The Operator must apply for renewal of the AOC prior to the expiration date. The request for renewal shall contain the same basic information that was submitted before the original certification and should be received by the Director well in advance at least 20 working days of the expiration date of the AOC. An Inspector shall conduct a complete Base Inspection covering all phases of the company’s operation prior to the expiration date of the AOC.

In so far as maintenance surveillance activities are concerned the areas to be covered are essentially the same as those examined during the original certification process and should include management effectiveness, facilities, manuals, training and record of compliance with the provisions of the AOC and the maintenance related SOPs and pertinent civil air regulations.

If surveillance inspection programme and related inspection reports reveal that the holder of the AOC has failed or is unable to meet or maintain the required standards for certification or the conditions specified in the AOC or related SOPs, the Inspector must promptly advise the Operator of the deficiency observed and require remedial action within a specified time. If the Operator does not correct the deficiency when required, the inspector should immediately inform the Director with a recommendation that the Operator’s AOC privileges be temporarily or permanently withdrawn or restricted.

If after careful review of all the circumstances involved and there is the need to suspend or revoke the Operator’s AOC privileges, the Director should forward a fax or letter to the operator summarizing the proposed action and the reasons thereof.

When an AOC is cancelled or revoked for any reason, the operator must promptly return the AOC to the Director-General.