How to Apply for an AOC in Aruba, Curaçao & Sint Maarten

An **Air Operator Certificate (AOC)** authorizes commercial air transport. The **Dutch Caribbean** (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten) each have **separate Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs)** under the **Kingdom of the Netherlands** framework. You must apply to the CAA of the **specific country where your operation will be based**.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility (Pre-Application)

• Legal Entity: Incorporated in the target country (or Kingdom entity with local establishment).
• Financial Proof: 24-month viability (bank guarantees, insurance, equity). Minimum capital: ~€500k–€1M+ (varies by aircraft/ops).
• Management Team: Accountable Manager, Nominated Postholders (Flight Ops, Maintenance, Crew Training, Ground Ops, Safety/Quality) — **EASA/Part-145/Part-ORO qualified**.
• Facilities: Certified maintenance base (Part-145), operations control center, crew facilities, record-keeping.
• Aircraft: Type-certified, noise/emissions compliant, maintained per approved program.
• Safety Management System (SMS): Fully documented, implemented, staffed.

Step 2: Obtain Application Package

Download from the **relevant CAA website** (forms, checklists, guidance):

• Curaçao (DCA-C): dca.cw → Regulations → Forms → AOC Application Package.
• Aruba (DCA-A): dca.aw → Applications → AOC.
• Sint Maarten (DCA-SXM): dca.sx → Forms → AOC Application.

**Do not use a form from another island.** Each CAA has tailored appendices.

Step 3: Compile & Submit

• Completed application form (signed by Accountable Manager).
• **Operations Manuals:** Ops Manual A (General), B (Aircraft), C (Route), D (Training).
• **Maintenance Control Manual / CAME** (Part-M/Part-CAMO).
• **SMS Manual, Emergency Response Plan, Security Program, Dangerous Goods Manual.**
• **Financials:** Audited statements, insurance certs (hull, liability, war risk), economic viability study.
• **Personnel:** Licenses, medicals, training records, CVs for postholders.
• **Aircraft:** Registration, C of A, C of R, noise cert, maintenance status, lease/purchase docs.
• **Fees:** Application fee (non-refundable, ~US$5k–$15k) + hourly assessment charges.

Step 4: CAA Assessment (3–6+ Months)

1. Document Review: Completeness, compliance with **EU-OPS / Part-ARO / Part-ORO / Part-CAT** (adopted via Kingdom law).
2. Inspections & Audits: Base, maintenance, operations control, training, flight deck (route proving).
3. Management Interviews: Competence verification.
4. Proving Flights: Revenue routes with CAA inspectors.

Step 5: AOC Issuance

• **AOC + Operations Specifications (OpSpecs):** Authorized aircraft types, areas of operation, special approvals (ETOPS, RVSM, PBN, LVO, Dangerous Goods).
• Validity: **Indefinite** (subject to continued compliance, surveillance).

Critical Nuances

• Kingdom Coordination: CAAs cooperate via **Dutch Caribbean Aviation Safety Committee (DCASC)**. AOC from one **does not** auto-validate for others.
• EU Regulation Applicability: Aruba/Curaçao/SXM are **Overseas Countries & Territories (OCTs)** — EU aviation law applies via Association Decisions. EASA oversight role.
• Engage a Local Aviation Consultant / Legal Counsel — mandatory for foreign applicants; highly advised for all.

Start early. The paper trail is immense; the safety bar is high.