What Is an Air Operator Certificate (AOC)? A Plain Guide

If you pay a company to fly you or your cargo, one document matters more than any website or brochure. It is the air operator certificate, or AOC. This guide explains what it is in plain words.

What an AOC is

An AOC is an approval from a national aviation authority. It says a company has shown it can run commercial flights safely. Without it, the company cannot carry passengers or cargo for pay.

The rule comes from international standards set by ICAO, the UN body for civil aviation. Each country writes its own version into law and issues its own certificates.

Who issues it

• United Kingdom: the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issues AOCs.
• European Union: the national authority of the country where the operator is based issues the AOC, under EU air operations rules. EASA sets the common rules.
• United States: the FAA issues an air carrier certificate under Part 119. Charter flights then run under Part 135. The words differ, but the idea is the same. See our guide to Part 91 vs Part 135.

Other countries have their own authority. The name changes, but the purpose does not.

What the company must show

To get an AOC, an operator must prove it has the basics in place. These include:

• Aircraft that are registered and kept in airworthy condition
• Pilots who are trained, checked and qualified for the aircraft
• A maintenance system with approved procedures
• Managers who are responsible for safety and operations
• Written procedures, manuals and a safety system

The authority then keeps checking. It can audit the company, and it can suspend or revoke the certificate. For the US route, see the Part 135 certification process.

What an AOC does not tell you

An AOC is the minimum. It shows the company is legal to operate. It does not rank one operator above another. It also lists specific aircraft and types of flying. A company may hold an AOC but not be approved for the aircraft or the route you want.

Some operators also pay for extra safety audits by outside firms. These go beyond the legal minimum. You can ask an operator whether it has one.

How to check an operator

1. Ask for a copy of the AOC (or the US air carrier certificate). A real operator will send it.
2. Check the name on it matches the company on your contract. If the contract is with a broker, ask which operator will fly you, and check that one.
3. Check that the aircraft you will fly is listed.
4. Ask for proof of insurance for passengers.
5. If in doubt, contact the regulator and ask them to confirm.

If a company cannot or will not show a certificate, do not book. That is a clear warning sign.

Brokers and the AOC

A broker usually does not hold an AOC. It arranges flights on aircraft that belong to licensed operators. That is normal and legal. But the broker should tell you who the operator is. We explain the difference in broker vs operator. For help picking a broker, see how to choose a charter broker.

Private flights are different

If you own an aircraft and fly it yourself or with your own crew, you usually do not need an AOC. You fly under private rules. The AOC is for flights where someone pays to be carried. Rules vary by country, so owners should confirm with their authority.

Sources: ICAO, Annex 6 on operation of aircraft (icao.int); UK CAA, air operator certificates (caa.co.uk); EASA, air operations regulation (easa.europa.eu); FAA, 14 CFR Parts 119 and 135 (faa.gov).

Looking for a licensed operator? Browse our Charter directory.