Operating authorisation - The permit regime explained
Before operating to or from the United Kingdom, all foreign registered aircraft must be in possession of an operating permit issued by the Department for Transport's International Aviation and Safety Division (IASD) under the 2005 Air Navigation Order. This requirement extends to all scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo charters that are not covered by the provisions of the European market access regulations, and to flights carrying out aerial work (eg photography, parachuting, flight training). Foreign aircraft require also permits under the appropriate air navigation orders before operating to the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and the UK overseas territories.
Before granting any operating permits for scheduled flights, IASD ensures that the services are operating in conformity with the traffic rights and conditions provided under the UK's bilateral air services arrangements negotiated with the airlines' States. In the case of non-scheduled flights we seek reciprocity to ensure that UK airlines are allowed similar opportunities from the respective foreign authorities.
IASD also ensures that a number of administrative arrangements are completed before an operating permit is granted. These require airlines to provide valid certificates that are recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on competency (ie air operators certificate), insurance, registration, aircraft airworthiness and noise and that aircraft are fitted with a recognised enhanced ground proximity warning system, airborne collision avoidance system and crews are aware of the UK Approach Ban requirements and comply with aerodrome operating minima requirements.
