Commercial Air Service
A commercial air service is any use of aircraft for hire or reward — that is, any operation in which compensation is provided for the carriage of persons, goods, or mail, or for any other aviation-related service. All commercial air service in Canada requires an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Transport Canada.
Types of Commercial Air Service
- Air transport service: Carriage of passengers or cargo for fare or freight charge
- Aerial work: Commercial aviation service other than transport (photography, patrol, spraying, etc.)
- Flight training service: Commercial instruction in the operation of aircraft
Private vs. Commercial Operations
The distinction between private and commercial operations is important. A private owner flying friends for fun (sharing costs equally) is not commercial. Charging more than direct operating costs, or receiving any non-monetary benefit in exchange for carriage, can render the operation commercial and trigger AOC requirements.
Related Terms
See also: Air Transport Service, Aerial Work, Air Carrier.