Aircraft Certification Quiz

Registered Operator Responsibilities

• Registered Operators (ROs) must adhere to safety regulations and ensure staff are knowledgeable about local laws and regulations.
• A Compliance Statement is used to evaluate an applicant's Operations Manual and, if applicable, Maintenance Control Manual.
• AOC holders require a current Compliance Certificate from CASA verifying passenger liability insurance.

Operator's Responsibilities for Continuous Airworthiness and Maintenance

• Continuing Airworthiness Requirements (CARs) must be met by the Registered Operator (RO) before an aircraft can fly.
• The RO must ensure rectification of any defects.
• Airworthiness Directives must be followed, along with approved modifications and repairs of life-limited products.
• ROs must ensure compliance with approved maintenance programs, evaluating their effectiveness.
• All required operational and emergency equipment must be servicable and fitted.
• An Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) must be current for the aircraft.
• Maintenance records must be detailed on the aircraft's flight technical log.

Minimum Equipment List (MEL)

• An approved document outlining conditions for specific aircraft operation with inoperative equipment.
• MEL provides a time frame for rectifying faulty equipment based on operational significance.

Configuration Deviation List (CDL)

• Identifies any missing external parts of an aircraft at the start of a flight.

Dispatch Deviation List/Guide (DDL or DDG)

• A document containing both the MEL and CDL.

Operator's Responsibility to Aircraft Maintenance Program

• CASR Subpart 42.C outlines requirements for continuous airworthiness, including maintenance of aircraft and aeronautical products.
• A Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) is required for aircraft under a Regular Public Transport (RPT) AOC.
• A CAMO needs a Part 145 approval to perform maintenance.
• The CAMO must ensure an Approved Maintenance Program (AMP) is in place for each aircraft.
• The AMP details specific scheduled maintenance tasks and their frequency.
• The AMP covers procedures like Reliability Programs for safe operation.
• Maintenance program details are reviewed annually with revisions incorporated as soon as possible.

Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) Obligations

• CAMOs must ensure maintenance and certification are handled by an Approved Part 145 Organisation.
• Compliance with Airworthiness Directives is required.
• Approved modifications, repairs, and replacements are mandatory.
• Compliance with the Approved Maintenance Program is a necessity.
• Effective maintenance program measurement is essential.
• An aircraft maintenance log system is necessary.
• Each flight and current maintenance status must be recorded.
• The RO must ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for operational/emergency equipment.
• An Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) must be current for the aircraft.

Requirements for Approval of a CAMO by CASA

• CAMOs require adequate facilities and equipment.
• Access to necessary continuing airworthiness instructions is needed.
• Qualified personnel are essential for ongoing airworthiness management.
• A comprehensive explanation of the organisation's processes and procedures for meeting regulatory obligations is required.
• CASR Part 42 Subpart G outlines the administrative requirements for initial approval and any subsequent changes.
• The CASR Part 42 MOS sets out facility, equipment, and personnel requirements.

CAR 139 Document Requirements

• The pilot in command must carry specific documents on the aircraft, including: -Aircraft's Certificate of Registration -Aircraft's Certificate of Airworthiness -Aircraft's Maintenance Release or CRS (whichever is applicable) -Licenses and medical certificates for operating crew -Flight Manual (if applicable) -Licenses for radio equipment (if applicable) -Passenger lists (if applicable) -Cargo manifests (if applicable)

External and Internal Marking and Signs

• Australian aircraft require specific exterior and interior markings, including: -Nationality and registration marks -Aircraft registration identification plates -Identifying words

Nationality and Registration Marks

• The nationality and registration markings consist of two parts: -Nationality marking (e.g. VH) -Registration marking (e.g. ABC) -Separated by a hyphen (e.g. VH-ABC)

Identification Plates

• Aircraft registration plates must be made of fireproof materials.
• The plates must be marked with the letters VH (Australian nationality mark), a hyphen, and the aircraft's registration mark.
• Plates must be affixed in an accessible location near the aircraft's entrance.

Identifying Words

• Certain aircraft types may need to display specific words to indicate limitations or restrictions (e.g., Limited, Restricted, Provisional, Experimental).

Safety Signs

• Australian aircraft must have safety placards for crew and passengers, addressing factors like no smoking, seatbelt use, fire extinguisher locations, life jacket locations, emergency exits, and break-in points.

Certification of Aircraft, Parts and Appliances I (10.5)

• This section covers the structure and intent of CASR Parts 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29.
• It also discusses the purpose and issuance of standard and restricted Certificates of Airworthiness.
• Students should refer to the relevant Advisory Circulars for additional details.

Part 21 Certification and Airworthiness

• Addresses certification and airworthiness requirements for civil aircraft.
• Includes type certification, airworthiness certification, and approval of aircraft parts and processes.
• The part also covers rules governing those holding certificates or approvals.

Type Certificate Issue

• CASA issues documents to define the design of an aircraft, ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards.
• The Type Certificate, a prerequisite for a Certificate of Airworthiness, approves aircraft design.
• Certification details design standards, ground testing, engineering analysis, and flight tests.

Provisional Type Certificates (PTC)

• A temporary Type Certificate that applicants can request.
• A useful tool for training, sales, and demonstrations prior to final approval.

Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)

• Allows certification for major changes to an aircraft, engine, or propeller.
• An STC is needed for new/changed designs from an aircraft, engine or propeller that affects weight, balance, structural strength, reliability or operational characteristics.
• An STC does not change the original type certificate.

Type Acceptance Certificates (TAC)

• Used for approving a foreign type certificate design.
• Enables a CofA to be issued for imported aircraft in specific categories (e.g., Transport, Normal, Utility)

Application for a Type Certificate

• Requires a three-view aircraft drawing, preliminary basic data, and descriptions of engine design, operating characteristics, and limitations.

Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS)

• Documents issued by the NAA (National Aviation Authority).
• Provides comprehensive information about the aircraft, including dimensions, wing loading, limitations, and approved combinations.
• Necessary for a detailed understanding of the technical aspects of the aircraft type.

Airworthiness Certification (Meaning)

• A Standard or Special Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) is needed for Australian Civil Aircraft for flying.
• Standard CofAs are awarded for various aircraft types in specific categories (e.g., Normal, Utility).

Certification Categories and Designation

• Categorizes aircraft based on operational usage and airworthiness characteristics.
• Standard CofAs are issued in accordance with CASR Part 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 for different aircraft categories.

Issuing a Special Certificate of Airworthiness

• Used for aircraft not fitting standard categories.
• Applicable to restricted category aircraft; including agricultural, firefighting, and special purpose.

Restricted Certificates of Airworthiness

• Applicable when aircraft are manufactured for specific purposes or have undergone modifications.
• The certification requires meeting certain conditions and operating limitations.

Certificates of Airworthiness Application Process (Aircraft Data)

• Needed for aircraft involved in a Standard CofA application.
• Covers variables about the aircraft (Australian/Foreign manufacture, whether the model or aircraft has been in Australia prior to application)
• The applicant needs to provide relevant data regarding the aircraft model/equipment and its modification status.

Foreign Aircraft

• Addresses how CASA handles the certification of foreign-manufactured aircraft through the issuance of Type Acceptance Certificates (TACs).
• CASA can automatically issue a TAC for an aircraft that has a current TC from one of the seven recognized overseas authorities.
• These authorities include FAA, TCCA, DGAC, CAANZ, CAAUK, ILT, LBA and EASA.

Duration of the CofA (CASR 1998 Part 21)

• Describes the duration of a Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA), emphasizing situations when it's no longer valid (e.g., after cancellation or cessation of registration/unavailability of the Type Certificate).
• The holder of a CofA must make it available for inspection when requested.

Import/Export Airworthiness Approvals

• Requirements related to import/export approvals necessary for a Standard CofA for imported aircraft.
• Import approvals involve ensuring an Export CofA from the original country is obtained and equivalent documentation are submitted when necessary.
• Export approvals involve the release certificates for parts and products based on class.

Aeronautical Product Classification

• Defines five product classes (Class I, Unapproved Class I, Class II, Class III, Overhauled) crucial for establishing export airworthiness approvals and related regulations.

Class I Products

• The complete aircraft, aircraft engine, and propeller.
• Products must match type certificates or be identical in all respects.

Unapproved Class I Products

• Includes components designed by/for foreign manufacturers.
• No Foreign Type Certificate has been issued.

Class II Products

• Major components such as wings, fuselages, and landing gears.

Class III Products

• Standard parts, fasteners , including rivets, nuts, bolts, and electrical/fluid line fittings..

Overhauled Products

• Components that haven't been used since overhaul.
• Inspections ensure they meet standards before returning them to service.

Production Certification

• Describes the need/process for approvals for aircraft and aeronautical products under CAR 1988 and CASR 1998.
• This ensures that production, inspections and testing are performed within controlled environments.
• A Production Certificate is required for aircraft, engine, propeller, and parts.

Parts 22, 23, 25, 27 and 29 CASR Airworthiness Standards

• Describes various parts of CASR 1998, dealing with airworthiness standards for different aircraft types (e.g., sailplanes, gliders, aeroplanes).

Test your knowledge on aircraft type certification, including requirements, purposes, and maintenance limitations. This quiz covers essential aspects that ensure the airworthiness and safety of aircraft designs. Perfect for aviation students and professionals.