The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry (IOMAR) recognises that there are occasions where aircraft owners / operators have a valid need to conduct demonstration flights for the potential sale of an aircraft. It is also recognised that it is the industry norm for the actual costs of such demonstration flights to be borne by the potential aircraft buyer.
Article 11 of the Air Navigation (Isle of Man) Order 20151 (“the Order”) currently prohibits an aircraft registered in the Isle of Man from flying on a flight for the purpose of commercial air transport or aerial work and defines aerial work as:
“a purpose, other than commercial air transport, for which an aircraft is flown if valuable consideration is given or promised for the flight or the purpose of the flight.”
In order to ensure that legitimate demonstration flights can be permitted, the IOMAR has introduced a new exemption process and has defined the actual costs that may be recovered within an appropriately robust regulatory framework. This will ensure that the flight is legal.
Requests to Conduct Demonstration Flights
Aircraft operators that have an imminent need to conduct demonstration flights should contact the IOMAR to request permission for this activity. The request should be initially made by email to aircraft@gov.im specifying the circumstances and duration of the proposed demonstration flight(s). This will enable the IOMAR to assess the request and to discuss the requirement further with the aircraft operator.
Permission and Conditions for Cost Recovery of Demonstration Flights
Subject to the IOMAR being satisfied with the applicants need, permission for the activity will be granted in the form of an exemption from Article 11 of the Order. The exemption will specify the following conditions:
(a) That no charge is made except for the actual costs for the specific demonstration flight and any required positioning flight, limited to no more than 100% of the following:
(1) Fuel, oil, lubricants and other additives.
(2) Flight crew remuneration.
(3) Travel expenses of the crew, including food, lodging and ground transportation.
(4) Hangar, parking and ground handling costs away from the aircraft’s base of operation.
(5) Insurance obtained for the specific flight.
(6) Landing fees, airport taxes and similar assessments.
(7) Customs charges, foreign permit and similar fees directly related to the flight.
(8) In-flight food and beverages.
(9) Passenger ground transportation.
(10) Flight planning and weather contract services.
(11) Air navigation service charges.
(b) Operational command and control of the aircraft and crew shall remain with the aircraft operator.
(c) The aircraft insurance shall cover a demonstration flight.
(d) Records of the charges levied for the demonstration flight(s) are to be retained by the aircraft operator and these shall be provided to the IOMAR if so requested.
Aircraft operators are reminded that in accordance with current regulatory requirements in the Order, a passenger manifest and a journey log shall be maintained and the aircraft operator must provide these to the IOMAR if requested.
Next Steps
Registry Publication 4 (Guidance to Operators) will be updated in due course to include requests for demonstration flights.
The IOMAR is currently in the process of drafting a replacement for the Order which will include the above demonstration flight process.
