AOC (eng. Air Operator’s Certificate) is a document entitling an entity to conduct business in passenger and/or goods air transport. For entities registered in Poland, the document is issued by the head office of the Civil Aviation Authority in Warsaw.

Entities intending to provide aviation transport for passengers and / or cargo are required to go through the certification process of the appropriate CAA for the country in which the entity is registered. Obtaining the AOC is confirmation of the ability to operate in a safe manner, in other words according to the applicable regulations, standards and procedures. The process of granting such a certificate is complicated and time-consuming. It includes vetting the various areas of operation of the entity, such as: management skills and capability, qualifications and training of employees, including pilots, inspecting the technical condition of aircraft, and many other areas. In addition – holding a certificate granted by the relevant Flight Authority is associated with the obligation of permanent monitoring of the entity by the CAA and the entity itself is obliged to maintain standards specified by law in permanent and continuously manner, i.e. at all times.

No. Any entity wishing to perform a flight with passengers on board is obliged to hold AOC certificate . It does not matter whether it is a flight using an airplane, a helicopter or a hot air balloon. AOC is a guarantee to maintain safety standards and compliance with certain applicable, restrictive rules. Its ownership is directly related to your safety, regardless of whether you want to take a sightseeing flight or a business trip – cooperate only with certified entities.