If you want to operate as an air operator in New Zealand, you need an Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Submit your application at least 90 days before your proposed start date. Complex applications may take longer to assess.
Email your completed application and supporting documents to certification@caa.govt.nz.
Before you submit your application, make sure you have identified what applies to your operation and have the required documents ready.
Complete the application form and email it with your supporting documents to certification@caa.govt.nz.
Application for issue of an air operator certificate (24119-01ISSUE) [DOCX 303 KB]
You must pay an initial 4 hours at the CAA standard hourly rate. We will email you invoices during the assessment and at the end of the assessment for any additional CAA time taken.
Your exposition explains how your organisation will operate and comply with the aviation rules. It may be one document or several manuals. It should include your operating procedures, responsibilities, safety management system, training arrangements, and other required information.
Your exposition must comply with rule 119.81 Airline air operator exposition and, if applicable, rule 119.125 General aviation air operator exposition.
Each proposed senior person must meet the qualifications and experience required for the type of operation. Check Part 119 Appendix A for airline air operators or Appendix B for general aviation air operators.
| Use the FPP questionnaire if | Use the FPP declaration if |
|---|---|
| Each proposed senior person must meet the qualifications and experience required for the type of operation. Check Part 119 Appendix A for airline air operators or Appendix B for general aviation air operators. | Their last FPP questionnaire was completed less than 5 years ago and their information has not changed. |
| Provide: CV, proof of identity, proof of address for service, Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction Check, and Waka Kotahi traffic safety offence history report. | Provide: updated CV. |
Note: Government agency reports can take 8 weeks or longer to obtain.
| Requirement | When it may apply | Provide |
|---|---|---|
| Operational approvals | Part 121 large aeroplanes, Part 125 medium aeroplanes, or Part 135 required navigation performance (RNP), if applicable. | Part 91 Application for Operational Approval (24091-07) [DOCX 244 KB] |
| Maintenance programme | If your operation requires a maintenance programme. | Your maintenance programme and Part 91 Application for Approval or Amendment of Maintenance Programme (24091-02) [DOCX 136 KB] |
| Security programme | If your operation requires a security programme. | Your security programme and Part 108 Air Operator Security Programme compliance matrix (24108-02) [DOCX 233 KB] |
| Exemptions | If you need an exemption to operate. | Application for an Exemption (24011-02) [PDF 2.2 MB] This may need to be granted before your AOC can be issued. |
Submit the compliance checklists relevant to your operation. Keep these checklists up to date as they will support future renewal and amendment applications.
Part 119/135 Airline compliance matrix (24135-01) [DOCX 300 KB]
Part 119/135 Airline compliance matrix - maintenance (24135-02) [DOCX 263 KB]
Part 119/135 General Aviation compliance matrix - maintenance (24135-03) [DOCX 234 KB]
Part 119/135 General Aviation helicopter compliance matrix (24135-04) [DOCX 290 KB]
Part 119/135 General Aviation VFR small aeroplane compliance matrix (24135-05) [DOCX 271 KB]
Part 119/135 General Aviation IFR small aeroplane compliance matrix (24135-06) [DOCX 254 KB]
If other rules apply to your operation and are not covered by the application form, email us the completed forms and documents required for those rules. Examples include Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules and Part 92 Carriage of Dangerous Goods.
Once we receive your application, we will assess whether your organisation can comply with the applicable aviation rules.
If you have any questions about this topic, email certification@caa.govt.nz.
