(2) what measures are in place to (a) regulate and (b) identify the operators of (i) very light jets and (ii) privately-owned operated helicopters.
Appropriate measures exist to ensure the safety of very light jets (VLJs) and private helicopters.
Since 28 September 2003, the regulation and airworthiness approval of the type design of the majority of aircraft on the UK register has been the responsibility of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This includes the approval of both VLJs and helicopters.
The specific airworthiness requirements regulating the structure, engines, systems and equipment, and performance for very light jet aeroplanes are being drawn from a combination of the EASA airworthiness certification specification codes CS-23 (“Normal, utility, aerobatic and commuter category aeroplanes”) and CS-25 (“Large aeroplanes”), as appropriate to the design under consideration. The regulatory and industrial processes of taking design concepts through to final production is well established and it is not envisaged that there will be any difference on how VLJs would be expected to comply with the appropriate requirements. Where the use of new technologies is involved, the existing requirements are supplemented by additional conditions to define the regulatory basis for their acceptance.
Helicopter design and airworthiness requirements are contained in the EASA certification specifications codes CS-27 (“Small rotorcraft”) and CS-29 (“Large rotorcraft”). In recent years, there have been a considerable number of new helicopter designs introduced to the market place, many employing of new technologies and product improvements over their predecessors.
The operational requirements in place to regulate privately owned and operated helicopters and VLJs being flown for purposes other than commercial air transport are those of the United Kingdom Air Navigation Order 2005 and its regulations. The operational requirements for VLJ being flown for commercial air transport are those of Annex III to Regulation (EEC) No. 3922/9, commonly known as EU-OPS.
Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 requires the European Aviation Safety Agency to develop implementing rules, which will, by not later than 8 April 2012, apply to all aircraft whether operated commercially or non-commercially. These implementing rules will replace existing operational requirements. In addition, operators engaged in the non-commercial operation of VLJs and helicopters with a maximum take-off mass exceeding 3,175 kg or with a maximum seating configuration of more than nine, will have to declare to the Civil Aviation Authority their capability and means of discharging the responsibilities associated with the operation of their aircraft. The detailed draft implementing rules have not yet been published for consultation but it can be expected that they will enable member states to clearly identify the operators of such aircraft.
The Air Navigation Order 2005 requires that the name and address of the registered owner or charterer by demise of any aircraft, including VLJs and privately owned helicopters, shall be included on the details held in the UK Register of Civil Aircraft. The CAA Regulations stipulate that the UK Register of Civil Aircraft is available for inspection by any person and the CAA makes the register available via the CAA website at
www.caa.co.uk/ginfo.
If a VLJ is to be operated commercially it will be identifiable from the Air Operator’s Certificate, otherwise there are no specific operational measures in place to identify the operators of VLJs or privately owned helicopters.