Applying for permits for helicopter flight operations

You can apply for a permit for flight operations online, by e-mail, post or fax at the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA).

Online application:

• Go to the federal portal and open the online application for permits for flight operations. You can apply for several permits at once.
• The online form will guide you step by step through the required information and supporting documents.
• You can upload the required documents directly as files (in PDF, DOC, JPEG, PNG, ZIP, XLS, KML formats). As an organization, you can also provide a download link where the LBA can download the documents.
• For some approvals, the LBA requires technical evidence, which you must submit separately. You will find the relevant instructions and links in the online application.
• Submit the application online.
• The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt will check your application and will contact you if anything is unclear or if any information or documents are missing and will provide information on the status of processing on request.
• The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt will send you
  • a notification of fees and
  • a notice of approval or
  • a notice of refusal.
• You pay the applicable fees.

Application by e-mail, post or fax:

• You can submit the application informally or use one of the templates:
  • If you would like to use the templates, go to the LBA website and download the current application forms.
    • Fill in the forms, print them out and sign them.
  • If you would like to submit the application informally, describe your request in a letter that you write yourself and sign by hand.
• If you would like to submit the application by e-mail, scan the signed application again.
• Attach all the necessary documents.
• Send everything by e-mail, post or fax.
• The next steps are identical to the online application.

• Your place of residence or principal place of business is in Germany.
• You submit the application to the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) as
  • Commercial air transportation company (CAT),
  • non-commercial operation with technically complex motor-powered aircraft (NCC) or
  • Operator of specialized flight operations (SPO).
• Other operations submit the application to the responsible state aviation authorities.
• Among other things, they provide the LBA with evidence of the aircraft's technical requirements, operating procedures and crew training.

The exact requirements for the respective approval depend on the aircraft, the technology installed and the type of flight operation.

Each approval is subject to a case-by-case review by the LBA, in which the requirements must be verified.

• Proof of operational procedures and training; details of these can be found on the application form or obtained from the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt.
• For changes: Proof of changes
• If you are applying on behalf of another person or organization, you will need a power of attorney.

The following documents are required for the first application for the most frequently requested permits:

Specialized High Risk Operations (SPO High Risk)

• Declaration for all procedures and aircraft
• Documentation of operational procedures and training procedures in the operations manual or in the SPO operations manual
• Evidence of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Risk Assessment
• Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for all aircraft
• if additional equipment is used: Proof of equipment for all aircraft
• Evidence of training performance, if already available

Emergency medical helicopter missions (HEMS)

• Safety Risk Assessment
• Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
• Changes to OM-A
• Changes to OM-B
• Training and inspection programs in OM-D
• Evidence of training implementation, if already available
• Rescue station checklist
• Equipment checklist
• Attachment to the application (compliance list)

Helicopter winch operation (HHO)

• Flight Manual Supplement
• Safety Risk Assessment
• Changes to OM-A
• Changes to OM-B
• Training and inspection programs in OM-D
• Proof of training implementation, if already available
• Annex to the application (Compliance List)

Offshore helicopter operations (HOFO)

• Safety Risk Assessment
• for difficult environmental conditions: Proof of approval for the installation and operation of the ditching equipment in the (Supplemental) Type Certificate ((S)TC) per aircraft
• Changes to OM-A
• Changes to OM-B
• Training and inspection programs in the OM-D
• Proof of training implementation (if already available)
• Annex to the application (Compliance List)

Night vision systems (NVIS)

• Safety Risk Assessment
• (Supplemental) Type Certificate ((S)TC)
• if available: Operator Substantiation Report For Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) / NVG)
• Changes in OM-A
• Changes in OM-B
• Training and verification programs in OM-D
• Proof of training implementation (if already available)
• Annex to the application (Compliance List)

Electronic pilot bag (EFB)

• for devices over 1 kilogram that affect the structure of the aircraft: Technical certificate (TCDS or STC)
• if a pressurized cabin is present: Proof of resistance to pressure loss
• if IFR cards installed on a portable device are used as the primary source: Proof of Electromagnetic Inference (EMI) test
• EFB manual or sections in the OM-A
• Training and verification programs in OM-D
• Proof of training
• Annex to the application (Compliance List)

Transportation of dangerous goods (DG)

• Personnel category 6 certificate in accordance with ICAO T.I. Part 1 Chapter 4 (IATA 1.5)
• Changes in OM-A
• Training programs in OM-D
• if cargo holds are available: Proof of hold classification for each aircraft

Performance Based Navigation (PBN)

• Proof of approval for PBN operation
• Changes in OM-A
• Changes to OM-B
• Training and inspection programs in OM-D
• Proof of training implementation (if already available)
• Safety assessment
• if available: Document on the reporting system
• if available: Document on the monitoring program
• Annex to the application (Compliance List)

Public Interest Site (PIS)

• Changes in OM-A
• Changes in OM-B
• Changes in OM-C
• Training and inspection programs in OM-D
• Evidence of training performance (if already available)

Non-commercial and specialized flight operations of aircraft of an AOC holder by another operator

• Changes in OM-A
• Changes to OM-B
• if parts of the procedure or the entire procedure are described in a contract: Model contract
• Risk Assessment
• Compliance List

Depending on the approval, other documents may be required.

You can usually use the permit directly. It is valid indefinitely unless otherwise stated in the notification.

Processing takes place immediately after you have submitted all relevant information and documents. The processing time may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. For example

• Type and complexity of the application,
• quality of the documents submitted or
• the agencies involved, if applicable.

• Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012
• Early Acces Rules for Air Operations
• Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139
• Regulation (EU) No. 748/2012
• Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014
• § Section 28, Third Implementing Ordinance to the Aircraft Operating Regulations (Equipment and operation of aircraft outside of air carriers) (3rd DV LuftBo)
• Appendix Schedule of Fees to Section 2 (1) of the Aviation Administration Costs Ordinance (LuftkostV)

• Objection

You will find further information on how to lodge an objection in the notification of your application.

There are no indications / special features.

19.11.2024