Fly Legal Day: Raising Awareness of the Dangers of Illegal Charters

365 Aviation
Jan 20
2 min read

The 21st of January marks Fly Legal Day, an annual campaign hosted by The Air Charter Association to raise awareness of illegal charter and reinforce the importance of safety, compliance and informed decision-making when booking private flights.

Held in memory of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Premiership footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson, the date marks the seventh anniversary of the incident. It remains a powerful reminder of the very real consequences of illegal and non-compliant charter operations and why Fly Legal Day continues to matter today.

What Is an Illegal Grey Charter Flight?

An illegal charter is an unlicensed charter operation, meaning the operator does not hold a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Without an AOC, essential requirements such as pilot training, aircraft maintenance, regulatory oversight and operational compliance are bypassed, impacting the layers of safety designed to protect passengers.

How to Spot a Grey Charter

While grey charters are relatively uncommon, it is important for passengers to understand the warning signs. One of the biggest red flags is a charter price that appears significantly lower than comparable flights offered by reputable operators. If an offer seems too good to be true, it often is!

Passengers should also be encouraged to ask questions. When booking a private flight, you should never feel uncomfortable enquiring about safety, licensing and regulatory compliance. A legitimate operator or charter broker will welcome transparency and be able to clearly demonstrate that all required approvals are in place.

The most reliable way to avoid illegal or grey charter operations is to book through an accredited member of the Air Charter Association. ACA members are bound by a strict code of conduct and are fully committed to safety, compliance and transparency, ensuring peace of mind for every flight.