Overview: EASA Part-NCO
Part-NCO (Non-Commercial Operations with Other-Than-Complex Motor-Powered Aircraft) is the EASA regulatory framework for non-commercial private flying with "simple" aircraft. For PPL holders it is the governing operational ruleset.
Source: EU Regulation 965/2012 Air Operations, Annex VII (Part-NCO); EASA Easy Access Rules for Part-NCO (latest consolidated edition 2024).
Scope
Applies to: non-commercial operations with aircraft that are NOT classified as "Complex Motor-Powered Aircraft" (i.e. MTOM ≤ 5700 kg, max. 9 pax, single piston engine, etc.).
Does not apply to:
- Commercial operations (governed by Part-CAT).
- Specialised operations (photo flights, schools) — possibly governed by Part-SPO.
- Complex aircraft (jets, large multi-engine) — governed by Part-NCC (Non-Commercial Complex).
- Sport / ultralight aircraft under Annex I — national regulation.
Structure of Part-NCO
| Sub-part | Meaning | Example rules |
|---|---|---|
| NCO.GEN | General Requirements | NCO.GEN.105 Pilot-in-command responsibilities, NCO.GEN.135 Documents to be carried, NCO.GEN.140 Carriage of dangerous goods |
| NCO.OP | Operating Procedures | NCO.OP.135 Flight preparation, NCO.OP.125 Fuel and oil supply, NCO.OP.205 Oxygen requirements, NCO.OP.215 Use of supplemental oxygen |
| NCO.POL | Performance and Operating Limitations | NCO.POL.105 Operating limitations, NCO.POL.110 Mass and balance |
| NCO.IDE | Instruments, Data and Equipment | NCO.IDE.A.120 Operations VFR night, NCO.IDE.A.170 ELT, NCO.IDE.A.175 Life jackets |
| NCO.SPEC | Specific Operations | Special rules for specific operations |
Key rules for PPL (selection)
NCO.GEN.105 — Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- PIC has final authority for safe conduct of the flight.
- PIC decides on take-off, in-flight, landing, even against ATC if safety concerns (with justification).
- PIC responsible for mass and balance, performance, weather briefing, fuel plan.
NCO.GEN.135 — Documents to be carried
See Subject 070 lesson "Pre-flight": ARC, C of A, C of R, AFM/POH, mass & balance, noise certificate, insurance, flight plan, charts.
NCO.GEN.140 — Dangerous Goods
See lesson "Dangerous Goods".
NCO.OP.105 — Specification of Isolated Aerodromes
Special rules for fields without alternate.
NCO.OP.125 — Fuel and Oil Supply
See Subject 060 lesson "Fuel — Time and Quantity": 30 min day, 45 min night VFR.
NCO.OP.135 — Flight Preparation
See Subject 070 lesson "Pre-flight": full briefing mandatory.
NCO.OP.205 — Oxygen Requirements
- Mandatory for all occupants at cabin altitude > 13,000 ft.
- Mandatory for crew at 10,000 ft–13,000 ft for time > 30 min.
- See Subject 040 lesson "Hypoxia".
NCO.IDE.A.120 — Equipment for Night Operations
- See Subject 070 lesson "Night VFR".
NCO.IDE.A.170 — ELT
- ELT 406 MHz mandatory for all aircraft per EU-NCO standard.
NCO.IDE.A.175 — Life Jackets
- Mandatory for overwater flight > 50 NM from coast.
Comparison Part-NCO vs. Part-CAT
- NCO = private, CAT = commercial.
- CAT requirements generally stricter (higher reserves, more equipment, crew requirements).
- PPL ≠ commercial — PPL holders cannot fly for payment (with few exceptions like cost-sharing).
Special EASA simplifications for GA (light aircraft)
Since about 2018 EASA has introduced simplified rules for lighter GA aircraft:
- Part-NCO replaces EU-OPS Part-M for non-commercial GA.
- CS-23 reorganisation (performance-based certification).
- Pilot currency simplified.