The Air Navigation Order 1995

Public transport—operator’s responsibilities

30.—(1) The operator of an aircraft registered in the United Kingdom shall not permit the aircraft to fly for the purpose of public transport without first:

(a) designating from among the flight crew a pilot to be the commander of the aircraft for the flight;

(b) satisfying himself by every reasonable means that the aeronautical radio stations and navigational aids serving the intended route or any planned diversion therefrom are adequate for the safe navigation of the aircraft; and

(c) subject to paragraph (2), satisfying himself by every reasonable means that every place (whether or not an aerodrome) at which it is intended to take off or land and any alternate place (whether or not an aerodrome) at which a landing may be made are suitable for the purpose and in particular that they will be adequately manned and equipped at the time at which it is reasonably estimated such a take-off or landing will be made (including such manning and equipment as may be prescribed) to ensure so far as practicable the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.

(2) Without prejudice to any conditions imposed pursuant to article 6 of this Order, the operator of an aircraft shall not be required for the purposes of this article to satisfy himself as to the adequacy of fire-fighting, search, rescue or other services which are required only after the occurrence of an accident.

(3) The operator of an aircraft registered in the United Kingdom shall not permit any person to be a member of the crew thereof during any flight for the purpose of public transport (except a flight for the sole purpose of training persons to perform duties in aircraft) unless such person has had the training, experience, pratice and periodical tests specified in Part B of Schedule 10 to this Order in respect of the duties which he is to perform and unless the operator has satisfied himself that such person is competent to perform his duties, and in particular to use the equipment provided in the aircraft for that purpose. The operator shall maintain, preserve, produce and furnish information respecting records relating to the foregoing matters in accordance with Part B of the said Schedule 10.

(4) The operator of an aircraft registered in the United Kingdom shall not permit any member of the flight crew thereof, during any flight for the purpose of the public transport of passengers, to simulate emergency manoeuvres and procedures which the operator has reason to believe will adversely affect the flight characteristics of the aircraft.