Public transport (PT)

Public transport is the term used in the Air Navigation Order 2016, which governs non-Part-21 aircraft such as permit aircraft and microlights. The legislation cited here doesn't quote the ANO's own definition, so this entry relies on the CAA's explanation. CAP 1590 (guidance), para 4 says that, as with CAT, "Under the UK Air Navigation Order 2016 (the Order), similar circumstances exist where the flight would be defined as a Public Transport (PT) flight."

CAP 1590 para 7 explains that "Article 13 of the Order also allows cost-sharing for what would otherwise be a PT flight". Article 13 is headed "Public transport and commercial operations – exceptions – cost sharing", and it treats a flight as non-commercial if the only valuable consideration is a contribution to the direct costs and the criteria in art. 13(2) are met.

The ANO wording differs from NCO.GEN.102 in a few places. The safety warning under art. 13(2)(f) refers to "a Commercial Air Transport (CAT) or Public Transport (PT) flight", and art. 13(3)(a) allows an advert to be placed "by the pilot or operator of the flight".

If a flight is PT, CAP 1590 para 5 says it needs an AOC, a pilot with at least a CPL and suitably certificated aircraft. Flying for public transport without an AOC is listed in ANO Schedule 13 Part 3 (art. 101(1)).