Originally Posted by
Zigzag
What about Ozjet, with their G-Reg machine that flew for a period of months, that came from European Aviation? Or was that a different set-up?
(Serious question!)
The G Reg aircraft was a wet lease arrangement, flown by UK CAA licenced pilots. The OzJet AOC was Australian, with the G reg aircraft listed as part of their fleet until they transferred to VH reg. A couple of the UK pilots continued to fly the VH machines on CASA certificates of validation for about 6 months. With such a setup, it would have also been possible for a CASA licenced pilot to fly the G reg aircraft, but only if the UK CAA issued a C of V.
Precedent for foreign wet lease aircraft flying Australian domestic routes was well and truly established as far back as 1989.
There may have been earlier cases in Australia - of which I am not aware - though it was certainly done between countries in Europe, even before the EU common market was established.
ICAO makes recommendations for such arrangements, but ultimately it is up to the aircraft 'flag' country to provide airworthiness and crew competency oversight, and the other authority to issue the necessary permits and pile on whatever additional restrictions they desire. For example, the 'flag' country could have lax flight and duty time limits, but the country of operation could (and should) enforce their own limitations, if they are more strict.
Now, whether our CASA is that diligent is a whole other discussion ...