Cayman Islands Aircraft Registration (VP-C)

Introduction

The Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry is the registry of choice for many corporate aircraft and is  highly respected and recognized throughout the aviation industry internationally. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) is the statutory body responsible for aviation regulatory oversight throughout the Cayman Islands and for aircraft registered in the Cayman Islands. 

About the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are an autonomous British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. The 264-square-kilometre (102-square-mile) territory comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The capital city is George Town situated on Grand Cayman, the most populous of the three islands.

What are the principal markets for the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry?

The Registry principally serves the following markets:

• Owners and operators of business jet and turbine aircraft that are used for either private or corporate purposes based anywhere in the world
• Owners and operators of twin turbine helicopters that are used for either private or corporate purposes based anywhere in the world
• Aircraft lessors in possession of aircraft ‘in between leases’
• Cayman Islands  residents owning light aircraft

What aircraft can be registered in the Cayman Islands?

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) will accept any aircraft manufactured after 1990 with a certified MTOW of more than 12,500lb (5,700kg).

Applications to register smaller aircraft can be considered if it can be demonstrated that  the registration provides significant economic or operational benefits to the Cayman Islands, for example helicopters based on Cayman Islands registered yachts can be accepted.

For aircraft built prior to 1990 it is necessary to obtain a pre-approval before starting the registration process by making an application to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands.

What is the eligibility criteria to gain access to the Cayman Islands aircraft register?

The owner of a Cayman Islands registered aircraft can be a person or company from any of the following list:

-      UK nationals

-      Citizens from Commonwealth Countries

-      Nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA)

-      Bodies incorporated in the Commonwealth and have registered offices or principle locations within the Commonwealth

-      Undertakings formed with the law of a state within the EEA and have their registered offices, principle location or central administration within the EEA

What are the aircraft registration markings for a Cayman Islands registered aircraft?

The registration prefix for the Cayman Islands is VP-C, and is followed by any two letters ranging from VP-CAA to VP-CZZ. This allows for personalisation of the last two letters to form registrations such as VP-CAT, VP-CAP or VP-COW.

What are the operational requirements for a Cayman Islands registered aircraft?

Prior to placing an aircraft on the Cayman Register, the Authority must be satisfied that flight operations will be conducted in a manner consistent with internationally recognized safety standards and recommended practices (SARPs). The Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTAR) were developed for this purpose.

OTAR 125 addresses the requirements for complex general aviation including corporate operations for turbine powered aircraft or large piston-engined aircraft. This regulation requires operators to have an approved Operations Manual and a Safety Management System (SMS).

Authorizations for any special operations such as Single Pilot Authority, Steep Approach and Landing Authority, MNPS, RVSM, RNP 10, RNP 5 (BRNAV) and Low Visibility Ops. are normally granted subject to meeting an acceptable means of compliance.

What features might encourage an owner to register their aircraft in the Cayman Islands?

A combination of some, if not all, of the following features of the Cayman Islands aircraft register may be attractive to owners and operators:

• Government funded, operated, backed and staffed aircraft registry
• High regulatory standards
• Flexibility of aircraft airworthiness, operating and licensing system – i.e. US/FAA or EASA/JAA
• High service levels
• Wealth of experience
• Large network of surveyors located world-wide
• Wide ownership eligibility
• Neutral Nationality registration prefix ‘VP-C’
• Registration marks can be recycled on different aircraft
• The VP-C followed by a two letter combination allows  personalization of the registration markings
• Competitive scheme of charges
• Clear and simple taxation regime
• Stable legal and political environment
• Cayman Islands are outside the EU and UK VAT and customs territory

Oceanskies provides a complete Cayman Islands aircraft registration service to all aircraft owners and operators wishing to take advantage of the benefits afforded by the Cayman Islands  aircraft registry.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.