Is your air carrier licensed?
All air carriers who transport passengers for hire/reward must hold a valid Operating Licence and Air Operator’s Certificate. It is illegal for owners of private aircraft and helicopters to allow their aircraft to be used for hire/reward without the appropriate licences and certificates.
An Operating Licence is issued by the Commission for Aviation Regulation to air carriers who have their principal place of business in Ireland.
A licensed air carrier must also have, and for the duration of the Operating Licence hold, an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC). The Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for the granting of AOC's to Irish air carriers.
Licensed air carriers are monitored closely to make sure they meet a number of requirements, which include safety standards, satisfactory insurance cover and financial fitness.
Using an unlicensed air carrier may, in the event of an accident, invalidate aircraft and personal insurance.
Always check to see if your chosen air carrier holds a licence to carry passengers for hire/reward. This information is available from the Passenger Guidance page on the Commission’s website or from the website of the Irish Aviation Authority, www.iaa.ie.