FAQ

Civil Aircraft Registry

  • How can I register an aircraft in Republic of Kosovo?

If you are a qualified person under Article 40 of the Law on Civil Aviation (Law No. 03/L-051) you may register an aircraft in Republic of Kosovo. Application can be made by completion of the CAA form AACK/DSF/AIW/REG-FRM 01 and payment of appropriate fee.

Air Operator’s Certificates

  • How can I apply for an Air Operator’s Certificate?

An aircraft registered in Republic of Kosovo may not fly for the purpose of public transport unless the operator holds an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) granted by Director-General of Civil Aviation Authority. For the grant of an AOC the Director-General of Civil Aviation will take into consideration of the applicant’s previous conduct and experience, his equipment, organisation, staffing, maintenance and other arrangements. Details of the requirements leading to the grant of the AOC are contained in the Technical Publication – TP 29 Air Operator Certificate (AOC) Variation/Revision/Changes. It could be downloaded at: https://caa.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/TP-29-Air-Operator-Certificate-variation-revision-changes.pdf

Airman Licences

  • How to get an Aircraft Maintenance Licence?

Application procedures are in described in the CAA Regulation No. 7/2015. Please refer to this Regulation which could be downloaded at: http://caa.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/CAA-Regulation-7-2015-continuing-airworthiness-of-aircraft-and-aeronautical-products-….pdf

  • How can I become a pilot?

Pilots can be categorised into private pilots and professional pilots. The first shall hold a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) while the second shall hold a Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL), a Multi-Crew Pilot’s Licence (MPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL). The following specify the requirements for obtaining a Republic of Kosovo PPL.

To obtain a Republic of Kosovo PPL, you have to:

  1. be at least 17 years old;
  2. be medically fit and in possession of a valid Medical Certificate;
  3. acquire appropriate knowledge in various areas (such as air law, navigation, meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, radiotelephony and human performance) and pass the examinations of those subjects.
  4. acquire the required amount of flying training and experiences and pass a flight test.

For more details on this topic, you may refer to SUBPART C of the CAA Regulation No. 05/2015 Laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures related to civil aviation aircrew.

  • How can I convert a foreign pilot’s licence into a Republic of Kosovo pilot’s licence?

Holder of a foreign pilot’s licence issued by ICAO Contracting States may apply to the Flight Safety Department – Personnel Licensing Section for conversion terms for the issue of Republic of Kosovo pilot’s licence, and provide supporting documents as stipulated in CAA Regulation No. 05/2015 for processing.

  • How do I apply for clearance to operate private non-revenue flights to and from Republic of Kosovo?

Prior approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation is required for the operation of flights not operated for hire or reward, i.e. private non-revenue flights to and from Republic of Kosovo. Applications should be submitted to the Director-General of Civil Aviation using the AACK-DSF-GAT-FRM 22 form for flight application at least 3 working days before the anticipated arrival/departure date of the flight in Republic of Kosovo. However, non-frequent or new operators should submit their applications as soon as possible but not later than 3 working days prior to the date of operation to allow sufficient time for processing their applications and coordination with the KFOR. Partially or incorrectly completed applications will incur delay in processing.

The following information should be provided during the submission of a flight application via the online system:

  1. Aircraft Type;
  2. Aircraft Registration;
  3. Name of operator;
  4. Type of operations;
  5. Proposed dates and times of arrival and departure;
  6. Areas of Operation
  7. Passenger Manifest
  8. Insurance Certificate, and
  9. Appendixes required

Details on application procedures for a private-non-revenue flight application are available in: https://caa.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/AAC-DSF-GAT-FRM-22-Application-form-for-GAT-VFR-07.09.2016..doc

What are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous Goods are articles or substances which are capable of posing a hazard to health, safety, property or the environment when transported by air. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) classified dangerous goods in 9 classes, which are:

Class 1 – Explosives

Class 2 – Gases

Class 3 – Flammable liquids

Class 4 – Flammable solids; Substances liable to spontaneous combustion; Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Class 5 – Oxidizing substances and Organic peroxides

Class 6 – Toxic and infectious substances

Class 7 – Radioactive material

Class 8 – Corrosive substances

Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

  • What regulations should a shipper or a forwarder comply with when offering or handling dangerous goods for air carriage?

Under the Articles 57, 58 and 59 of the Law on Civil Aviation (Law No. 03/L-051) the following applies:

  1. Weapons and munitions, including explosives and noxious or toxic gasses, shall only be carried on board an aircraft (i) with the express written permission of the CAA, (ii) under the supervision of the pilot-in-command, and (iii) in strict conformity with national and international regulations
  2. Weapons shall be inaccessible to passengers during flight. All firearms shall be unloaded. Sporting weapons, intended to be carried on board aircraft, shall be reported to the carrier or operator.
  3. Other dangerous goods, such as noxious or toxic gasses, nuclear fuel and radioactive materials may only be carried (i) with the express written permission of the CAA, and (ii) only under the conditions set by the CAA in implementing regulations, which shall take into account existing international rules and regulations in the area

The CAA Regulation No. 04/2020 on the Conditions and Methods of Transporting Dangerous Goods by Air, lays down the conditions for the carriage of dangerous goods by air, the responsibilities and obligations of persons involved in the carriage, and the conditions for the training on dangerous goods. This Regulation can be accessed in the following link: https://caa.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Rregullore-AAC-04-2020-per-kushtet-dhe-metodat-e-trasportit-te-mallrave-te-rrezikshme-permes-ajrit-1.pdf

Flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

  • Do I need to apply for a permit to operate UAS in Republic of Kosovo?

Based on the CAA Regulation No. 01/2017 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), amended and supplemented by Regulation (CAA) No. 01/2021 all UAS weighing more than 0.5 kg, need a permit issued by CAA to operate in Republic of Kosovo.

  • If I wish to operate a UAS for hire or reward in Republic of Kosovo, what is the application procedure?

According to Article 8 of the CAA Regulation No. 01/2017, any person wishing to operate a UAS in Republic of Kosovo is required to obtain a permit from the Flight Safety Department. The required information and documents are listed in the following link: http://caa.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Rregullore-Nr.-01-2017-per-Sisteme-te-mjeve-ajrore-pa-pilot-SAP-e-Konsoliduar-002-4.pdf

  • Can I fly heavy UAS weighing more than 150 kg in Republic of Kosovo?

UAS weighing more than 150 kg is not allowed to fly in Republic of Kosovo.

  • What are the existing Regulations for UAS operations in Republic of Kosovo?

The applicable Regulation for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is the CAA Regulation No. 01/2017 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), amended and supplemented by Regulation (CAA) No. 01/2021, which can be downloaded from the following link: http://caa.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Rregullore-Nr.-01-2017-per-Sisteme-te-mjeve-ajrore-pa-pilot-SAP-e-Konsoliduar-002-4.pdf

  • What are the Categorisation of UAS

Based on the Article 4 – Categorisation, of the CAA Regulation No. 01/2017 (amended and supplemented by Regulation (CAA) No. 01/2021) the UAS are divided into the following categories:

  1. Category 1 – includes UAS whose operating weight is less than 1 kg with a maximum altitude up to 50 m, maximum airspeed not exceeding 30 m/s and maximum range is up to 100 m;
  2. Category 2 – includes UAS whose operating weight is from 1 kg up to 5 kg with a maximum altitude up to 150 m, maximum airspeed not exceeding 30 m/s and maximum range is up to 2.500 m;
  3. Category 3 – includes unmanned aircraft whose operating weight is from 5 kg up to 20 kg, with a maximum altitude up to 500 m, maximum airspeed not exceeding 55 m/s and maximum range is up to 2.500 m;
  4. Category 4 – includes unmanned aircraft whose operating weight is from 20 kg up to 150 kg, without limitation on altitude, airspeed and range.
  • What are the Classification of UAS flying areas?

Based on the Article 5 of the CAA Regulation No. 01/2017 UAS flight areas, depending on construction development, population number and presence of people, are divided in following classes:

  1. Class I – is non-constructed area with no erected constructions of facilities and with no people, apart from pilot and personnel required for flying;
  2. Class II – is developed uninhabited area with auxiliary commercial facilities or constructions which are not intended for habitation, where there are no people, apart from pilot and personnel required for flying;
  3. Class III – is an inhabited area with constructions or facilities primarily intended for habitation, business or recreation (apartment buildings, apartment houses, schools, offices, parks, etc.);
  4. Class IV – is densely populated area of narrow urban zones (downtown, gatherings of a large number of people, etc.).
  • Do I need to register my UAS?

Based on Article 7 of the CAA Regulation No. 01/2017 the owner or operator of UAS shall not operate UAS without proper registration issued by the CAA. The owner or operator shall submit an application for registration using the registration form included in Annex 1 to the CAA Regulation No. 01/2017.

  • Can I operate UAS at night?

No. All UAS operations shall be conducted during daylight hours only.

  • Is there a height limit for UAS operations?

The owner or operator of UAS shall ensure that the flight of UAS is conducted at a height of no more than 150 metres above the ground level, unless previously approved by CAA for higher altitude.

  • Does the UAS have to stay within the operator’s Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)?

Yes. The UAS operator shall be on site and keep the UAS within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) during the period of the flight. Operating within VLOS means that the UAS operator is able to maintain direct, unaided (other than corrective lenses) visual contact with the UAS, and is able to monitor the UAS flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vessels, vehicles and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions.

  • Who should be contacted for further enquiries on UAS?

For further enquiries, please contact the Flight Safety Department of the Kosovo Civil Aviation Authority at drones@caa-ks.org.

Air Navigation Services (ANS)

  • Based on which regulation Air Navigation Agency (ANSA) is certified?

ANSA id certified according to CAA Regulation (CAA) No. 09/2020 on Laying Down Common Requirements for Providers Of Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services And Other Air Traffic Management Network Functions And Their Oversight. The purpose of this Regulation is the implementation into the internal legal order of the Republic of Kosovo, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373 of 1 March 2017 laying down common requirements for providers of air traffic management/air navigation services and other air traffic management network functions and their oversight.

  • Based on which regulation Kosovo Air Traffic Controllers are Licensed?

Kosovo Air Traffic Controllers are licensed according to CAA Regulation No. 19/2017 Laying Down Technical Requirements and Administrative Procedures Relating to Air Traffic Controllers’ Licences and Certificates. The purpose of this Regulation is the implementation into the internal legal order of the Republic of Kosovo, European Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340 of 20 February 2015 laying down technical requirements and administrative procedures relating to air traffic controllers’ licences and certificates.

OCCURRENCE REPORTING

What should I report?

Any occurrence that you feel could have an impact on aviation safety should be reported, this will ensure that we always review and learn from events. The sole objective of occurrence reporting is the prevention of accidents and incidents and not to attribute blame or liability

Mandatory Occurrence Reporting in Kosovo is outlined in Regulation No. 09/2017 on the Reporting, Analysis and Follow-Up of Occurrences in Civil Aviation, transposing EU Regulation 376/2014.

How can I report?

Mandatory Occurrence Reports should be reported the Kosovo CAA, see information in the following page:

Raportimi i obligueshëm

Accidents and serious incidents should be reported to the Aeronautical Accident and Incident Investigation Commission-KHAIA: 

Tel: 0800 90000 (available 24/7)

E-mail: KHAIA@rks-gov.net

Voluntary Occurrence Reports (VORs) should be reported in the same format as MORs, all reports are triaged and prioritized individually, processed, and analysed together.

Voluntary reporting moves us from a reactive process towards proactive process, helping us identify safety concerns and allowing safety improvement measures to be implemented before they escalate.

Where can I get Safety Reports based on Occurrences analyzed at CAA?

Annual Safety Reports “Occurrence Reporting Overview“are published in the following page: https://caa.rks-gov.net/en/category/reports/

Where can I get additional information on reporting system?

For more information relating to occurrence reporting; please contact CAA, visit: https://caa.rks-gov.net/raportimi-i-ndodhive/ or see the Technical Publication: https://caa.rks-gov.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Guidance-Material-on-the-Reporting-Analysis-and-Follow-up-of-Occurrences-in-Civil-Aviation-1-2.pdf  

Economic Regulation of Aviation

  • What kind of economic regulation does CAA do?

CAA is responsible for economic regulation of airports and air navigation services. CAA ensures that the policies of airports and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in setting prices do not discriminate unreasonably any class of users of airports or air navigation services, or do not improperly use the conditional position towards users due to their monopoly power. This responsibility is fulfilled through the review and approval of airport and air navigation service charges, ensuring that they comply with the ICAO principles of non-discrimination, transparency, cost-relatedness and consultation with users, and in accordance with the relevant EU legislation in the area of economic regulation of airports and air navigation services providers.

The CAA also ensures that operators who apply to provide groundhandling at airports of the Republic of Kosovo are financially stable.

  • How are airport charges set in Kosovo?

Airport charges in Kosovo are set in accordance with CAA Regulation No. 3/2015 on airport charges entered into force in June of 2015 which repeals the previous regulation No. 1/2011. This regulation fully transposes EC Directive No. 2009/12 on airport charges. With regard to Prishtina International Airport, Public-Private Partnership Agreement on PIA is also taken into account.

  • How are Air Navigation charges set in Kosovo?

Air navigation service charges are set in accordance with CAA Regulation No. 3/2016 on the common charge scheme for air navigation services which transposes in full EC Regulation No. 1794/2006.

European Integration

  • Where does Kosovo aviation stand with regard to EU integration?

Civil Aviation Authority, along with other institutions with public responsibilities in civil aviation in the Republic of Kosovo, which derive from the Law on Civil Aviation, implements a large number of EU legislation on safety, security, air traffic management and economic regulation of aviation in the internal legal order aiming to be part of the common market of air transportation.

Aviation and the European Common Aviation Area Agreement (ECAA Agreement) implemented in Kosovo since 2006, are part of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) between Kosovo and the EU.

The Civil Aviation Authority endeavors to establish relations with regional and international organizations involved in civil aviation, such as the European Union, EASA, ICAO, EUROCONTROL, ECAC, etc. The CAA also advises and assists the Ministry in the creation and implementation of international initiatives in the field of aviation.