Non-Part-21 aircraft

The Air Navigation Order 2016 defines the term for its operations rules (art. 64):

For the purposes of this Part, “non-Part-21 aircraft” means an aircraft which, when conducting the flight or operation, is not subject to any of Annexes III to VIII of the ... Air Operations Regulation.

CAP 1590 (guidance), para 32 puts it more simply: "‘Non-Part 21 aircraft’ are outside the scope of the UK Basic Regulation. Non-Part 21 aircraft are covered by the UK Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2016."

For cost sharing, the rules for these aircraft are in ANO 2016 art. 13 rather than NCO.GEN.102. Since 1 October 2025 the two sets of conditions are almost the same: six people maximum, equal share of direct costs, a private individual operating the flight, the safety warning and a signed passenger record. The ANO version refers to "CAT or PT" safety standards and lets an advert be placed by "the pilot or operator of the flight". CAP 1590 para 9 says the arrangements apply to "non-Part 21 non-complex motor-powered aircraft registered in the UK".

Some non-Part-21 aircraft carry fewer people by design. A microlight aeroplane, for instance, is designed to carry no more than two persons. Passenger briefing for non-Part-21 aircraft is required by ANO art. 73 rather than NCO.OP.130.