Additional definitions are laid down in Annex I for the purposes of Annexes II to VIII.
GM1 Article 2(1)(d) Definitions - ED Decision 2019/019/R
NON-COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS — EXAMPLES
The following examples of operations are not covered by the definition of commercial
operations or by that of specialised operations. They are identified as non-commercial
operations. Some of these flights are listed by an AOC holder in its operations manual
Part-A, ch. 8.7 as non-commercial operations and covered by the provisions of
ORO.AOC.125. Some of these operations are performed on an irregular basis.
The operations listed below are performed with aircraft having a certificate of
airworthiness or a permit to fly and being already listed on an AOC or on a declaration.
They are grouped by the purpose of the flight.
Demonstration flights
- A flight performed with the purpose of demonstrating:
- an aircraft's handling, performance and functionalities to buyers or lessees;
- an aircraft's flying characteristics or the operational procedures to the
competent authority, for verification of compliance with the operational
requirements, as per ARO.GEN.310(a).
Other terms used: (route) proving flight; operational evaluation flight.
- Flight at the end of lease or upon transfer of ownership: a flight performed at the
request of the operator to verify compliance of the aircraft with the contractual
specifications of the lessee/lessor or buyer. Other term used: acceptance flight.
- 'Public relations (PR) flight': a flight carrying official or media representatives as
non-paying passengers. The PR flight is performed in the interest of the operator's
own business.
Maintenance check flights
- Maintenance check flight (MCF). The definition of an MCF is provided in Annex I to
Regulation (EU) No 965/2012. The provisions on MCF are developed in Annex VII
(Part-NCO), Subpart E Section 6 and Annex VIII (Part-SPO), Subpart E Section 5.
Ferry flights – flights changing the location of the aircraft
- The aircraft is moved to and from a maintenance base. The aircraft may be operated
under the permit-to-fly conditions.
- The aircraft is moved from one location to another. Other term used: delivery flight.
- The aircraft and its aircrew are positioned to an aerodrome from which a further
commercial air transport (CAT) operation will be performed. Other term used:
positioning flight.
- The aircraft is moved from its current location to a secure location for various
reasons. Other term used: recovery flight.
Training flights
- A flight for instructional purposes for the operator's own flight crew. Operator
training and checking flight: a flight performed by the operator with the purpose of
training, checking and/or familiarising a flight crew member with the operator's
procedures linked to the aircraft being operated.
Other non-commercial flights
- 'Corporate flight': a flight conducted for business purposes. Other terms used:
business flight, private flight.
- 'Leisure flight': a flight operated by an operator for personal or recreational
purposes. Other term used: private flight.
- Managed flight: a flight operated by an operator for the business purposes of the
aircraft owner, with no remuneration or other valuable consideration involved.
Charity flights, humanitarian flights
- 'Charity flight': a flight performed for the benefit of a registered charity
organisation, carrying persons and/or goods.
- 'Humanitarian flight': a flight with the purpose of carrying relief personnel and/or
life-saving supplies during or after an emergency or a natural disaster, or to evacuate
persons from an endangered area.
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