On October 3, 2016, the FAA issued an InFO on European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Country Operators (TCO) Authorization as a reminder to non-European Union commercial air operators of
the EASA-TCO authorization needed by November 26, 2016, in order to conduct operations into the EU.
Background. Since the European Union (EU) centralized the authorization process for TCOs performing commercial air transport operations into the EU, the EASA issues a single safety authorization. According to the EASA-TCO, all TCOs wishing to conduct commercial operations into the EU, the European Free Trade Association states, and other designated territorial areas must receive the authorization no later than November 26, 2016.
Requirements. Requirements for TCO authorizations are determined by compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annexes 1, 2, 6, 18, and 19 and are applicable to all commercial air operators. The TCO requirements cover a broad spectrum of areas relating to aircraft operations including licensing and Safety Management Systems (SMS). Third party–sponsored systems are not recognized by the FAA and does not meet Annex 19’s requirement of being “acceptable to the State.” Operators must ensure that they meet all requirements. Failure to meet requirements before issuance of a TCO authorization is grounds for the EASA to prohibit air operations into the EU states or its territories.
For more information, see the EASA-TCO website or the InFO on European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Third Country Operators (TCO) Authorization.
If you have any questions, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
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McBreen & Kopko’s Aviation Group represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), airport managers, aviation service providers, and business aircraft owners and operators on a wide range of aviation issues including regulatory matters, commercial transactions, aircraft finance matters, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.