aerodromes, data on instrument approach procedures, proposed aerodrome operating minima and navigation and communication facilities;j. Detail of operational control and supervision methods;k. Nature of operations;l. Detailed description of how the applicant intends to show compliance with each provision of the applicable code of air navigation regulations;m. Specified financial data; andn. Desired date for operation to commence.

Step 3: Document review and approval1. The prospective operator shall, as part of the formal application present

required documents for review and approval/acceptance by the SCAA.2. Documents required include, but are not limited to:

a. Operations Manual;b. Training Manual;c. Standard Operating Proceduresd. Maintenance Organization Exposition/ Maintenance Control Manual;e. Maintenance Program (including periodic inspection schedules and special inspection schedules);f.Minimum Equipment list and Configuration Deviation List;g. Flight Safety Manuals; andh. The Organizational Structure and detailed information on Higher Management Staff.

3. As an example, the Operations manual should provide clear, complete and detailed operating instructions, policies and procedures so that operational staff: crew members, maintenance, operational control, loading, traffic, administrative personnel, etc., are fully informed of what is required of them.

Step 4: Compliance Evaluation (Demonstration)1. A highly important and relatively more detailed phase of the certification

process.2. The applicant shall demonstrate through day-to-day administration and

operations, including a series of proving flights over the proposed routes, the adequacy of facilities, equipment, operating procedures and policies and the competence of administrative, flight and ground personnel.

3.Inspections conducted during this phase shall include, but are not limited to:a. Administration and Organization;b. Ground operations inspection;c. Fixed facilities;

d. Mobile equipment;e. Operational control organization;f. Communication;g. Flight crew qualifications and licensing;h. Cabin attendants’ competency;i. Training program;j. Emergency evacuation demonstration;k. Ditching demonstration;l. Records;m. Flight operations inspection;n. Maintenance organization;o. Maintenance facilities;p. Maintenance inspection system;q. Maintenance certification;r. Maintenance training program;s. Maintenance records.

Step 5: Granting of AOC1. Following the completion of the assessment and inspection process, the

SCAA shall determine whether the applicant:a. is properly equipped and capable in all respect of conducting the proposed operation safely, efficiently and reliably in accordance with the AOC,s operations specifications or limitations, orb.is not yet (pending correction of specified deficiencies), capable of conducting the proposed operation in an acceptable manner.

2. The successful applicant would be granted the AOC including the operating specifications and shall be presented to the applicant and commercial operations can start accordingly.

Privileges, conditions and limitations pertaining to an AOC with reference to the applicable regulations

1. Simply stated, the privilege of acquiring an AOC is the right to conduct commercial air transport as prescribed in the operating specifications attached to the Certificate that would be granted.

2. Conditions and limitations of operation will be specified in the operating specifications attached to the Certificate that would be granted.

3. The applicable regulations and requirements are those that have been

promulgated in the appropriate Aviation Act, Sudan Civil Aviation Regulations (specifically SUCAR Part 6) and related Procedures, Directives and Instructions.

Categories and conditions of operation:1. AOCs are granted for six categories of operations:

a. Scheduled passenger operations,b. non-scheduled passenger operations,c. Scheduled freight operations,d. non-scheduled freight operationse. Scheduled mixed passenger and freight operations, andf.non-scheduled mixed passenger and freight operations.

2. Each of the above may be for day operation only; for day and night operation; or may be under VFR only or under VFR and IFR.

Rights and authority of designated SCAA inspectors1. SCAA Inspectors are appropriately qualified and experienced to perform

the certification process in line with established regulations and procedures.

2. They shall have unhindered and unrestricted access to the premises of the potential air transport service provider, flight operations and maintenance organization, its personnel and any document that is deemed necessary to achieve a successful certification of the applicant.

SCAA surveillance and inspection policy1. In addition to conducting document review, compliance evaluation and

initial inspection of the applicant’s ability to conduct an air operator service, the SCAA ha also a policy of continuing monitoring and surveillance to ensure that the AOC holder has maintained the safety and operational standard that he has demonstrated during the initial assessment.

2.Surveillance and inspections following the grant of an AOC shall be conducted in accordance to established pre-established surveillance plan as well as unscheduled and random visits.

Mohamed Abdelaziz AhmedDirector General

Sudan Civil Aviation AuthorityAir Operator Certification

(AOC)Information for

Prospective Operators

General1. The Republic of Sudan is a Contracting State of the International Civil

Aviation Organization (ICAO) and fully prescribes to the Standards and Recommended Practices Adopted by the ICAO Council.

2. Sudan, as one of the fast growing nations in the world actively promotes the development of safe, secure and efficient air transportation system would significantly contribute to the growth of its economy and the well being of its people.

3. As such, in 2010, the Republic of Sudan adapted the principle of “Free Skies” and has opened its air space for all investors who would be interested to engage in air navigation-related services, including the establishment of air transport services.

4. This open skies policy has raised the interest of Sudanese and non-Sudanese investors who are eager to engage in aviation services in the

5. The Air Transport Department shall examine the applicant’s financial resources; proposed route structure; traffic potential and economic viability.

6. It shall also determine the need for the proposed service in light of agreements that have been entered between Sudan and other States.

7. When the Air Transport Directorate is satisfied with the applicant’s capability to provide an effective and efficient air transport, it shall provide him with the Air Transport License that would be valid for a period of 12 months.

8. Having gained an Air Transport License is not an insurance that an AOC would be issued; however, it confirms that the prospective applicant has the financial resources to start and maintain an air transport operation for at least a period of 6 months.

The Air Operator Certificate (AOC)1. Sudan Civil Aviation Safety Act clearly states that “No person shall operate

an aircraft in a commercial air service, unless he has in possession a valid license to do so from the SCAA.”

2. The AOC is the only document that authorizes operators based in Sudan to conduct air transport operation in and outside of Sudan. It is complemented by the Air Transport License but nevertheless, remains the only legal document that authorizes commercial flight operations.

3. Granting of an AOC follows the implementation of an internationally accepted best practice comprising 5 phases or steps.

4. A potential applicant requires to have very good understanding of those steps and abide by the related requirements at each stage of the process.

Step 1: Pre-application phase:1. The pre-application phase includes the process of acquiring an Air

Transport License that should precede any other activity or requirement that leads towards the granting of an AOC.

2. Once a potential operator acquires an Air Transport License, he/she will have to declare intent to start an air operation and request for information on requirements and procedures for acquiring an AOC.

3. The Flight Operations Directorate of the Safety and Standards Management Office (SSMO) of the SCAA would normally provide this information.

4.On first contact, the Flight Operations Directorate shall:a. Explain regulatory and other requirements to be eligible for an AOC certificate;b. Present the applicant with this pamphlet;c. Describe the certification process and the role of the applicant throughout the process;d. Answer applicant’s questions;e. Provide applicant with an application form and information package.

Required actions prior to the formal application1. Armed with information made available by the SCAA as briefly indicated

above, the prospective operator prepares for the formal application to start the process of certification.

Sudan Civil Aviation AuthorityAir Operator Certification (AOC)

Information for Prospective Operators

Sudan Civil Aviation AuthorityAir Transport Directorate

P.O.Box 430 Khartoum, Sudan Tel: +249 185 786883

Flight Operations DirectorateSafety and Standards Management Office

Sudan Civil Aviation AuthorityP.O.Box 430 Khartoum, Sudan Tel: +249 120348795

Sudan.5. Interest in investing in the Sudan Civil Aviation system is growing and

the SCAA is determined to support interested groups with the aim of enhancing aviation operation, its safety and security.

6. A major area of growth is the application for air operator certificate (AOC). This pamphlet has been specially developed to provide prospective applicants, a birds-eye-view of the requirements and the process involved to assist them in preparing to apply for the grant of an AOC.

A License and a Certificate1. To conduct air transport operation, potential operators should apply for an

transport license and air operator certificate.2. The Air Transport Directorate of the SCAA issues the Air Transport

(economic) License. It is the first step leading to be certified as an air operator.

3.Requirements for an Air Transport License form part of the application form that is available from the Directorate.

4. Application for an Air Transport License should be submitted to the Air Transport Directorate on a form that has been established for this purpose.

2. A meeting between the Senior Officers of the applicant and the SCAA staff shall be conducted to further support the prospective operator in his / her preparation for an award of an AOC and to ensure that the prospective operator understands the requirements.

3. One essential document that he prospective operator needs to prepare during this period would be to develop and submit a Prospective Operators Pre-application Statement (POPS).

4.POPS simply contains information on the intent of the operator with respect to:a. Location of operation and training,b. Equipment to be purchased or to be leased,c. Philosophy of the management,d. Etc.

5.The submission of POPS is an integral and essential part of the process and precedes the formal application phase of the process.

Step 2: Formal application phase1. Armed with preliminary but detailed information on requirements and the

process, the prospective operator shall present his application to the SCAA for the granting of an AOC.

2. The application form (provided by the SCAA) shall contain, at least the following information:a. Name and address of the applicant and the main base of operation;b. Description of the applicant’s business organization and corporate structure and names and addresses of those entities and individuals having a major financial interest;c.Information on management organization and key staff members including their title, name, background, qualifications and experience;d. Type of aircraft, instruments, flight documents, communication and navigation equipment and any other equipment to be used;e. Arrangements for maintenance and inspection of aircraft and associated equipment;f. State of Registry of the aircraft – if foreign registered, a copy of the lease agreement;g. Data on each flight crew member including types of certificates or license number, ratings, medical certificate and currency in assigned aircraft;h.Arrangements for crew and ground personnel training and qualification and installations and equipment available;i.Proposed routes, minimum flight altitudes, destination and alternate