ICAO Annex 6 - Operation of Aircraft

071-01-01Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Structure of Annex 6

Aerial photograph of airliners in flight

ICAO Annex 6 is divided into three parts:

  1. Part I: International Commercial Air Transport – Aeroplanes.
  2. Part II: International General Aviation – Aeroplanes.
  3. Part III: International Operations – Helicopters.

Key Concepts (Part I)

Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

An authorization granted by the State of the Operator to an operator to carry out commercial air transport operations.

  • The operator must demonstrate the ability to conduct safe operations.
  • The AOC specifies the type of operations authorized (e.g., passenger/cargo, area of operation, aircraft types).

Operations Manual (OM)

The operator must provide an Operations Manual for the use and guidance of operations personnel.

  • It must be amended or revised as necessary.
  • It contains standard operating procedures (SOPs), aircraft limitations, performance data, and route information.

Responsibilities

  • State of the Operator: The state issuing the AOC. Responsible for oversight.
  • State of Registry: The state on whose register the aircraft is entered. Responsible for airworthiness.
  • Pilot-in-Command (PIC): Responsible for the safety of the aircraft and occupants. Has final authority.