I have assisted several companies to obtain an AOC in the last few years including though complete blank state applications and purchase of existing AOC holding companies.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages and both are not something you should leap into without understanding of what you are getting for the money.
Common pitfalls include:
- purchasing an company with an AOC:
- a change of key personnel or location triggers a review of the Operations manual which is found non-compliant in multiple areas (CASA hold up appointment of new key personnel until manual is compliant).
- new owner not approved as CP of purchased company due to not having experience covering all approved activities on the AOC
- company operations manual is approved but poorly written, confusing, contradictory - new owner/CP (already overburdened by new business) finds it impossible to determine and keep on top of obligations in the operations manual, leading to early non-compliance
- Blank slate startup
- Owner written operations manual either does not meet the regs (multiple delays with CASA) or is not well written (difficult to follow/use) - really common
- Owner hires a consultant to produce manuals/documents/policies never really receives any support in using reviewing/amending the manual and thus never really understands what they have bought. Consultant may or may not manage/assist with managing the application through CASA. Quality of manuals vary greatly between consultants.
- Owner significantly underestimates the time taken to achieve the AOC (freight only/piston twins - between 3-6 months from completion of the draft manuals but may take up to 12 months)
Another pitfall if you are doing this now/soon is the introduction of the new Part 135/138 regs, you will need to make a decision on which regs new/old you want the approval under.
If you want some free advice feel free to drop me a PM.