Commercial Air Transport Operations - CAT
For commercial air transport of passengers, mail and cargo (CAT), an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) and an Operating Licence are required. Once certified, an operator is required to have any changes, e.g. to the fleet, personnel, operating principles, processes and/or documentation, reviewed by the FOCA in accordance with EASA regulations. Thereby, some changes require prior approval by the FOCA, while others only need to be notified. Economic viability must be ensured in order to obtain and maintain an operating license.
Air Operator Certificate
Initial certification and issuance of an operating license
Changes at Aircraft Operator
After the initial certification or declaration of flight operations according to Part NCC/SPO, all changes in the form of amendments, additions or deletions, in particular in the area of fleet, personnel, operating policies, processes and procedures or documentation, are referred to as a change.
Economic viability
Among other competencies the FOCA is responsible for the audit and ongoing oversight of the economic viability of Swiss air carriers to which a commercial operating licence has been granted to.
Form collection
In this list you will find all the forms that belong to the flight operations.
Guidance Material / Information
The FOCA publishes “Guidance Material/Information (GM/INFO)” on relevant topics. The aim of these documents is to help operators prepare the necessary documentation and certificates, define procedures and training courses, and adapt the Operations Manual system accordingly.
Legal bases flight operations
The legislation and guidelines governing aviation operations/aircraft are based on Swiss regulations, as well as on international regulations and agreements.
Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA
Section Helicopter Flight Operations (SBHE)
Section Operation of Complex Airplanes (SBOC)