# Regulation (EU) No 965/2012: Air Operations Structure and Applicable Parts

> Understand the architecture of Regulation (EU) 965/2012 and when Parts ARO, ORO, CAT, SPA, NCC, NCO, and SPO apply to operations.

- **Subject:** 010 — Air Law
- **Section:** 010-06 — Aircraft Operations
- **Topic code:** 010-06-09
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/air-law/aircraft-operations/regulation-eu-no-965-2012-on-air-operations/

---

## Regulation (EU) No 965/2012
This regulation establishes technical requirements and administrative procedures for air operations in the European Union. It covers everything from large airlines to general aviation.

It is structured into a series of **Annexes** containing the different **Parts**:

*   **Annex I: Definitions (Part-DEF):** Contains all definitions used in subsequent annexes.
*   **Annex II: Part-ARO (Authority Requirements - Operations):** Requirements for **Competent Authorities** (e.g., EASA). Establishes how they must certify and oversee operators.
*   **Annex III: Part-ORO (Organisation Requirements - Operations):** Requirements for **Operators**. Covers management systems, manuals, training, crews, etc.
*   **Annex IV: Part-CAT (Commercial Air Transport):** Specific standards for **commercial** air transport operations. It is the strictest part.
*   **Annex V: Part-SPA (Specific Approvals):** Requirements for special operations requiring specific approval (e.g., RVSM, LVO, ETOPS/EDTO, Dangerous Goods).
*   **Annex VI: Part-NCC (Non-Commercial Complex):** **Non-commercial** operations with **complex** motor-powered aircraft.
*   **Annex VII: Part-NCO (Non-Commercial Other):** **Non-commercial** operations with **other** aircraft (non-complex). It is the regulation for light general aviation.
*   **Annex VIII: Part-SPO (Specialised Operations):** Specialised operations (aerial work), both commercial and non-commercial.

## Key Concepts
*   **Complex motor-powered aircraft:**
    *   Aeroplanes: MTOM > 5,700 kg, certified for > 19 seats, certified for minimum crew of 2 pilots, or equipped with turbojets or more than one turboprop engine.
    *   Helicopters: MTOM > 3,175 kg, certified for > 9 seats, certified for minimum crew of 2 pilots.
*   **CAT vs NCC/NCO:**
    *   If the operation is **commercial** (for remuneration), **Part-CAT** applies (AOC required).
    *   If it is **private** (non-commercial) with a complex aircraft, **Part-NCC** applies (declaration, no AOC).
    *   If it is **private** with a light aircraft (non-complex), **Part-NCO** applies (simpler rules).

---

Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.