Air Operator Certification Requirements

The Fiji Air Navigation Regulations states that no one is allowed to perform the functions of an Air Operator or operate an aircraft domiciled in Fiji for the purpose of public transport, otherwise than under and in accordance with the terms of an air operator’s certificate granted to the operator by CAAF.

The Fiji Air Navigation Regulations further states that CAAF may only issue such a certificate if it is satisfied that the applicant is –

• competent having regard to his previous conduct and experience, his equipment, organisation, staffing, quality assurance systems, safety management systems, procedures for the exercise of operational control, maintenance and other arrangements, to secure the safe operation of aircraft of the types specified in the certificate, on flights of the description and for the purposes so specified.

The Fiji Air Navigation Regulations states that CAAF can impose conditions on the certificate which must be complied with, including a period of its validity.

CAAF can suspend, revoke, or cancel a certificate at any time if it deems it necessary.

As part of its oversight CAAF and for the purpose of securing the safety of aircraft operation under the Regulations or of satisfying itself that the holder of an air operator’s certificate is competent to operate safely and securely, direct the owner or operator of an aircraft operated by an operator domiciled in Fiji to make available, free of charge, within 7 days of the direction or, if the circumstances so warrant, at a shorter notice, a seat on the aircraft to a person authorised by it in writing to undertake:

1. en route examination and inspection of the work of a flight crew member;
2. inspection of the maintenance facilities at the en route and terminal stations;
3. inspection of an aircraft or of its equipment; and
4. such other examination or inspection as may be necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of aircraft operation.

In any case where such transportation at short notice requires offloading of a passenger or cargo being carried on the particular flight, the operator shall be reimbursed by CAAF to the extent of the net loss of revenue thereby caused, if any.

The Fiji Air Navigation Regulations states that the operator shall comply with Air Operator‘s Certificate of Competency standards notified by CAAF and that no person shall fly an aircraft for the purpose of public transport under an Air Operator‘s Certificate of Competency issued by the Authority unless it is maintained and its Certificate of Release to Service is issued by an Approved Maintenance Organisation certificated under ANR145C.

The Fiji Air Navigation Regulations states that the Operator shall prepare and submit to CAAF its maintenance control manual and maintenance procedures manual for approval. The content of the maintenance control and maintenance procedures manuals shall be in accordance with the standards document for air operators published by CAAF.

The Fiji Air Navigation Regulations states that no operator shall operate an aircraft under a Lease arrangement or for ETOPS, RVSM, RNP, PBN, ADS-B, ADS-C or similar requirement unless such type of operation is approved under the air operator‘s certificate issued by CAAF.

The Fiji Air Navigation Regulations states that the operator when conducting such operation shall comply with any relevant standards document issued by CAAF.

When deemed necessary by CAAF, the operator shall produce a supplement to its other manuals, explaining how to safely conduct such operation and submit the same for the Authority‘s acceptance or approval.