Turkey has announced requirements for fixed wing aircraft (under 750 kg) and rotating wing aircraft (under 600 kg) which operate in Turkish airspace. Secondary legislation now outlines rules for the legal characteristics which the related company must possess, including share ownership, licensing, aircraft registration and subscription amounts.
The Regulation on Commercial Aviation Activities with Very Light Aircrafts (“Regulation”) was published in Official Gazette number 30078 on 27 May 2017, entering into effect the same day.
The Regulation applies to (“Very Light Aircraft”):
- Fixed wing aircrafts with engine equipment and maximum take-off weight of 750kg and under.
- Rotating wing aircraft with engine equipment and maximum take-off weight of 600 kg and under.
- Under the Regulation, companies established to perform commercial aviation activities using Very Light Aircraft must:
- Have a Turkish citizen hold majority shares and sole authority to represent and bind of the company.
- Have at least two Very Light Aircraft in their fleet registered with the Turkish Civil Aircraft Registry in the company’s name as either property or rental.
- Have US $10,000 subscribed capital per aircraft (unless total subscribed capital is less than US $100,000)
- Have an operating license granted by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
Companies will receive up to six months to rectify any failures to comply, before administrative sanctions under the Turkish Civil Aviation Law will apply.
Under the Regulation, Very Light Aircraft can be used for:
- Commercial passenger transportation.
- Commercial flights intended for publicity and travel.
- Commercial aviation activities and training activities.
- All aviation activities which are not considered to be commercial within the scope of the General Aviation Regulation.
Please see the link for full text of the Regulation (only available in Turkish)
