1. SET-IMC: THE VOLDIRECT EXPERIENCE
OXFORD, October 18, 2016

2. VOLDIRECT SUMMARY
Started in 2009 as a closed group of local companies sharing a TBM850
AOC project launched in 2011
AOC granted by the French CAA (DGAC) on March 1, with the TBM850
as an exemption to the EU-OPS rules
Complying with a French SET-IMC rule , based on NPA- 029
Notified to the EC
AOC extended to the PC12-NG in December 2015
9 employees

3. THE FLEET
1-4 PAX
5-8 PAX

4. WHY SET-IMC? Reduced operating costs
Reduced fuel consumption and carbon footprint
Low profile look of airplanes
Ability to operate on short runways (900 to 1200 m)
Ability to operate on un prepared runways (grass)

5. 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE:THE LEARNINGS
1- Customer satisfaction
2- Market not educated yet
3- Pros and cons of SET-IMC AOC
3- Some practical regulatory restrictions
4- New Regulation

6. 1- CUSTOMERS ARE HAPPY Cost-efficient service
No concern about the single engine
Fast airplane (TBM) and comfortable cabin (PC12)
Accessibility of small airfields

7. 2- THE MARKET IS NOT EDUCATED YET
Hundreds of twin jets on the market for charter
< 5 Single Engine Turbine available for AOC- chartered planes!
The brokers are shy with the SET
Most customers have not been exposed to the offer yet => conservative approach
=> need for a marketing & reputation campaign

8. 3- PROS AND CONS OF SET-IMC AOC-BASED OPERATIONS
High safety level
Operations open to any external customer =>
more flight hours
Decreased fixed costs per flight hour
Reduced VAT rate
CONS:
Compliance and administrative induced high costs ( x00 000€)
Complexity of Operations
Operational restrictions
TOD and LD
Some routes prohibited over sea or mountains
=> less competitive than twin jets operations

9. 4- LIMITED restrictions
UK restrictions still in force (Air Navigation Order 2009, Article 97)
Landing during daytime and when the weather is > than 1000 Ft/ 1 NM visibility
Sea overflying is restricted
The 15-min limit is too small compared to the engine reliability (improved in new NPA )
Route preparation is cumbersome
But overall, it works!

10. 5- THE NEW REGULATION Same basis as JAA - NPA-029 A few improvements:
Risk period is usable at take off => RVR may be < 800 m
Risk period may be extended on a case per case basis
A few drawbacks left:
SET-IMC => “complex organization”
Obligation to use a FSTD “when available”
“the pilot in command should have a minimum experience of 100 flight hours on the relevant type or class “

11. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION