Aviation Major Defects Reporting Guidelines

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of EDTO approval for twin-engine aircraft?

To extend flight duration without needing additional fuel stops

To enable operations over a route with points farther than one hour from an adequate airport (correct)

To permit flights at higher altitudes above standard cruising levels

To allow flights to land at airports regardless of distance

What does EDTO stand for in the context of aviation?

Extended Diversion Time Operations (correct)

Emergency Departure Time Operations

Enhanced Diversion Taxi Operations

Extended Departure Takeoff Operations

According to the EDTO standards, what is the maximum distance allowed for flights conducted under 120 minutes criteria?

120 minutes (correct)

60 minutes

180 minutes

240 minutes

Which of the following statements about EDTO flights is true?

All EDTO flights must operate under the manufacturer's approved standards. Signup and view all the answers

What additional timeframes beyond the standard EDTO criteria are allowed on a case-by-case basis?

240 minutes and beyond Signup and view all the answers

What does Amateur Built Aircraft Acceptance (ABAA) signify?

A type approval for an amateur-built aircraft. Signup and view all the answers

What does APMA stand for?

Australian Parts Manufacturer Approval Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'Appliance' in aviation terms?

Equipment used for in-flight operation not part of the airframe. Signup and view all the answers

What does an Approved status indicate?

An unconditional endorsement by CASA. Signup and view all the answers

What qualifies an instrument approach procedure as 'authorised' for an aerodrome in Australian territory?

Published in the AIP or approved by CASA. Signup and view all the answers

Which maintenance activity requires recording in the aircraft's Technical Logbook?

Unconfirmed defect but with corrective action Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Category' refer to in aircraft type certification?

The classification based on intended use and operational limits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for the aircraft's status after maintenance is performed by unqualified personnel?

The aircraft status must be downgraded Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a Certificate of Airworthiness?

A Standard or Special Certificate of Airworthiness. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done after rectifying defects in an aircraft?

Clear the rectified defects accordingly Signup and view all the answers

Under which regulations is an instrument approach procedure for a foreign aerodrome authorised?

By the national aviation authority of that country. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for an operator wishing to conduct auto-land operations?

Approval from CASA Signup and view all the answers

What must be carried out after adjustments or repairs to an autopilot system?

Comprehensive ground testing of the entire auto-land system Signup and view all the answers

Why is an Approved Aircraft Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) required?

To support Aircraft Weight Operations Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an unconfirmed defect is noted but corrective action is taken?

It must be documented in the Technical Logbook Signup and view all the answers

What denotes the current aircraft status after maintenance?

Placard display on the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of AWO in aviation operations?

To provide safety during low-visibility landings Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Category II operations from Category III operations?

Category II offers sufficient visual reference for a manual landing Signup and view all the answers

What is the specified decision height (DH) for Category I operations?

Between 150 ft and 200 ft Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum Runway Visual Range (RVR) for Category I operations?

1480 ft Signup and view all the answers

Category II operations allow decision heights (DHs) down to which minimum altitude?

100 ft Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential for aircraft conducting Category II precision approaches?

An approved ILS receiver Signup and view all the answers

If maintenance is carried out by an unqualified person, which status must the aircraft's low visibility conditions be downgraded to?

Low-visibility status Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organizations has regulations that slightly differ regarding AWO concepts?

ICAO Signup and view all the answers

What does 'foreign operator' refer to?

An operator that is not an Australian operator. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes 'low-visibility take-off'?

A take-off with a runway visual range of less than 550 m. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of human factors principles?

To minimize human error by optimizing relationships between people, activities, and equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by a 'major defect' in an aircraft?

A defect that may affect the safety of the aircraft or cause danger to property. Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'Minimum Equipment List (MEL)' include?

A list of all aircraft defects approved as permissible unserviceabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'low-visibility operation'?

Operations including a low-visibility take-off or approach. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a foreign type certification basis?

To set airworthiness standards for aircraft, engines, or propellers. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a 'foreign supplemental type certificate'?

A specific type of certificate issued by foreign authorities for aeronautical products. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a model of an aircraft from another version of the same type?

A change in operational characteristics requiring a separate Type Certificate Signup and view all the answers

Who qualifies as a national aviation authority in a foreign country?

The authority responsible for regulating civil aviation including airworthiness Signup and view all the answers

In the context of an aircraft operation not authorized by an AOC, who is the operator?

The person or organization that makes the aircraft available to the pilot Signup and view all the answers

Which definition fits that of a pilot-owner of an aircraft?

An individual who owns and is authorized to fly the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Registration Holder' refer to in aviation?

The individual whose name is listed as the owner in the aircraft register Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'Standard Part' in aviation?

A part that meets consensus standards published by recognized organizations Signup and view all the answers

If EASA performs functions on behalf of a country, what does this imply regarding the national aviation authority?

EASA acts as the national aviation authority under certain conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for something to be classified as a 'Standard Part'?

Approval from a commercial product manufacturer Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Major Defects

A major defect is a defect that has caused, or could cause:
- Primary structural failure
- Control system failure
- Engine structural failure
- Fire in an aircraft
If a person connected to the operation or maintenance discovers a major defect, they must report it to the Certificate of Registration (CofR) holder and CASA.
If a person discovers a defect during AD compliance, they must report it to CASA.
A person must not stop another person from reporting a major defect.

Major Defect Reporting

Part 42 covers major defects discovered by an AMO during maintenance of an aeronautical product, where the defect was not apparent before removal from an aircraft. It does not apply to AMOs working for a CAMO or operator on a known defect.
AMOs must report the defect to CASA and, if the owner/previous user is known, to them as well.
Part 145 AMOs should use an internal occurrence reporting system to enable free and open reporting of potentially unsafe occurrences. This system helps ensure a just culture, where employees are not inappropriately punished for reporting or cooperating with investigations.
Punitive action for illegal activity, negligence, or willful misconduct should be clearly defined and documented.
The reporting and investigation process's effectiveness must be confirmed through documentation and dissemination.

Major Defect Reporting Procedures

Reporting must include:
- Description of the defect
- Date the defect was discovered
- Circumstances under which the defect was discovered
- Actions taken (or proposed) to rectify or prevent the defect from recurring
- The cause of the defect, as considered by the reporter
If the defect is in an aircraft, the following details are needed:
- Aircraft type, model, serial number, registration mark.
- Engine type, model, serial number (if relevant)
- Propeller type, model, serial number (if relevant)
- Time in service, number of landings, and cycles completed since new
If the defect is in an aeronautical product, the following details are needed:
- Product identity (part number and serial number)
- Time in service or cycles completed since new
- Details of any overhaul and cycles completed since the overhaul (if applicable)
A Part 145 AMO must submit major defect reports to CASA within two days.
CASA can request that defective items be kept for investigation. Items are usually kept for one year from the reporting date, unless CASA notifies otherwise.
An authorized person can investigate any matter related to a defect, including aircraft testing.
CASA can request documents or components during the investigation.

Flight Tests

Flight test is the process of gathering and analyzing data about aircraft performance during flight operations.
Certification Flight Testing: Tests to demonstrate/verify compliance with airworthiness standards.
Production Flight Testing: Ensures each aircraft conforms to its Type Design and is safe.
Experimental/Developmental Flight Testing: expands an aircraft's flight envelope.
CASA has powers to permit aircraft operation that may not meet airworthiness requirements if there is a reasonable expectation of safe flight.
Flight testing is required after modifications affecting handling characteristics, performance, pilot/crew, and changes to the operation manual.

Flight Test Assessments

Flight test assessments cover:
- Aircraft performance (stall speed, climb rates, range, endurance etc.)
- Flight handling (stability, manoeuvrability etc.)
- Aircraft systems (controls, avionics, HMI etc)
- Human factors (ergonomics, workload, and environment)

Extended Diversion Time Operation (EDTO/ETOPS)

EDTO/ETOPS allows airline operation over routes further than an hour's flight time from an emergency airport, at specified in-operative cruise speeds for twin- or four-engine aircraft, regardless of the separation by water or land.
EDTO requires specific maintenance standards, crew procedures, and limitations on EDTO flights.

EDTO Maintenance Procedures, Training, and Parts Control

Maintenance procedures cover engine monitoring, pre-flight checks, and verification.
EDTO-related tasks should be identified and documented in the operator's routine work documentation.
EDTO maintenance should be integrated into regular maintenance programs.
Procedures ensure EDTO-significant systems are addressed, especially in cases of uncommanded power loss or shutdown.
Operators should develop parts control programs to maintain correct parts and configurations for EDTO.

Weather Operations

All-Weather Operations (AWO) involves instrument landing systems (ILS) and ground/airborne equipment.
Procedures ensure downgrading low-visibility status if maintenance isn't conducted by authorized personnel.
Categories II and III are part of AWO, providing safety in low-visibility landings.
Category II allows for a manual approach to a specified Decision Height (DH).
Category III does not permit visual reference and requires automatic landing.
Category I requires a lower Decision Height and higher Runway Visual Range than the other categories.

Maintenance Requirements

Confirmed defects with corrective actions must be documented.
Unconfirmed defects, and whether or not under MEL conditions are also documented.
Procedures must ensure status is downgraded for unauthorized maintenance and dispatch status documented with specifics (e.g MEL) if applicable
Revalidation of AWO status after adjustments or repairs on systems is carried out.
Prominent placards indicate the aircraft's current status.
Documentation of specific maintenance steps for AWO is required.
Relevant data from the aircraft's maintenance should be entered into the Aircraft Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) in accordance with CASA requirements.
Approved maintenance requirements are necessary for AWO, and CASA approval for auto-land operations.

CASA Dictionary

Detailed definitions for various aviation-related terms, including the Act, Aerobatic Manoeuvres, Airborne Collision Avoidance System, Aircraft Engineer Licence, Aircraft Registration Identification Plate, Airship, Appliance, etc are provided. -The document provides learning objectives for this dictionary.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the critical aspects of reporting major defects in aviation. It focuses on the definitions, responsibilities of personnel, and the regulatory requirements for reporting defects to CASA. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance in aeronautical operations.