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

010-06-09Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

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).
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-03-27

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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