FAA · Information for Operators (InFO)
InFO 16018: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Country Operators (TCO) Authorization
In Brief
What It Addresses
This InFO reminds non-European Union (EU) commercial air operators, referred to as TCOs, of the EASA-TCO authorization needed by November 26, 2016, to conduct operations into the EU.
Why It Matters
The EU has centralized the authorization process for TCOs performing commercial air transport operations into the EU. A single safety authorization is now issued centrally by EASA.
Recommended Action
It is recommended that air operators avail themselves to all relevant information concerning EASA-TCO requirements. The EASA web site for this subject is: https://www.easa.europa.eu/easa-and-you/air-operations/tco-third-country-operators.
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.
Subject: European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Country Operators (TCO) Authorization
Purpose: This InFO reminds non-European Union (EU) commercial air operators, referred to as TCOs, of the EASA-TCO authorization needed by November 26, 2016, to conduct operations into the EU.
Background: The EU has centralized the authorization process for TCOs performing commercial air transport operations into the EU. A single safety authorization is now issued centrally by EASA.
Discussion: In accordance with EASA-TCO, all TCOs who wish to conduct operations into the 28 EU member states, the 4 European Free Trade Association states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), and designated territorial areas, must receive an EASA-TCO authorization by November 26, 2016.
European Commission requirements for TCO authorizations are based on compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annexes 1, 2, 6, 18, and 19. These requirements are applicable to all commercial air operators, regardless of which Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations part they operate under; ICAO Annex 6 part 1 does not distinguish between part 121 and part 135. The TCO requirements cover such areas as: personnel licensing, rules of the air, operation of aircraft, airworthiness, dangerous goods, and Safety Management to include Safety Management Systems (SMS). Annex 19 requires that an operator’s SMS must be, “acceptable to the State.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not recognize third party-sponsored systems; therefore they do not meet Annex 19 requirements. It is the air operator’s responsibility to ensure all applicable requirements are met. If an operator fails to meet the TCO requirements in sufficient time for EASA to issue the TCO authorization, then EASA may not permit air operations into EU states or territories listed in the previous section (a more detailed list is available on the EASA-TCO website).
Recommended Action: It is recommended that air operators avail themselves to all relevant information concerning EASA-TCO requirements. The EASA web site for this subject is:
https://www.easa.europa.eu/easa-and-you/air-operations/tco-third-country-operators.
Contact: Questions or comments regarding EASA-TCO authorizations should be addressed to the International Programs and Policy Division (AFS-50) at (202) 267-0962. For questions or comments about the FAA SMS Voluntary Program, contact the Flight Standards National Field Office (AFS-900) at (703) 661-0565.
InFOInformation for Operators
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
InFO 16018
DATE: 10/3/16
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-50
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
InFO 16018