Polish aviation authority cracks down on uncertified scenic flights

Poland's Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) is stepping up inspections of scenic and recreational flights, including helicopter tours and gift-voucher flights, which are popular during the peak summer vacation season. The authority notes an increasing number of advertisements for such services appearing on social media, but warns that not all are operated in compliance with regulations.

A fundamental safety requirement for conducting paid passenger air transport is the Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This certification confirms that an operator meets stringent standards for business organization, personnel qualifications, aircraft airworthiness oversight, and safety management systems. The ULC stresses that the AOC is a critical indicator that a carrier adheres to the rigorous safety protocols governing civil aviation.

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W okresie wakacyjnym wiele osób decyduje się na lot widokowy lub kupuje go swoim bliskim w prezencie. Chcemy przypomnieć, że pasażer ma prawo zapytać przewoźnika, czy posiada certyfikat AOC i zweryfikować tę informację przed zakupem usługi. To nie jest zbędna formalność, to jeden z podstawowych elementów bezpieczeństwa w lotnictwie. Świadomy pasażer to bezpieczniejszy pasażer

Agnieszka Sokół, spokesperson for the ULC, stated, "During the holiday season, many people decide to take a scenic flight or buy one as a gift for their loved ones. We want to remind them that passengers have the right to ask the operator if they possess an AOC and to verify this information before purchasing the service. This is not an unnecessary formality; it is one of the fundamental elements of aviation safety. An informed passenger is a safer passenger."

The ULC also warns that using services from operators without the required AOC can leave passengers without the protections afforded by commercial aviation, including carrier liability in the event of incidents. Furthermore, illegal operations disrupt the market, as certified carriers incur significant costs to maintain high safety standards, staff training, and aircraft maintenance, while uncertified operators bypass these obligations, gaining an unfair competitive advantage. The authority is continuing its control actions and encourages passengers to make informed choices.

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Bezpieczeństwo pasażerów i uczciwe zasady funkcjonowania rynku lotniczego idą ze sobą w parze. Zależy nam na tym, aby wszyscy przedsiębiorcy działali według tych samych reguł i podlegali takim samym wymaganiom. Przestrzeganie przepisów to nie tylko obowiązek, ale przede wszystkim gwarancja odpowiedniego poziomu bezpieczeństwa dla pasażerów