A-A Air Operators Certificate

[A330B777]

For sightseeing flight operations, do you just need an A-A Air Operators Certificate?
And are there any restrictions on the number of passengers you are allowed to carry?

[Winston]

Yes and No.

from CAA website:

A to A AOC - also referred to as a seasonal AOC, it allows aircraft not exceeding 5000kg Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) to conduct flights departing from and arriving at the same aerodrome.

It is possible to apply for a seasonal A to A AOC with a validity period of between 3 and 12 months. Restrictions are applied to such certificates:
•Flights must be day VFR only
•Flights are restricted in radius of operation of not more than 50 nautical miles from the aerodrome for aeroplanes and 25 nautical miles from the aerodrome for helicopters. Application to operate outside of this area may be considered and is likely to incur additional costs.

[rgsaero]

Unfortunately - for A-A operators - the grant of the AOC still requires as many bureaucratic hurdles and associated costs as most other AOCs. It's a total nightmare and as one who held one I can confirm that the rigours and costs of the admin will more than devour any possible profits. That's why so few are presently held.

The "way round" this is for a flying training organisation to offer trial lessons / air experience flights with the Instructor in command.....