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This 5-day course guides participants through the complete process of obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority, providing essential regulatory and business insights for a successful start-up.

Zurich

Fees: 6600
From: 27-04-2026
To: 01-05-2026

AOC Certification Start-up

Course Overview

Obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is a critical step in launching an airline or commercial air transport operation. This AOC Certification Start-up Training Course offers participants a clear roadmap of the CAA certification process, from pre-application to final approval.

The course covers regulatory requirements, documentation, organizational readiness, and compliance obligations. Participants will explore the five-phase certification model, common pitfalls, and strategies for effective communication with regulators.

Through real-world examples, group discussions, and practical exercises, attendees will gain the knowledge to align regulatory compliance with business strategy and ensure smooth certification.

Course Benefits

  • Gain structured understanding of the CAA AOC process.

  • Learn documentation and manual requirements for approval.

  • Strengthen knowledge of compliance audits and inspections.

  • Build a certification roadmap tailored to airline start-ups.

  • Improve risk management and communication with regulators.

Course Objectives

  • Understand the phases of AOC certification.

  • Apply regulatory compliance requirements to start-up operations.

  • Prepare effective documentation and operations manuals.

  • Anticipate regulator expectations during inspections.

  • Analyze case studies of successful and failed start-ups.

  • Develop strategies for sustainable operational approval.

  • Build internal systems for continuous compliance.

Training Methodology

The course uses expert-led lectures, regulatory document analysis, group workshops, and practical exercises simulating certification processes.

Target Audience

  • Aviation start-up executives and entrepreneurs.

  • Compliance, quality, and safety managers.

  • Airline operations and planning staff.

  • Civil aviation authority professionals.

Target Competencies

  • Regulatory compliance and certification.

  • Operations manual development.

  • Audit and inspection readiness.

  • Strategic planning for airline start-ups.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to AOC Certification

  • Purpose and scope of an AOC.

  • The role of the Civil Aviation Authority.

  • Overview of international and national frameworks.

  • Initial considerations for start-ups.

Unit 2: The AOC Application Phases

  • Pre-application meetings and requirements.

  • Formal application and submissions.

  • Document review and evaluation by CAA.

  • Key success factors in the early stages.

Unit 3: Manuals, Systems, and Organizational Readiness

  • Operations manuals and SMS requirements.

  • Maintenance and continuing airworthiness systems.

  • Management structure and nominated postholders.

  • Financial fitness and business planning.

Unit 4: Demonstrations, Inspections, and Regulatory Interface

  • Preparing for CAA audits and inspections.

  • Conducting demonstration flights.

  • Addressing non-conformities and findings.

  • Maintaining effective regulator communication.

Unit 5: Certification and Post-Approval Obligations

  • Issuance of the AOC and entry into service.

  • Ongoing compliance and safety oversight.

  • Post-certification responsibilities.

  • Lessons learned from airline start-ups.

Ready to launch your aviation venture?
Join the AOC Certification Start-up Training Course with EuroQuest International Training and gain the expertise to achieve certification and operational success.