If the AOC system was not such a ridiculous rip off more people would operate legally . There are many people who have operated carrying passengers for many many years perfectly safely without an AOC , often using exactly the same aircraft and the same pilot as a company with an AOC . I know it must be irritating but it certainly doesn't mean there is a compromise on safety . I think it is time for the CAA to operate an AOC "light " for small operator/owners that would not saddle them with high overheads . I for one would certainly never get an AOC as the system works at present .
The CAA fined a total of £20,550 over 2 years at a cost of £625,000
