EASA aviation legislation and law: a practical guide for operators and startups.

Introduction to EASA aviation legislation

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) sets the regulatory framework that governs nearly every aspect of civil aviation in EASA member states. For new airlines, aircraft operators, CAMOs, MROs and aviation startups, understanding EASA aviation legislation is not optional — it is the foundation of a safe, compliant and commercially viable operation.

This guide explains the most important EASA regulations in plain language, shows how they fit together, and gives practical guidance on where to start when building a new aviation business or expanding an existing one.

Air Operations: Part-CAT, Part-NCC, Part-NCO and Part-SPA

Commercial air transport operations in the EU are governed by Regulation (EU) 965/2012, commonly known as the Air Operations Regulation. It contains several parts that determine which rules an operator must follow.

Part-CAT applies to commercial air transport — scheduled airlines, charter operators and cargo carriers carrying passengers or cargo for remuneration. It is the most stringent operational regime and requires an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), an approved Operations Manual, a Safety Management System and a Compliance Monitoring Function.

Part-NCC covers non-commercial operations of complex motor-powered aircraft. Corporate flight departments and private operators flying larger or turbine aircraft fall here. The requirements are lighter than Part-CAT but still demand management-system thinking, a minimum equipment list, and structured risk assessment.

Part-NCO applies to non-commercial operations of other-than-complex motor-powered aircraft. Think of a single-piston aircraft flown privately. The rules are simpler, but fundamental obligations such as flight planning, fuel requirements and pilot responsibilities remain.

Part-SPA contains special approvals: PBN, RNP, low visibility operations, data link, reduced vertical separation minimum, and others. Many operators apply for these approvals after initial certification to expand their operational capability.

Continuing Airworthiness: Part-M and Part-145

Airworthiness is the second pillar of regulatory compliance. Regulation (EC) 1321/2014 covers the continuing airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft components.

Part-M sets out the responsibilities of aircraft owners, operators and CAMOs (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations). It covers maintenance programmes, airworthiness reviews, defect management and the review of technical records. A CAMO approval is required when an operator manages the airworthiness of its fleet directly.

Part-145 governs maintenance organisations that perform aircraft maintenance. If a third party carries out base maintenance, component overhaul or line maintenance on an EASA-registered aircraft, it generally needs a Part-145 approval. Quality systems, tooling, training and documentation are all heavily regulated.

Aviation Security: Part-IS

Part-IS (Information Security) is a newer regulatory area that addresses the growing cyber and information-security risks facing aviation. It requires certain operators, CAMOs, maintenance organisations and other regulated entities to assess information-security risks, implement proportionate controls and protect the integrity of safety-critical data.

For a startup operator or an expanding business aviation department, Part-IS means thinking early about who can access operational data, how systems are protected, and how incidents are reported and managed.

Air Operator Certificate: where legislation becomes a licence to fly

An AOC is the legal document that allows an operator to conduct commercial air transport. It is issued by a National Aviation Authority such as the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) or a similar body in another EASA state.

The AOC application process translates EASA legislation into practical evidence: organisation manuals, management personnel nominations, proving flights, safety performance indicators, training programmes, and demonstration of compliance with Part-CAT and related regulations.

Malta is a popular jurisdiction for AOC applications because of its aviation-focused administration, English-language environment, and strategic position within the EU. That is why aeronotus specialises in Maltese AOC applications and ongoing compliance support.

Practical checklist for new operators and startups

If you are starting a new airline, charter operation or aviation business, the following checklist will help you navigate EASA legislation from day one.

• Confirm the intended operation type (CAT, NCC, NCO) and applicable EASA part.
• Choose a competent National Aviation Authority and understand local processes.
• Define management personnel and accountabilities early.
• Develop an Operations Manual structure aligned with Part-OPS requirements.
• Design a Safety Management System and Compliance Monitoring Function.
• Plan maintenance strategy: in-house CAMO, third-party Part-145, or combined.
• Assess Part-IS information-security obligations and controls.
• Build a certification roadmap with realistic milestones and authority meetings.
• Prepare for proving flights and demonstration of operational capability.
• Plan for ongoing compliance, audits, and regulatory change management.