Certification Process
Since 1 January 2003, the CBAA has had the authority to issue and administer the Private Operator Certificate Program. All certificates are now issued by the CBAA.
To comply with the requirements of the CBAA Private Operator Certificate program, from an operator's perspective, the requirements can be broken down into three main steps:
- Establishment of a safety management system in the organization
- Undergo a successful audit of the safety management system
- Submit an application for a private operator certificate
This means that these three steps are critical to operators' maintaining their certificate.
Establishing a Safety Management System
Operators are not required, but may wish, to contact the CBAA for assistance in developing their safety management system. The CBAA will maintain a reference library and examples of systems that operators can use to develop their system. In addition, the CBAA will be able to recommend to operators consultants who can provide expert advice on safety management systems.
Safety Management System Audit
After the operator establishes their safety management system, they are ready to contact a CBAA trained and accredited auditor. The auditor will provide an audit report and other supporting documentation to the operator. A list of accredited auditors will be maintained by CBAA.
Application to CBAA
The operator is responsible for submitting a POC application with their successful audit report and other documentation pertinent to the CBAA. When the CBAA receives this documentation, the operator will be issued a new Private Operator Certificate.
Ongoing Requirements
Once the initial application is completed and the operator receives a Private Operator Certificate from the CBAA, periodic audits will be required to ensure continued compliance with the CBAA standards. The frequency of the audits will be based on the operation risk profile, and will be between one (1) and three (3) years.
An audit may also be triggered by events such as relocation, restructuring, acquisition of aircraft etc. The specific parameters are addressed in the Standards.
