In order to offer Introductory Flights, the organisation must be:
approved in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011
(i.e.an Approved Training Organisation), or by an organisation created with the aim of promoting aerial sport or leisure aviation, on the condition that:
• the aircraft is operated by the organisation on the basis of ownership or dry lease;
• the flight does not generate profits distributed outside of the organisation, and
• whenever non-members of the organisation are involved, such flights represent only a marginal activity of the organisation.
Is this an ATO or an approved Sport or Leisure Organisation?
The CAA has no interest in regulating this activity, but there is now a growing number of potential expert witnesses who will be happy to testify regarding the Authority's complacency when the first accident occurs!
The French DGAC has shown more responsibility by setting minimum experience levels and recency requirements for pilots conducting such flights.