As part of a comprehensive industry response to a federal concerns over illegal charter flights – including those conducted under so-called “sham dry lease” arrangements – Helicopter Association International (HAI) and other leading industry groups today announced the publication of the “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide,” which breaks down key regulatory information related to the proper use of leases and how improper use, whether intentional or inadvertent, can lead to illegal operations.
The free “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide” was assembled by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, National Business Aviation Association, National Air Transportation Association, and HAI.
Nearly all general aviation flights – including those conducted under dry leasing arrangements – take place in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other applicable laws. Aircraft dry leases are commonly used in the industry, and when properly implemented, they are compliant with the regulations. In simplest terms, a dry lease is one in which the lessor simply provides an aircraft, leaving it to the lessee to obtain crewmembers, and also to assume operational control of a flight.
That said, the FAA’s increased scrutiny over illegal charter flights using “sham dry leases” to disguise the true commercial nature of a flight – which has taken shape largely under the agency’s Safe Air Charter initiative – has led aircraft owners and lessors to seek greater clarity on the arrangements, in order to fully ensure proper compliance.
Written by veteran industry experts, the “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide” offers a detailed breakdown of the best practices for proper use of dry leases, clarifying how aircraft owners can derive benefits from the arrangement, while enhancing the industry’s vigilance against practitioners of illegal charter.
“HAI is pleased to be partnered with our prominent industry partners on this initiative. We believe the Guide will be a great resource for our members; providing practical information on requirements and reducing the complexities associated with leasing management,” said HAI’s President and CEO Jim Viola.
Information covered in the publication includes an overview of the different types of dry leases, the difference between dry and wet leases (which involve the provision of crewmembers), as well as how “operational control” is determined, and how to maintain compliance when considering maintenance, authorization and insurance requirements. It also includes 22 frequently asked questions that clearly and specifically address common causes of confusion for both operators and consumers.
Download your copy of A Guide to General Aviation Dry Leasing today.
