Aviation authority warns islanders against illegal 'grey charter' flights
- The Office of the Director of Civil Aviation warns against unlicensed 'grey charter' flights that lack proper safety certifications
- These flights carry extreme risks as operators may not undergo rigorous safety checks and often lack insurance coverage
- Passengers and pilots using illegal grey charter services could face prosecution under local aviation laws
- Cost-sharing flights are permitted under specific conditions but become illegal if pilots make a profit
- Aviation authorities work with UK CAA and US FAA to identify and investigate suspected illegal charter operations
The Office of the Director of Civil Aviation is warning Channel Islands residents against using unlicensed 'grey charter' flights that they say pose significant safety risks and potential legal consequences.
Grey charter flights are unlicensed charter operations that do not meet the same safety and regulatory standards as licensed commercial flights. These services are typically operated by private owners who lack necessary certifications, including an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), and often fail to follow strict safety protocols.
The aviation authority says these flights carry extreme risks for passengers, as unlicensed operators may not be subject to rigorous safety checks designed to protect travellers. The flights are often not covered by insurance, leaving passengers and cargo—including pet transportation—unprotected in case of incidents or accidents.
Booking an illegal grey charter flight could expose both passengers and pilots to prosecution for breaching local aviation laws, according to the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation (ODCA).
The ODCA is advising islanders to always verify that an operator holds an AOC before boarding an aircraft or requesting cargo transportation to ensure flights are conducted legally and adequate insurance coverage is in place.
While regulatory requirements vary depending on the aircraft's state of registry, cost-sharing flights are permitted in the Channel Islands under specific conditions and are not considered commercial, provided certain requirements are met.
The ODCA plans to engage with private pilots across the Channel Islands to remind them of their obligations when accepting bookings from paying customers.
Simon Crook, Acting Director of Civil Aviation for the Bailiwick of Guernsey, emphasised the risks involved.
"I would urge the general public to be very clear in understanding the risks they are taking when accepting a grey charter flight, even if it seems convenient to do so," Crook said. "We work closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in sharing safety-related information including suspected grey charter flights. Pilots conducting these illegal flights could be investigated and their licence suspended or revoked."
Crook clarified the distinction between legal cost-sharing arrangements and illegal commercial operations.
"Whilst cost sharing under certain conditions is allowed, these are only for direct costs i.e. fuel, oil, and landing fees – but the key word is shared costs. If the pilot is making a profit, that flight would be regarded as Commercial Air Transport and would therefore be illegal," he said.
The warning comes as aviation authorities seek to protect passengers from unregulated flight services that may compromise safety standards and leave travellers without proper insurance protection.
Q&A
Q: What is a grey charter flight?
A: A grey charter flight is an unlicensed charter operation that does not meet the same safety and regulatory standards as licensed commercial flights, typically operated by private owners without necessary certifications like an Air Operator Certificate.
Q: What are the risks of using grey charter flights?
A: Grey charter flights carry extreme risks including lack of rigorous safety checks, no insurance coverage for passengers or cargo, and potential legal consequences for both passengers and pilots who could face prosecution for breaching aviation laws.
Q: When are cost-sharing flights legal in the Channel Islands?
A: Cost-sharing flights are allowed under certain conditions for direct costs like fuel, oil, and landing fees, but become illegal Commercial Air Transport if the pilot makes a profit from the arrangement.
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