes)

take-off distance available (helicopters)

take-off distance required (helicopters)

take-off run available

transmitting portable electronic device

type rating examiner

type rating instructor

total system error

total vertical error

terminal weather information for pilots

usage monitoring system

coordinated universal time

take-off safety speed

stalling speed

indicated airspeed at threshold

VHF direction finder

visual flight rules

very high frequency

visibility

visual meteorological conditions

maximum operating speed

vertical navigation

VHF omnidirectional radio range

threshold speed

vertical take-off and landing

take-off safety speed

wide area augmentation system

world aeronautical chart

wireless fidelity

zero flight-time training

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TDP

TDZ

THR

TI

TIT

TMG

TODA

TODAH

TODRH

TORA

T-PED

TRE

TRI

TSE

TVE

TWIP

UMS

UTC

V2

V50

VAT

VDF

VFR

VHF

VIS

VMC

VMO

VNAV

VOR

VT

VTOL

VTOSS

WAAS

WAC

WIFI

ZFTT

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex I Part-Definitions

GM3 Annex I  Defi nitions 

HELICOPTER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (HEMS) FLIGHT

(a) 

A HEMS fl ight (or more commonly referred to as HEMS mission) normally starts and ends at the HEMS 
operating base following tasking by the ‘HEMS dispatch centre’. Tasking can also occur when airborne, or 
on the ground at locations other than the HEMS operating base.

(b) 

The following elements should be regarded as integral parts of the HEMS mission:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

fl ights to and from the HEMS operating site when initiated by the HEMS dispatch centre;

fl ights to and from an aerodrome/operating site for the delivery or pick-up of medical supplies 
and/or persons required for completion of the HEMS mission; and

fl ights to and from an aerodrome/operating site for refuelling required for completion of the HEMS 
mission.

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GM4 Annex I  Defi nitions 

HEAD-UP GUIDANCE LANDING SYSTEM (HUDLS)

A HUDLS is typically used for primary approach guidance to decision heights of 50 ft.

GM5 Annex I  Defi nitions 

HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT

The open sea areas considered to constitute a hostile environment should be designated by the appropriate 
authority in the appropriate Aeronautical Information Publication or other suitable documentation.

GM6 Annex I  Defi nitions 

NIGHT VISION IMAGING SYSTEM (NVIS)

Helicopter components of the NVIS include the radio altimeter, visual warning system and audio warning sys-
tem.

GM7 Annex I  Defi nitions 

OFFSHORE OPERATIONS

Off shore operations include, but are not limited to, support of off shore oil, gas and mineral exploitation and 
sea-pilot transfer.

GM8 Annex I  Defi nitions 

PUBLIC INTEREST SITE

An example of a public interest sites is a landing site based at a hospital located in a hostile environment in a 
congested area, which due to its size or obstacle environment does not allow the application of performance 
class 1 requirements that would otherwise be required for operations in a congested hostile environment. 

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex I Part-Definitions 

GM9 Annex I  Defi nitions 

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS

The ICAO document number for the Technical Instructions is Doc 9284-AN/905. 

GM10 Annex I  Defi nitions 

V1
The fi rst action includes for example: apply brakes, reduce thrust, deploy speed brakes.

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European Aviation Safety Agency

CONSOLIDATED DOCUMENT OF
ANNEX II – AUTHORITY REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR 
OPERATIONS – PART-ARO

Implementing Rule, Acceptable Means 
of Compliance and Guidance Material

First edition: May 2013

AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex II Part-ARO

Contents

ANNEX II — Authority requirements for air operations — [Part-ARO] ....................................... 5
ARO.GEN.005  Scope ............................................................................................................................................. 5

SUBPART GEN — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. 6
ARO.GEN.115  Oversight documentation .............................................................................................................. 6
ARO.GEN.120  Means of compliance .................................................................................................................... 6
AMC1 ARO.GEN.120(d)(3)  Means of compliance ................................................................................................ 7
GM1 ARO.GEN.120  Means of compliance ........................................................................................................... 8
Information to the Agency ............................................................................................................ 9
ARO.GEN.125 
ARO.GEN.135 
Immediate reaction to a safety problem ..................................................................................... 10
ARO.GEN.200  Management system ................................................................................................................... 11
AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(a)  Management system .................................................................................................... 12
GM1 ARO.GEN.200(a)  Management system ...................................................................................................... 13
AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(a)(1)  Management system ............................................................................................... 14
AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(a)(2)  Management system ............................................................................................... 14
AMC2 ARO.GEN.200(a)(2)  Management system ............................................................................................... 15
GM1 ARO.GEN.200(a)(2)  Management System ................................................................................................. 16
AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(d)  Management system .................................................................................................... 18
ARO.GEN.205  Allocation of tasks to qualified entities  ...................................................................................... 19
GM1 ARO.GEN.205  Allocation of tasks to qualified entities .............................................................................. 20
ARO.GEN.210  Changes in the management system .......................................................................................... 21
ARO.GEN.220  Record-keeping ............................................................................................................................ 22
AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)  Record-keeping ............................................................................................................. 23
AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(1);(2);(3)  Record-keeping ............................................................................................. 23
AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(4)  Record-keeping ........................................................................................................ 23
GM1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(4)  Record-keeping .......................................................................................................... 24
AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(6)  Record-keeping ........................................................................................................ 25
GM1 ARO.GEN.220  Record-keeping ................................................................................................................... 26
ARO.GEN.300  Oversight ..................................................................................................................................... 27
AMC1 ARO.GEN.300 (a);(b);(c)  Oversight ........................................................................................................... 28
GM1 ARO.GEN.300(a); (b);(c)  Oversight ............................................................................................................ 29
GM1 ARO.GEN.300(d)  Oversight  ....................................................................................................................... 29
ARO.GEN.305  Oversight programme ................................................................................................................. 30
AMC1 ARO.GEN.305(b)  Oversight programme .................................................................................................. 31
AMC2 ARO.GEN.305(b)  Oversight programme .................................................................................................. 32
GM1 ARO.GEN.305(b)  Oversight Programme .................................................................................................... 33
AMC1 ARO.GEN.305(b)(1)  Oversight programme .............................................................................................. 34
AMC2 ARO.GEN.305(b)(1)  Oversight programme .............................................................................................. 34
AMC1 ARO.GEN.305(b);(c)  Oversight programme ............................................................................................. 34
AMC1 ARO.GEN.305(c)  Oversight programme ................................................................................................... 35
AMC2 ARO.GEN.305(c)  Oversight programme ................................................................................................... 35
AMC1 ARO.GEN.305(d)  Oversight programme  ................................................................................................. 35
Initial certification procedure — organisations ........................................................................... 36
ARO.GEN.310 
AMC1 ARO.GEN.310(a) 
Initial certification procedure – organisations ............................................................. 37
ARO.GEN.330  Changes — organisations ............................................................................................................ 38
AMC1 ARO.GEN.330  Changes – organisations ................................................................................................... 39
GM1 ARO.GEN.330  Changes – organisations ..................................................................................................... 40
ARO.GEN.350  Findings and corrective actions — organisations ........................................................................ 41
GM1 ARO.GEN.350  Findings and corrective actions – organisations................................................................. 42
ARO.GEN.355  Findings and enforcement measures — persons ........................................................................ 43
GM1 ARO.GEN.355(b)  Findings and enforcement measures – persons  ........................................................... 44

SUBPART OPS — AIR OPERATIONS   ..........................................................................................45
ARO.OPS.100 
Issue of the air operator certificate ............................................................................................. 45
ARO.OPS.105  Code-share arrangements ........................................................................................................... 45
AMC1 ARO.OPS.105  Code-share arrangements ................................................................................................. 46
AMC2 ARO.OPS.105  Code-share arrangements ................................................................................................. 46

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex II Part-ARO

ARO.OPS.110  Lease agreements ........................................................................................................................ 47
AMC1 ARO.OPS.110  Lease agreements ............................................................................................................. 48
AMC2 ARO.OPS.110  Lease agreements ............................................................................................................. 48
GM1 ARO.OPS.110  Lease agreements ............................................................................................................... 49
GM2 ARO.OPS.110  Lease agreements ............................................................................................................... 49
ARO.OPS.200  Specific approval procedure ........................................................................................................ 50
AMC1 ARO.OPS.200  Specific approval procedure .............................................................................................. 51
AMC2 ARO.OPS.200  Specific approval procedure .............................................................................................. 51
ARO.OPS.205  Minimum equipment list approval .............................................................................................. 53
GM1 ARO.OPS.205  Minimum equipment list approval ..................................................................................... 54
ARO.OPS.210  Determination of local area ......................................................................................................... 55
GM1 ARO.OPS.210  Determination of local area ................................................................................................ 56
ARO.OPS.215  Approval of helicopter operations over a hostile environment located outside 
a congested area ................................................................................................................................................... 57
AMC1 ARO.OPS.215  Approval of helicopter operations over a hostile environment located outside 
a congested area ................................................................................................................................................... 58
AMC2 ARO.OPS.215  Approval of helicopter operations over a hostile environment located outside 
a congested area ................................................................................................................................................... 58
ARO.OPS.220  Approval of helicopter operations to or from a public interest site ............................................ 59
AMC1 ARO.OPS.220  Approval of helicopter operations to or from a public interest site ................................. 60
AMC2 ARO.OPS.220  Approval of helicopter operations to or from a public interest site ................................. 60
ARO.OPS.225  Approval of operations to an isolated aerodrome ...................................................................... 61
GM1 ARO.OPS.225  Approval of operations to an isolated aerodrome.............................................................. 62

SUBPART RAMP — RAMP INSPECTIONS OF AIRCRAFT OF OPERATORS 
UNDER THE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF ANOTHER STATE  ......................................................63
ARO.RAMP.005  Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 63
ARO.RAMP.100  General ...................................................................................................................................... 63
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.100  General ........................................................................................................................... 64
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.100(b)  General ...................................................................................................................... 64
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.100(c)(1)  General .................................................................................................................. 65
GM1 ARO.RAMP.100(c)(1)  General  ................................................................................................................... 66
ARO.RAMP.105  Prioritisation criteria ................................................................................................................. 67
GM1 ARO.RAMP.105(b)(2)(i)  Prioritisation criteria ............................................................................................ 68
ARO.RAMP.110  Collection of information .......................................................................................................... 69
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.110  Collection of information ............................................................................................... 70
ARO.RAMP.115  Qualification of ramp inspectors............................................................................................... 71
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.115(a)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ............................................................................... 72
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(1)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ........................................................................... 72
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(2)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ........................................................................... 73
AMC2 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(2)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ........................................................................... 73
AMC3 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(2)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ........................................................................... 76
AMC4 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(2)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ........................................................................... 77
GM1 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(2)  Qualification of inspectors ...................................................................................... 87
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(2)(i)  Qualification of ramp inspectors........................................................................ 88
AMC2 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(2)(i)  Qualification of ramp inspectors...................................................................... 102
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(3)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ......................................................................... 110
AMC2 ARO.RAMP.115(b)(3)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ......................................................................... 110
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.115(c)  Qualification of ramp inspectors .............................................................................. 111
GM1 ARO.RAMP.115(c)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ................................................................................ 112
GM2 ARO.RAMP.115(c)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ................................................................................ 113
GM3 ARO.RAMP.115(c)  Qualification of ramp inspectors ................................................................................ 114
ARO.RAMP.120  Approval of training organisations .......................................................................................... 115
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.120  Approval of training organisations  .............................................................................. 116
ARO.RAMP.125  Conduct of ramp inspections .................................................................................................. 117
AMC1 ARO.RAMP.125(b)  Conduct of Ramp inspections .................................................................................. 118
GM1 ARO.RAMP.125(b)  Conduct of Ramp inspections .................................................................................... 119
ARO.RAMP.130  Categorisation of findings ....................................................................................................... 120
ARO.RAMP.135  Follow-up actions on findings ................................................................................................. 120
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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

Annex II Part-ARO

ARO.RAMP.140  Grounding of aircraft .............................................................................................................. 120
ARO.RAMP.145  Reporting ................................................................................................................................ 121
ARO.RAMP.150  Agency coordination tasks ...................................................................................................... 121
ARO.RAMP.155  Annual report .......................................................................................................................... 122
Information to the public and protection of information ....................................................... 122
ARO.RAMP.160 

Appendix I  .............................................................................................................................123

Appendix II  ............................................................................................................................125

Appendix III ............................................................................................................................128

Appendix IV  ...........................................................................................................................130

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ANNEX II
AUTHORITY REQUIREMENTS 
FOR AIR OPERATIONS
[PART-ARO]

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ARO.GEN.005  Scope

This  Annex  establishes  requirements  for  the  administration  and  management  system  to  be  fulfi lled  by  the 
Agency and Member States for the implementation and enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its 
Implementing Rules regarding civil aviation air operations.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

SUBPART GEN — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Section I — General

ARO.GEN.115  Oversight documentation

The competent authority shall provide all legislative acts, standards, rules, technical publications and related 
documents to relevant personnel in order to allow them to perform their tasks and to discharge their responsi-
bilities. 

ARO.GEN.120  Means of compliance

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

The Agency shall develop Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) that may be used to establish compli-
ance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. When the AMC are complied with, 
the related requirements of the Implementing Rules are met.

Alternative means of compliance may be used to establish compliance with the Implementing Rules.

The competent authority shall establish a system to consistently evaluate that all alternative means of 
compliance used by itself or by organisations and persons under its oversight allow the establishment of 
compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. 

The competent authority shall evaluate all alternative means of compliance proposed by an organisation 
in accordance with ORO.GEN.120 (b) by analysing the documentation provided and, if considered neces-
sary, conducting an inspection of the organisation.

When the competent authority fi nds that the alternative means of compliance are in accordance with the 
Implementing Rules, it shall without undue delay:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

notify the applicant that the alternative means of compliance may be implemented and, if applica-
ble, amend the approval or certifi cate of the applicant accordingly; and

notify the Agency of their content, including copies of all relevant documentation.

inform other Member States about alternative means of compliance that were accepted. 

(e)  When the competent authority itself uses alternative means of compliance to achieve compliance with 

Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules it shall:

(1)  make them available to all organisations and persons under its oversight; and

(2)  without undue delay notify the Agency. 

The  competent  authority  shall  provide  the  Agency  with  a  full  description  of  the  alternative  means  of 
compliance, including any revisions to procedures that may be relevant, as well as an assessment dem-
onstrating that the Implementing Rules are met.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.120(d)(3)  Means of compliance

GENERAL

The information to be provided to other Member States following approval of an alternative means of compli-
ance should contain a reference to the Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) to which such means of com-
pliance provides an alternative, as well as a reference to the corresponding Implementing Rule, indicating as 
applicable the subparagraph(s) covered by the alternative means of compliance.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.120  Means of compliance

GENERAL

Alternative means of compliance used by a competent authority or by organisations under its oversight may 
be  used  by  other  competent  authorities  or  organisations  only  if  processed  again  in  accordance  with  ARO.
GEN.120 (d) and (e).

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ARO.GEN.125 

Information to the Agency

(a) 

(b) 

The competent authority shall without undue delay notify the Agency in case of any signifi cant problems 
with the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. 

The competent authority shall provide the Agency with safety-signifi cant information stemming from 
the occurrence reports it has received.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ARO.GEN.135 

Immediate reaction to a safety problem

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(a)  Without prejudice to Directive 2003/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council the competent 
authority shall implement a system to appropriately collect, analyse and disseminate safety information.

(b) 

The Agency shall implement a system to appropriately analyse any relevant safety information received 
and without undue delay provide to Member States and the Commission any information, including rec-
ommendations  or  corrective  actions  to  be  taken,  necessary  for  them  to  react  in  a  timely  manner  to  a 
safety problem involving products, parts, appliances, persons or organisations subject to Regulation (EC) 
No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. 

(c) 

Upon receiving the information referred to in (a) and (b), the competent authority shall take adequate 
measures to address the safety problem. 

(d)  Measures taken under (c) shall immediately be notifi ed to all persons or organisations which need to com-
ply with them under Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. The competent authority 
shall also notify those measures to the Agency and, when combined action is required, the other Member 
States concerned. 

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ANNEX II Part-ARO

Section II — Management

ARO.GEN.200  Management system

(a) 

The competent authority shall establish and maintain a management system, including as a minimum:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

documented policies and procedures to describe its organisation, means and methods to achieve 
compliance with Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules. The procedures shall be 
kept up-to-date and serve as the basic working documents within that competent authority for all 
related tasks;

a suffi  cient number of personnel to perform its tasks and discharge its responsibilities. Such per-
sonnel shall be qualifi ed to perform their allocated tasks and have the necessary knowledge, expe-
rience, initial and recurrent training to ensure continuing competence. A system shall be in place 
to plan the availability of personnel, in order to ensure the proper completion of all tasks; 

adequate facilities and offi  ce accommodation to perform the allocated tasks; 

a function to monitor compliance of the management system with the relevant requirements and 
adequacy of the procedures including the establishment of an internal audit process and a safety 
risk management process. Compliance monitoring shall include a feedback system of audit fi nd-
ings to the senior management of the competent authority to ensure implementation of correc-
tive actions as necessary; and

(b) 

(c) 

(5) 

a person or group of persons, ultimately responsible to the senior management of the competent 
authority for the compliance monitoring function. 

The competent authority shall, for each fi eld of activity, including management system, appoint one or 
more persons with the overall responsibility for the management of the relevant task(s).

The competent authority shall establish procedures for participation in a mutual exchange of all neces-
sary information and assistance with other competent authorities concerned including on all fi ndings 
raised and follow-up actions taken as a result of oversight of persons and organisations exercising activi-
ties in the territory of a Member State, but certifi ed by the competent authority of another Member State 
or the Agency.

(d) 

A copy of the procedures related to the management system and their amendments shall be made avail-
able to the Agency for the purpose of standardisation.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(a)  Management system

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GENERAL

(a) 

All of the following should be considered when deciding upon the required organisational structure: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

the number of certifi cates, attestations, authorisations and approvals to be issued;

the number of certifi ed persons and organisations exercising an activity within that Member State, 
including persons or organisations certifi ed by other competent authorities; 

the possible use of qualifi ed entities and of resources of other competent authorities to fulfi l the 
continuing oversight obligations; 

the level of civil aviation activity in terms of (i) number and complexity of aircraft operated; (ii) size 
and complexity of the Member State’s aviation industry; 

(5) 

the potential growth of activities in the fi eld of civil aviation.

(b) 

The set-up of the organisational structure should ensure that the various tasks and obligations of the 
competent authority do not rely solely on individuals. A continuous and undisturbed fulfi lment of these 
tasks and obligations of the competent authority should also be guaranteed in case of illness, accident or 
leave of individual employees.

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ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.200(a)  Management system

GENERAL

(a) 

The competent authority designated by each Member State should be organised in such a way that:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

there is specifi c and eff ective management authority in the conduct of all relevant activities;

the  functions  and  processes  described  in  the  applicable  requirements  of  Regulation  (EC) 
No 216/20081 and its Implementing Rules and AMCs, Certifi cation Specifi cations (CSs) and Guid-
ance Material (GM) may be properly implemented;

the competent authority’s organisation and operating procedures for the implementation of the 
applicable requirements of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules are properly 
documented and applied;

all  competent  authority  personnel  involved  in  the  related  activities  are  provided  with  training 
where necessary;

specifi c and eff ective provision is made for the communication and interface as necessary with the 
Agency and the competent authorities of other Member States; and

(6) 

all functions related to implementing the applicable requirements are adequately described.

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

A  general  policy  in  respect  of  activities  related  to  the  applicable  requirements  of  Regulation  (EC) 
No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules should be developed, promoted and implemented by the man-
ager at the highest appropriate level; for example the manager at the top of the functional area of the 
competent authority that is responsible for such activities.

Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that the policy is known and understood by all personnel 
involved, and all necessary steps should be taken to implement and maintain the policy.

The general policy, whilst also satisfying additional national regulatory responsibilities, should in particu-
lar take into account:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008;

the provisions of the applicable Implementing Rules and their AMCs, CSs and GM;

the needs of industry; and

the needs of the Agency and of the competent authority.

(e) 

The policy should defi ne specifi c objectives for key elements of the organisation and processes for imple-
menting related activities, including the corresponding control procedures and the measurement of the 
achieved standard.

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Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 February 2008 on common rules in the fi eld of 
civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency, and repealing Council Directive 91/670/EEC, Regulation (EC) 
No 1592/2002 and Directive 2004/36/EC. OJ L 79, 19.3.2008, p. 1.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(a)(1)  Management system

DOCUMENTED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

(a) 

(b) 

The  various  elements  of  the  organisation  involved  with  the  activities  related  to  Regulation  (EC) 
No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules should be documented in order to establish a reference source 
for the establishment and maintenance of this organisation.

The documented procedures should be established in a way that facilitates their use. They should be 
clearly  identifi ed,  kept  up-to-date  and  made  readily  available  to  all  personnel  involved  in  the  related 
activities.

(c) 

The documented procedures should cover, as a minimum, all of the following aspects:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

policy and objectives;

organisational structure;

responsibilities and associated authority;

procedures and processes;

internal and external interfaces;

internal control procedures;

training of personnel;

cross-references to associated documents; 

assistance from other competent authorities or the Agency (where required).

(d) 

It is likely that the information is held in more than one document or series of documents, and suitable 
cross-referencing should be provided. For example, organisational structure and job descriptions are not 
usually in the same documentation as the detailed working procedures. In such cases it is recommended 
that the documented procedures include an index of cross-references to all such other related informa-
tion, and the related documentation should be readily available when required.

AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(a)(2)  Management system

QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING – GENERAL 

(a) 

(b) 

The  competent  authority  should  ensure  appropriate  and  adequate  training  of  its  personnel  to  meet 
the standard that is considered necessary to perform the work. To ensure personnel remain qualifi ed, 
arrangements should be made for initial and recurrent training as required.

The basic capability of the competent authority’s personnel is a matter of recruitment and normal man-
agement  functions  in  selection  of  personnel  for  particular  duties.  Moreover,  the  competent  authority 
should  provide  training  in  the  basic  skills  as  required  for  those  duties.  However,  to  avoid  diff erences 
in understanding and interpretation, all personnel should be provided with further training specifi cally 
related to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008, its Implementing Rules and related AMCs, CSs and GM, as well as 
related to the assessment of alternative means of compliance.

(c) 

The competent authority may provide training through its own training organisation with qualifi ed train-
ers or through another qualifi ed training source. 

(d)  When training is not provided through an internal training organisation, adequately experienced and 
qualifi ed persons may act as trainers, provided their training skills have been assessed. If required, an 
individual training plan should be established covering specifi c training skills. Records should be kept of 
such training and of the assessment, as appropriate.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC2 ARO.GEN.200(a)(2)  Management system

QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING – INSPECTORS

(a) 

Initial training programme: 

The initial training programme for inspectors should include, as appropriate to their role, current knowl-
edge, experience and skills in at least all of the following:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

aviation legislation organisation and structure;

the Chicago Convention, relevant ICAO annexes and documents;

the applicable requirements and procedures;

(4)  management systems, including auditing, risk assessment and reporting techniques;

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(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

human factors principles;

rights and obligations of inspecting personnel of the competent authority;

‘on-the-job’ training; 

suitable technical training appropriate to the role and tasks of the inspector, in particular for those 
areas requiring approvals.

(b) 

Recurrent training programme:

The recurrent training programme should refl ect, at least, changes in aviation legislation and industry. 
The programme should also cover the specifi c needs of the inspectors and the competent authority.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.200(a)(2)  Management System

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SUFFICIENT PERSONNEL

(a) 

(b) 

This GM on the determination of the required personnel is limited to the performance of certifi cation and 
oversight tasks, excluding personnel required to perform tasks subject to any national regulatory require-
ments.

The elements to be considered when determining required personnel and planning their availability may 
be divided into quantitative and qualitative elements: 

(1) 

Quantitative elements:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

the estimated number of initial certifi cates to be issued; 

the number of organisations certifi ed by the competent authority;

the number of persons to whom the competent authority has issued a licence, certifi cate, 
rating, authorisation or attestation; 

the estimated number of persons and organisations exercising their activity within the terri-
tory of the Member State and established or residing in another Member State. 

(2) 

Qualitative elements:

(i) 

the  size,  nature  and  complexity  of  activities  of  certifi ed  organisations  (cf.  AMC1  ORO.
GEN.200(b)), taking into account:

(A) 

(B) 

(C) 

(D) 

(E) 

(F) 

privileges of the organisation; 

type of approval, scope of approval, multiple certifi cation;

possible certifi cation to industry standards;

types of aircraft / fl ight simulation training devices (FSTDs) operated;

number of personnel; and

organisational structure, existence of subsidiaries; 

the safety priorities identifi ed; 

the results of past oversight activities, including audits, inspections and reviews, in terms of 
risks and regulatory compliance, taking into account:

(A) 

(B) 

number and level of fi ndings; 

timeframe for implementation of corrective actions; and

(ii) 

(iii) 

(C)  maturity  of  management  systems  implemented  by  organisations  and  their  ability 
to eff ectively manage safety risks, taking into account also information provided by 
other competent authorities related to activities in the territory of the Member States 
concerned; and

(iv) 

the size and complexity of the Member State’s aviation industry and the potential growth 
of activities in the fi eld of civil aviation, which may be an indication of the number of new 
applications and changes to existing certifi cates to be expected.

(c) 

Based  on  existing  data  from  previous  oversight  planning  cycles  and  taking  into  account  the  situation 
within the Member State’s aviation industry, the competent authority may estimate:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

the standard working time required for processing applications for new certifi cates (for persons 
and organisations);

the number of new certifi cates to be issued for each planning period; and 

the number of changes to existing certifi cates to be processed for each planning period. 

(d) 

In  line  with  the  competent  authority’s  oversight  policy,  the  following  planning  data  should  be  deter-
mined specifi cally for each type of organisation certifi ed by the competent authority: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

16 | ARO

standard number of audits to be performed per oversight planning cycle;

standard duration of each audit; 

standard working time for audit preparation, on-site audit, reporting and follow-up, per inspector;

standard number of ramp and unannounced inspections to be performed; 

 
AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

(5) 

standard duration of inspections, including preparation, reporting and follow-up, per inspector; 

(6)  minimum number and required qualifi cation of inspectors for each audit/inspection. 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

Standard working time could be expressed either in working hours per inspector or in working days per 
inspector. All planning calculations should then be based on the same unit (hours or working days). 

It is recommended to use a spreadsheet application to process data defi ned under (c) and (d), to assist in 
determining the total number of working hours / days per oversight planning cycle required for certifi ca-
tion, oversight and enforcement activities. This application could also serve as a basis for implementing a 
system for planning the availability of personnel. 

For each type of organisation certifi ed by the competent authority the number of working hours / days 
per planning period for each qualifi ed inspector that may be allocated for certifi cation, oversight and 
enforcement activities should be determined, taking into account:

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(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

purely administrative tasks not directly related to oversight and certifi cation; 

training; 

participation in other projects; 

planned absence; and

the need to include a reserve for unplanned tasks or unforeseeable events.

(h) 

The determination of working time available for certifi cation, oversight and enforcement activities should 
also consider: 

(1) 

(2) 

the possible use of qualifi ed entities; and

possible  cooperation  with  other  competent  authorities  for  approvals  involving  more  than  one 
Member State.

(i) 

Based on the elements listed above, the competent authority should be able to:

(1)  monitor dates when audits and inspections are due and when they have been carried out;

(2) 

(3) 

implement a system to plan the availability of personnel; and

identify possible gaps between the number and qualifi cation of personnel and the required vol-
ume of certifi cation and oversight. 

Care should be taken to keep planning data up-to-date in line with changes in the underlying planning 
assumptions, with particular focus on risk-based oversight principles.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.200(d)  Management system

PROCEDURES AVAILABLE TO THE AGENCY

(a) 

Copies of the procedures related to the competent authority’s management system and their amend-
ments to be made available to the Agency for the purpose of standardisation should provide at least the 
following information:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

Regarding  continuing  oversight  functions  undertaken  by  the  competent  authority,  the  compe-
tent authority’s organisational structure with description of the main processes. This information 
should  demonstrate  the  allocation  of  responsibilities  within  the  competent  authority,  and  that 
the competent authority is capable of carrying out the full range of tasks regarding the size and 
complexity of the Member State’s aviation industry. It should also consider overall profi ciency and 
authorisation scope of competent authority personnel. 

For  personnel  involved  in  oversight  activities,  the  minimum  professional  qualifi cation  require-
ments and experience and principles guiding appointment (e.g. assessment).

How the following are carried out: assessing applications and evaluating compliance, issuance of 
certifi cates,  performance  of  continuing  oversight,  follow-up  of  fi ndings,  enforcement  measures 
and resolution of safety concerns.

Principles of managing exemptions and derogations.

Processes in place to disseminate applicable safety information for timely reaction to a safety prob-
lem. 

Criteria for planning continuing oversight (oversight programme), including adequate manage-
ment  of  interfaces  when  conducting  continuing  oversight  (air  operations,  fl ight  crew  licensing, 
continuing airworthiness management for example).

Outline of the initial training of newly recruited oversight personnel (taking future activities into 
account), and the basic framework for continuation training of oversight personnel.

(b) 

As part of the continuous monitoring of a competent authority, the Agency may request details of the 
working methods used, in addition to the copy of the procedures of the competent authority’s manage-
ment system (and amendments). These additional details are the procedures and related guidance mate-
rial describing working methods for competent authority personnel conducting oversight.

(c) 

Information related to the competent authority’s management system may be submitted in electronic 
format.

18 | ARO

 
AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ARO.GEN.205  Allocation of tasks to qualifi ed entities 

(a) 

Tasks  related  to  the  initial  certifi cation  or  continuing  oversight  of  persons  or  organisations  subject  to 
Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules shall be allocated by Member States only to 
qualifi ed entities. When allocating tasks, the competent authority shall ensure that it has:

(1) 

put a system in place to initially and continuously assess that the qualifi ed entity complies with 
Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008. 

This system and the results of the assessments shall be documented.

(2) 

established a documented agreement with the qualifi ed entity, approved by both parties at the 
appropriate management level, which clearly defi nes:

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

(v) 

the tasks to be performed;

the declarations, reports and records to be provided;

the technical conditions to be met in performing such tasks; 

the related liability coverage; and

the protection given to information acquired in carrying out such tasks.

(b) 

The competent authority shall ensure that the internal audit process and safety risk management process 
required by ARO.GEN.200 (a) (4) covers all certifi cation or continuing oversight tasks performed on its 
behalf.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.205  Allocation of tasks to qualifi ed entities

CERTIFICATION TASKS

The tasks that may be performed by a qualifi ed entity on behalf of the competent authority include those related 
to the initial certifi cation and continuing oversight of persons and organisations as defi ned in this Regulation, 
with the exclusion of the issuance of certifi cates, licences, ratings or approvals.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ARO.GEN.210  Changes in the management system

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

The competent authority shall have a system in place to identify changes that aff ect its capability to per-
form its tasks and discharge its responsibilities as defi ned in Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Imple-
menting Rules. This system shall enable it to take action as appropriate to ensure that its management 
system remains adequate and eff ective.

The competent authority shall update its management system to refl ect any change to Regulation (EC) 
No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules in a timely manner, so as to ensure eff ective implementation.

The competent authority shall notify the Agency of changes aff ecting its capability to perform its tasks 
and discharge its responsibilities as defi ned in Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 and its Implementing Rules.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ARO.GEN.220  Record-keeping

(a) 

The  competent  authority  shall  establish  a  system  of  record-keeping  providing  for  adequate  storage, 
accessibility and reliable traceability of:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

the management system’s documented policies and procedures;

training, qualifi cation and authorisation of its personnel;

the allocation of tasks, covering the elements required by ARO.GEN.205 as well as the details of 
tasks allocated; 

certifi cation processes and continuing oversight of certifi ed organisations;

details of training courses provided by certifi ed organisations, and if applicable, records relating to 
FSTDs used for such training;

oversight  of  persons  and  organisations  exercising  activities  within  the  territory  of  the  Mem-
ber State, but overseen or certifi ed by the competent authority of another Member State or the 
Agency, as agreed between these authorities;

the  evaluation  and  notifi cation  to  the  Agency  of  alternative  means  of  compliance  proposed  by 
organisations subject to certifi cation and the assessment of alternative means of compliance used 
by the competent authority itself; 

fi ndings, corrective actions and date of action closure;

enforcement measures taken;

(10) 

safety information and follow-up measures; and

(b) 

(c) 

(11) 

the use of fl exibility provisions in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008.

The competent authority shall maintain a list of all organisation certifi cates it issued. 

All records shall be kept for the minimum period specifi ed in this Regulation. In the absence of such indi-
cation, records shall be kept for a minimum period of 5 years subject to applicable data protection law.

22 | ARO

 
AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)  Record-keeping

GENERAL

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

The record-keeping system should ensure that all records are accessible whenever needed within a rea-
sonable  time.  These  records  should  be  organised  in  a  way  that  ensures  traceability  and  retrievability 
throughout the required retention period.

Records should be kept in paper form or in electronic format or a combination of both media. Records 
stored on microfi lm or optical disc form are also acceptable. The records should remain legible and acces-
sible throughout the required retention period. The retention period starts when the record has been 
created.

Paper systems should use robust material, which can withstand normal handling and fi ling. Computer 
systems should have at least one backup system, which should be updated within 24 hours of any new 
entry. Computer systems should include safeguards against unauthorised alteration of data.

All computer hardware used to ensure data backup should be stored in a diff erent location from that 
containing the working data and in an environment that ensures they remain in good condition. When 
hardware- or software-changes take place, special care should be taken that all necessary data continue 
to be accessible at least through the full period specifi ed in the relevant Subpart or by default in ARO.
GEN.220 (c).

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AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(1);(2);(3)  Record-keeping

COMPETENT AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Records related to the competent authority’s management system should include, as a minimum and as appli-
cable: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

the documented policies and procedures;

the personnel fi les of competent authority personnel, with supporting documents related to training and 
qualifi cations; 

the results of the competent authority’s internal audit and safety risk management processes, including 
audit fi ndings and corrective actions; and

the contract(s) established with qualifi ed entities performing certifi cation or oversight tasks on behalf of 
the competent authority. 

AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(4)  Record-keeping

ORGANISATIONS

Records related to an organisation certifi ed by the competent authority should include, as appropriate to the 
type of organisation:

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

(i) 

the application for an organisation approval;

the documentation based on which the approval has been granted and any amendments to that docu-
mentation;

the organisation approval certifi cate including any changes;

a  copy  of  the  continuing  oversight  programme  listing  the  dates  when  audits  are  due  and  when  such 
audits were carried out;

continuing oversight records including all audit and inspection records;

copies of all relevant correspondence;

details of any exemption and enforcement actions;

any report from other competent authorities relating to the oversight of the organisation; and

a copy of any other document approved by the competent authority.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(4)  Record-keeping

ORGANISATIONS – DOCUMENTATION 

Documentation to be kept as records in support of the approval include the management system documen-
tation, including any technical manuals, such as the operations manual, and training manual, that have been 
submitted with the initial application, and any amendments to these documents. 

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.220(a)(6)  Record-keeping

ACTIVITIES PERFORMED IN THE TERRITORY OF A MEMBER STATE BY PERSONS OR ORGANISATIONS 
ESTABLISHED OR RESIDING IN ANOTHER MEMBER STATE 

(a) 

Records related to the oversight of activities performed in the territory of a Member State by persons or 
organisations established or residing in another Member State should include, as a minimum:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

oversight records including all audit and inspection records and related correspondence; 

copies of all relevant correspondence to exchange information with other competent authorities 
relating to the oversight of such persons/organisations; 

details of any enforcement measures and penalties; and

any report from other competent authorities relating to the oversight of these persons/organisa-
tions, including any notifi cation of evidence showing non-compliance with the applicable require-
ments.

(b) 

Records should be kept by the competent authority having performed the audit or inspection and should 
be made available to other competent authorities at least in the following cases:

(1) 

(2) 

serious incidents or accidents;

fi ndings through the oversight programme where organisations certifi ed by another competent 
authority are involved, to determine the root cause; 

(3) 

an organisation being certifi ed or having approvals in several Member States.

(c)  When records are requested by another competent authority, the reason for the request should be clearly 

stated.

(d) 

The records can be made available by sending a copy or by allowing access to them for consultation.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.220  Record-keeping

GENERAL

Records  are  required  to  document  results  achieved  or  to  provide  evidence  of  activities  performed.  Records 
become factual when recorded. Therefore, they are not subject to version control. Even when a new record is 
produced covering the same issue, the previous record remains valid.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

Section III — Oversight, Certifi cation 
And Enforcement

ARO.GEN.300  Oversight

(a) 

The competent authority shall verify:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

compliance with the requirements applicable to organisations prior to the issue of an organisation 
certifi cate or approval, as applicable;

continued compliance with the applicable requirements of organisations it has certifi ed;

implementation of appropriate safety measures mandated by the competent authority as defi ned 
in ARO.GEN.135 (c) and (d).

(b) 

This verifi cation shall:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

be supported by documentation specifi cally intended to provide personnel responsible for safety 
oversight with guidance to perform their functions;

provide the persons and organisations concerned with the results of safety oversight activity;

be based on audits and inspections, including ramp and unannounced inspections; and

provide  the  competent  authority  with  the  evidence  needed  in  case  further  action  is  required, 
including the measures foreseen by ARO.GEN.350 and ARO.GEN.355. 

(c) 

The scope of oversight defi ned in (a) and (b) shall take into account the results of past oversight activities 
and the safety priorities. 

(d)  Without prejudice to the competences of the Member States and to their obligations as set out in ARO.
RAMP, the scope of the oversight of activities performed in the territory of a Member State by persons or 
organisations established or residing in another Member State shall be determined on the basis of the 
safety priorities, as well as of past oversight activities.

(e)  Where  the  activity  of  a  person  or  organisation  involves  more  than  one  Member  State  or  the  Agency, 
the competent authority responsible for the oversight under (a) may agree to have oversight tasks per-
formed by the competent authority(ies) of the Member State(s) where the activity takes place or by the 
Agency. Any person or organisation subject to such agreement shall be informed of its existence and of 
its scope. 

(f) 

The competent authority shall collect and process any information deemed useful for oversight, includ-
ing for ramp and unannounced inspections. 

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

AMC1 ARO.GEN.300 (a);(b);(c)  Oversight

GENERAL

(a) 

(b) 

The competent authority should assess the organisation and monitor its continued competence to con-
duct safe operations in compliance with the applicable requirements. The competent authority should 
ensure that accountability for assessing organisations is clearly defi ned. This accountability may be dele-
gated or shared, in whole or in part. Where more than one competent authority is involved, a responsible 
person should be appointed under whose personal authority organisations are assessed.

It  is  essential  that  the  competent  authority  has  the  full  capability  to  adequately  assess  the  continued 
competence of an organisation by ensuring that the whole range of activities is assessed by appropriately 
qualifi ed personnel.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

GM1 ARO.GEN.300(a); (b);(c)  Oversight

GENERAL

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

Responsibility for the conduct of safe operations lies with the organisation. Under these provisions a posi-
tive move is made towards devolving upon the organisation a share of the responsibility for monitoring 
the safety of operations. The objective cannot be attained unless organisations are prepared to accept 
the implications of this policy including that of committing the necessary resources to its implementa-
tion. Crucial to the success of the policy is the content of Part-ORO, which requires the establishment of a 
management system by the organisation.

The competent authority should continue to assess the organisation’s compliance with the applicable 
requirements,  including  the  eff ectiveness  of  the  management  system.  If  the  management  system  is 
judged to have failed in its eff ectiveness, then this in itself is a breach of the requirements which may, 
among others, call into question the validity of a certifi cate, if applicable.

The accountable manager is accountable to the competent authority as well as to those who may appoint 
him/her. It follows that the competent authority cannot accept a situation in which the accountable man-
ager is denied suffi  cient funds, manpower or infl uence to rectify defi ciencies identifi ed by the manage-
ment system.

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GM1 ARO.GEN.300(d)  Oversight 

ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE MEMBER STATE

(a) 

Activities performed in the territory of the Member State by persons or organisations established or resid-
ing in another Member State include:

(1) 

(2) 

activities of organisations certifi ed by the competent authority of any other Member State or the 
Agency; and

activities of persons holding a licence, certifi cate, rating, or attestation issued by the competent 
authority of any other Member State. 

(b) 

Audits and inspections of such activities, including ramp and unannounced inspections, should be priori-
tised towards those areas of greater safety concern, as identifi ed through the analysis of data on safety 
hazards and their consequences in operations.

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AIR OPS and AMC/GM – May 2013 

ANNEX II Part-ARO

ARO.GEN.305  Oversight programme

(a) 

(b) 

The competent authority shall establish and maintain an oversight programme covering the oversight 
activities required by ARO.GEN.300 and by ARO.RAMP. 

For organisations certifi ed by the competent authority, the oversight programme shall be developed tak-
ing into account the specifi c nature of the organisation, the complexity of its activities, the results of past 
certifi cation and/or oversight activities required by ARO.GEN and ARO.RAMP and shall be based on the 
assessment of associated risks. It shall include within each oversight planning cycle: 

(1) 

audits and inspections, including ramp and unannounced inspections as appropriate; and

(2)  meetings convened between the accountable manager and the competent authority to ensure 

both remain informed of signifi cant issues.

(c) 

For  organisations  certifi ed  by  the  competent  authority  an  oversight  planning  cycle  not  exceeding 
24 months shall be applied. 

The  oversight  planning  cycle  may  be  reduced  if  there  is  evidence  that  the  safety  performance  of  the 
organisation has decreased. 

The oversight planning cycle may be extended to a maximum of 36 months if the competent authority 
has established that, during the previous 24 months:

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

the organisation has demonstrated an eff ective identifi cation of aviation safety hazards and man-
agement of associated risks;

the organisation has continuously demonstrated under ORO.GEN.130 that it has full control over 
all changes; 

no level 1 fi ndings have been issued; and

all corrective actions have been implemented within the time period accepted or extended by the 
competent authority as defi ned in ARO.GEN.350 (d)(2).

The oversight planning cycle may be further extended to a maximum of 48 months if, in addition to the 
above, the organisation has established, and the competent authority has approved, an eff ective contin-
uous reporting system to the competent authority on the safety performance and regulatory compliance 
of the organisation itself. 

(d) 

(e) 

For persons holding a licence, certifi cate, rating, or attestation issued by the competent authority the 
oversight programme shall include inspections, including unannounced inspections, as appropriate.

The oversight programme shall include records of the dates when audits, inspections and meetings are 
due and when such audits, inspections and meetings have been carried out.

30 | ARO