ANNEX I(Part-M)
M.1
For the purpose of this Part, the competent authority shall be:
for the oversight of the continuing airworthiness of individual aircraft and the issue of airworthiness review certificates the authority designated by the Member State of registry;
for the oversight of a maintenance organisation as specified in Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M):
the authority designated by the Member State where that organisation's principle place of business is located;
the Agency if the organisation is located in a third country;
for the oversight of a continuing airworthiness management organisation as specified in Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M):
the authority designated by the Member State where that organisation's principle place of business is located if the approval is not included in an air operator's certificate;
the authority designated by the Member State of the operator if the approval is included in an air operator's certificate;
the Agency if the organisation is located in a third country;
for the approval of maintenance programmes:
the authority designated by the Member State of registry;
in the case of commercial air transport, when the Member State of the operator is different from the State of registry, the authority agreed by the above two States prior to the approval of the maintenance programme.
By derogation from point 4(i), when the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft not used in commercial air transport is managed by a continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G, of this Annex (Part-M) not subject to the oversight of the Member State of registry, and only if agreed with the Member State of registry prior to the approval of the maintenance programme:
the authority designated by the Member State responsible for the oversight of the continuing airworthiness management organisation; or
the Agency if the continuing airworthiness management organisation is located in a third country.
SECTION A TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
SUBPART A GENERAL
M.A.101 Scope
This Section establishes the measures to be taken to ensure that airworthiness is maintained, including maintenance. It also specifies the conditions to be met by the persons or organisations involved in such continuing airworthiness management.
SUBPART B ACCOUNTABILITY
M.A.201 Responsibilities
The owner is responsible for the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft and shall ensure that no flight takes place unless:
the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition, and;
any operational and emergency equipment fitted is correctly installed and serviceable or clearly identified as unserviceable, and;
the airworthiness certificate remains valid, and;
the maintenance of the aircraft is performed in accordance with the approved maintenance programme as specified in point M.A.302.
When the aircraft is leased, the responsibilities of the owner are transferred to the lessee if:
the lessee is stipulated on the registration document; or
detailed in the leasing contract.
When reference is made in this Part to the ‘owner’, the term owner covers the owner or the lessee, as applicable.
Any person or organisation performing maintenance shall be responsible for the tasks performed.
The pilot-in-command or, in the case of commercial air transport, the operator shall be responsible for the satisfactory accomplishment of the pre-flight inspection. This inspection must be carried out by the pilot or another qualified person but need not be carried out by an approved maintenance organisation or by Part-66 certifying staff.
In order to satisfy the responsibilities of point (a),
the owner of an aircraft may contract the tasks associated with continuing airworthiness to a continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M). In this case, the continuing airworthiness management organisation assumes responsibility for the proper accomplishment of these tasks;
an owner who decides to manage the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft under its own responsibility, without a contract in accordance with Appendix I, may nevertheless make a limited contract with a continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M), for the development of the maintenance programme and its approval in accordance with point M.A.302. In that case, the limited contract transfers the responsibility for the development and approval of the maintenance programme to the contracted continuing airworthiness management organisation.
In the case of large aircraft, in order to satisfy the responsibilities of point (a) the owner of an aircraft shall ensure that the tasks associated with continuing airworthiness are performed by an approved continuing airworthiness management organisation. A written contract shall be made in accordance with Appendix I. In this case, the continuing airworthiness management organisation assumes responsibility for the proper accomplishment of these tasks.
Maintenance of large aircraft, aircraft used for commercial air transport and components thereof shall be carried out by a Part-145 approved maintenance organisation.
In the case of commercial air transport the operator is responsible for the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft it operates and shall:
be approved, as part of the air operator certificate issued by the competent authority, pursuant to Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) for the aircraft it operates; and
be approved in accordance with Annex II (Part-145) or contract such an organisation; and
ensure that point (a) is satisfied.
When an operator is requested by a Member State to hold a certificate for commercial operations, other than for commercial air transport, it shall:
be appropriately approved, pursuant to Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M), for the management of the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft it operates or contract such an organisation; and
be appropriately approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M) or Annex II (Part-145), or contract such organisations; and
ensure that point (a) is satisfied.
The owner/operator is responsible for granting the competent authority access to the organisation/aircraft to determine continued compliance with this Part.
M.A.202 Occurrence reporting
Any person or organisation responsible in accordance with point M.A.201 shall report to the competent authority designated by the State of Registry, the organisation responsible for the type design or supplemental type design and, if applicable, the Member State of operator, any identified condition of an aircraft or component which endangers flight safety.
Reports shall be made in a manner established by the Agency and contain all pertinent information about the condition known to the person or organisation.
Where the person or organisation maintaining the aircraft is contracted by an owner or an operator to carry out maintenance, the person or the organisation maintaining the aircraft shall also report to the owner, the operator or the continuing airworthiness management organisation any such condition affecting the owner's or the operator's aircraft or component.
Reports shall be made as soon as practicable, but in any case within 72 hours of the person or organisation identifying the condition to which the report relates.
SUBPART C CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS
M.A.301 Continuing airworthiness tasks
The aircraft continuing airworthiness and the serviceability of both operational and emergency equipment shall be ensured by:
the accomplishment of pre-flight inspections;
The rectification in accordance with the data specified in point M.A.304 and/or point M.A.401, as applicable, of any defect and damage affecting safe operation, taking into account, for all large aircraft or aircraft used for commercial air transport, the minimum equipment list and configuration deviation list as applicable to the aircraft type;
the accomplishment of all maintenance, in accordance with the M.A.302 approved aircraft maintenance programme;
for all large aircraft or aircraft used for commercial air transport the analysis of the effectiveness of the M.A.302 approved maintenance programme;
the accomplishment of any applicable:
airworthiness directive;
operational directive with a continuing airworthiness impact;
continued airworthiness requirement established by the Agency;
measures mandated by the competent authority in immediate reaction to a safety problem;
the accomplishment of modifications and repairs in accordance with point M.A.304;
for non-mandatory modifications and/or inspections, for all large aircraft or aircraft used for commercial air transport the establishment of an embodiment policy;
maintenance check flights when necessary.
M.A.302 Aircraft Maintenance Programme
Maintenance of each aircraft shall be organised in accordance with an aircraft maintenance programme.
The aircraft maintenance programme and any subsequent amendments shall be approved by the competent authority.
When the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft is managed by a continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part M), the aircraft maintenance programme and its amendments may be approved through an indirect approval procedure.
In that case, the indirect approval procedure shall be established by the continuing airworthiness management organisation as part of the Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition and shall be approved by the competent authority responsible for that continuing airworthiness management organisation.
The continuing airworthiness management organisation shall not use the indirect approval procedure when this organisation is not under the oversight of the Member State of Registry, unless an agreement exists in accordance with point M.1 (4)(ii) or (4)(iii), as applicable, transferring the responsibility for the approval of the aircraft maintenance programme to the competent authority responsible for the continuing airworthiness management organisation.
The aircraft maintenance programme must establish compliance with:
instructions issued by the competent authority;
instructions for continuing airworthiness:
issued by the holders of the type-certificate, restricted type-certificate, supplemental type-certificate, major repair design approval, ETSO authorisation or any other relevant approval issued under Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 and its Annex I (Part-21), and
included in the certification specifications referred to in point 21A.90B or 21A.431B of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, if applicable;
additional or alternative instructions proposed by the owner or the continuing airworthiness management organisation once approved in accordance with point M.A.302, except for intervals of safety related tasks referred in point (e), which may be escalated, subject to sufficient reviews carried out in accordance with point (g) and only when subject to direct approval in accordance with point M.A.302(b).
The aircraft maintenance programme shall contain details, including frequency, of all maintenance to be carried out, including any specific tasks linked to the type and the specificity of operations.
For large aircraft, when the maintenance programme is based on maintenance steering group logic or on condition monitoring, the aircraft maintenance programme shall include a reliability programme.
The aircraft maintenance programme shall be subject to periodic reviews and amended accordingly when necessary. These reviews shall ensure that the programme continues to be valid in light of the operating experience and instructions from the competent authority whilst taking into account new and/or modified maintenance instructions promulgated by the type certificate and supplementary type certificate holders and any other organisation that publishes such data in accordance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
M.A.303 Airworthiness directives
Any applicable airworthiness directive must be carried out within the requirements of that airworthiness directive, unless otherwise specified by the Agency.
M.A.304 Data for modifications and repairs
Damage shall be assessed and modifications and repairs carried out using as appropriate:
data approved by the Agency; or
data approved by a Part-21 design organisation; or
data contained in the certification specifications referred to in point 21A.90B or 21A.431B of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
M.A.305 Aircraft continuing airworthiness record system
At the completion of any maintenance, the certificate of release to service required by point M.A.801 or point 145.A.50 shall be entered in the aircraft continuing airworthiness records. Each entry shall be made as soon as practicable but in no case more than 30 days after the day of the maintenance action.
The aircraft continuing airworthiness records shall consist of:
an aircraft logbook, engine logbook(s) or engine module log cards, propeller logbook(s) and log cards for any service life limited component as appropriate, and,
when required in point M.A.306 for commercial air transport or by the Member State for commercial operations other than commercial air transport, the operator's technical log.
The aircraft type and registration mark, the date, together with total flight time and/or flight cycles and/or landings, as appropriate, shall be entered in the aircraft logbooks.
The aircraft continuing airworthiness records shall contain the current:
status of airworthiness directives and measures mandated by the competent authority in immediate reaction to a safety problem;
status of modifications and repairs;
status of compliance with maintenance programme;
status of service life limited components;
mass and balance report;
list of deferred maintenance.
In addition to the authorised release document, EASA Form 1 or equivalent, the following information relevant to any component installed (engine, propeller, engine module or service life-limited component) shall be entered in the appropriate engine or propeller logbook, engine module or service life limited component log card:
identification of the component; and
the type, serial number and registration, as appropriate, of the aircraft, engine, propeller, engine module or service life-limited component to which the particular component has been fitted, along with the reference to the installation and removal of the component; and
the date together with the component's accumulated total flight time and/or flight cycles and/or landings and/or calendar time, as appropriate; and
the current point (d) information applicable to the component.
The person responsible for the management of continuing airworthiness tasks pursuant to Section A, Subpart B of this Annex (Part M), shall control the records as detailed in this point and present the records to the competent authority upon request.
All entries made in the aircraft continuing airworthiness records shall be clear and accurate. When it is necessary to correct an entry, the correction shall be made in a manner that clearly shows the original entry.
An owner or operator shall ensure that a system has been established to keep the following records for the periods specified:
all detailed maintenance records in respect of the aircraft and any service life-limited component fitted thereto, until such time as the information contained therein is superseded by new information equivalent in scope and detail but not less than 36 months after the aircraft or component has been released to service; and
the total time in service (hours, calendar time, cycles and landings) of the aircraft and all service life-limited components, at least 12 months after the aircraft or component has been permanently withdrawn from service; and
the time in service (hours, calendar time, cycles and landings) as appropriate, since last scheduled maintenance of the component subjected to a service life limit, at least until the component scheduled maintenance has been superseded by another scheduled maintenance of equivalent work scope and detail; and
the current status of compliance with maintenance programme such that compliance with the approved aircraft maintenance programme can be established, at least until the aircraft or component scheduled maintenance has been superseded by other scheduled maintenance of equivalent work scope and detail; and
the current status of airworthiness directives applicable to the aircraft and components, at least 12 months after the aircraft or component has been permanently withdrawn from service; and
details of current modifications and repairs to the aircraft, engine(s), propeller(s) and any other component vital to flight safety, at least 12 months after they have been permanently withdrawn from service.
M.A.306 Operator's technical log system
In the case of commercial air transport, in addition to the requirements of point M.A.305, an operator shall use an aircraft technical log system containing the following information for each aircraft:
information about each flight, necessary to ensure continued flight safety, and;
the current aircraft certificate of release to service, and;
the current maintenance statement giving the aircraft maintenance status of what scheduled and out of phase maintenance is next due except that the competent authority may agree to the maintenance statement being kept elsewhere, and;
all outstanding deferred defects rectifications that affect the operation of the aircraft, and;
any necessary guidance instructions on maintenance support arrangements.
The aircraft technical log system and any subsequent amendment shall be approved by the competent authority.
An operator shall ensure that the aircraft technical log is retained for 36 months after the date of the last entry.
M.A.307 Transfer of aircraft continuing airworthiness records
The owner or operator shall ensure when an aircraft is permanently transferred from one owner or operator to another that the M.A.305 continuing airworthiness records and, if applicable, M.A.306 operator's technical log are also transferred.
The owner shall ensure, when he contracts the continuing airworthiness management tasks to a continuing airworthiness management organisation, that the M.A.305 continuing airworthiness records are transferred to the organisation.
The time periods prescribed for the retention of records shall continue to apply to the new owner, operator or continuing airworthiness management organisation.
SUBPART D MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
M.A.401 Maintenance data
The person or organisation maintaining an aircraft shall have access to and use only applicable current maintenance data in the performance of maintenance including modifications and repairs.
For the purposes of this Part, applicable maintenance data is:
any applicable requirement, procedure, standard or information issued by the competent authority or the Agency,
any applicable airworthiness directive,
applicable instructions for continuing airworthiness, issued by type certificate holders, supplementary type certificate holders and any other organisation that publishes such data in accordance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
any applicable data issued in accordance with point 145.A.45(d).
The person or organisation maintaining an aircraft shall ensure that all applicable maintenance data is current and readily available for use when required. The person or organisation shall establish a work card or worksheet system to be used and shall either transcribe accurately the maintenance data onto such work cards or worksheets or make precise reference to the particular maintenance task or tasks contained in such maintenance data.
M.A.402 Performance of maintenance
All maintenance shall be performed by qualified personnel, following the methods, techniques, standards and instructions specified in the M.A.401 maintenance data. Furthermore, an independent inspection shall be carried out after any flight safety sensitive maintenance task unless otherwise specified by Annex II (Part-145) or agreed by the competent authority.
All maintenance shall be performed using the tools, equipment and material specified in the M.A.401 maintenance data unless otherwise specified by Annex II (Part-145). Where necessary, tools and equipment shall be controlled and calibrated to an officially recognised standard.
The area in which maintenance is carried out shall be well organised and clean in respect of dirt and contamination.
All maintenance shall be performed within any environmental limitations specified in the M.A.401 maintenance data.
In case of inclement weather or lengthy maintenance, proper facilities shall be used.
After completion of all maintenance a general verification must be carried out to ensure the aircraft or component is clear of all tools, equipment and any other extraneous parts and material, and that all access panels removed have been refitted.
M.A.403 Aircraft defects
Any aircraft defect that hazards seriously the flight safety shall be rectified before further flight.
Only the authorised certifying staff, according to points M.A.801(b)1, M.A.801(b)2, M.A.801(c), M.A.801(d) or Annex II (Part-145) can decide, using M.A.401 maintenance data, whether an aircraft defect hazards seriously the flight safety and therefore decide when and which rectification action shall be taken before further flight and which defect rectification can be deferred. However, this does not apply when:
the approved minimum equipment list as mandated by the competent authority is used by the pilot; or,
aircraft defects are defined as being acceptable by the competent authority.
Any aircraft defect that would not hazard seriously the flight safety shall be rectified as soon as practicable, after the date the aircraft defect was first identified and within any limits specified in the maintenance data.
Any defect not rectified before flight shall be recorded in the M.A.305 aircraft maintenance record system or M.A.306 operator's technical log system as applicable.
SUBPART E COMPONENTS
M.A.501 Installation
No component may be fitted unless it is in a satisfactory condition, has been appropriately released to service on an EASA Form 1 or equivalent and is marked in accordance with Annex I (Part-21), Subpart Q, unless otherwise specified in Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, Annex II (Part-145) or Subpart F, Section A of Annex I to this Regulation.
Prior to installation of a component on an aircraft the person or approved maintenance organisation shall ensure that the particular component is eligible to be fitted when different modification and/or airworthiness directive configurations may be applicable.
Standard parts shall only be fitted to an aircraft or a component when the maintenance data specifies the particular standard part. Standard parts shall only be fitted when accompanied by evidence of conformity traceable to the applicable standard.
Material being either raw material or consumable material shall only be used on an aircraft or a component when the aircraft or component manufacturer states so in relevant maintenance data or as specified in Annex II (Part-145). Such material shall only be used when the material meets the required specification and has appropriate traceability. All material must be accompanied by documentation clearly relating to the particular material and containing a conformity to specification statement plus both the manufacturing and supplier source.
M.A.502 Component maintenance
Except for components referred to in point 21A.307(c) of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, the maintenance of components shall be performed by maintenance organisations appropriately approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M) or with Annex II (Part-145).
By derogation from point (a), maintenance of a component in accordance with aircraft maintenance data or, if agreed by the competent authority, in accordance with component maintenance data, may be performed by an A rated organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M) or with Annex II (Part-145) as well as by certifying staff referred to in point M.A.801(b)2 only whilst such components are fitted to the aircraft. Nevertheless, such organisation or certifying staff may temporarily remove this component for maintenance, in order to improve access to the component, except when such removal generates the need for additional maintenance not eligible for the provisions of this point. Component maintenance performed in accordance with this point is not eligible for the issuance of an EASA Form 1 and shall be subject to the aircraft release requirements provided for in point M.A.801.
By derogation from point (a), maintenance of an engine/Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) component in accordance with engine/APU maintenance data or, if agreed by the competent authority, in accordance with component maintenance data, may be performed by a B rated organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M) or with Annex II (Part-145) only whilst such components are fitted to the engine/APU. Nevertheless, such B rated organisation may temporarily remove this component for maintenance, in order to improve access to the component, except when such removal generates the need for additional maintenance not eligible for the provisions of this point.
By derogation from point (a) and point M.A.801(b)2, maintenance of a component while installed or temporarily removed from an ELA1 aircraft not used in commercial air transport and performed in accordance with component maintenance data, may be performed by certifying staff referred to in point M.A.801(b)2, except for:
overhaul of components other than engines and propellers, and;
overhaul of engines and propellers for aircraft other than CS-VLA, CS-22 and LSA.
Component maintenance performed in accordance with point (d) is not eligible for the issuance of an EASA Form 1 and shall be subject to the aircraft release requirements provided for in point M.A.801.
Maintenance of components referred to in 21A.307(c) of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 shall be performed by an A-rated organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M) or Part-145, by certifying staff referred to in point M.A.801(b)2 or by the pilot-owner referred to in point M.A.801(b)3 while such a component is fitted to the aircraft or temporarily removed to improve access. Component maintenance performed in accordance with this point is not eligible for the issuance of an EASA Form 1 and shall be subject to the aircraft release requirements provided for in point M.A.801.
M.A.503 Service life limited components
Installed service life limited components shall not exceed the approved service life limit as specified in the approved maintenance programme and airworthiness directives, except as provided for in point M.A.504(c).
The approved service life is expressed in calendar time, flight hours, landings or cycles, as appropriate.
At the end the approved service life, the component must be removed from the aircraft for maintenance, or for disposal in the case of components with a certified life limit.
M.A.504 Control of unserviceable components
A component shall be considered unserviceable in any one of the following circumstances:
expiry of the service life limit as defined in the maintenance program;
non-compliance with the applicable airworthiness directives and other continued airworthiness requirement mandated by the Agency;
absence of the necessary information to determine the airworthiness status or eligibility for installation;
evidence of defects or malfunctions;
involvement in an incident or accident likely to affect its serviceability.
Unserviceable components shall be identified and stored in a secure location under the control of an approved maintenance organisation until a decision is made on the future status of such component. Nevertheless, for aircraft not used in commercial air transport other than large aircraft, the person or organisation that declared the component unserviceable may transfer its custody, after identifying it as unserviceable, to the aircraft owner provided that such transfer is reflected in the aircraft logbook or engine logbook or component logbook.
Components which have reached their certified life limit or contain a non-repairable defect shall be classified as unsalvageable and shall not be permitted to re-enter the component supply system, unless certified life limits have been extended or a repair solution has been approved according to point M.A.304.
Any person or organisation accountable under this Annex (Part-M) shall, in the case of a point (c) unsalvageable components:
retain such component in the point (b) location, or;
arrange for the component to be mutilated in a manner that ensures that it is beyond economic salvage or repair before relinquishing responsibility for such component.
Notwithstanding point (d) a person or organisation accountable under this Annex (Part-M) may transfer responsibility of components classified as unsalvageable to an organisation for training or research without mutilation.
SUBPART F MAINTENANCE ORGANISATION
M.A.601 Scope
This Subpart establishes the requirements to be met by an organisation to qualify for the issue or continuation of an approval for the maintenance of aircraft and components not listed in point M.A.201(g).
M.A.602 Application
An application for issue or change of a maintenance organisation approval shall be made on a form and in a manner established by the competent authority.
M.A.603 Extent of approval
An organisation involved in activities subject to this Subpart shall not exercise its activities unless approved by the competent authority. Appendix V to Annex I (Part-M) provides the template certificate for this approval.
The maintenance organisation's manual referred to in point M.A.604 shall specify the scope of work deemed to constitute approval. Appendix IV to Annex I (Part-M) defines all classes and ratings possible under Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M).
An approved maintenance organisation may fabricate, in conformity with maintenance data, a restricted range of parts for the use in the course of undergoing work within its own facilities, as identified in the maintenance organisation manual.
M.A.604 Maintenance organisation manual
The maintenance organisation shall provide a manual containing at least the following information:
a statement signed by the accountable manager to confirm that the organisation will continuously work in accordance with Annex I (Part-M) and the manual at all times, and;
the organisation's scope of work, and;
the title(s) and name(s) of person(s) referred to in point M.A.606(b), and;
an organisation chart showing associated chains of responsibility between the person(s) referred to in point M.A.606(b), and;
a list of certifying staff with their scope of approval, and;
a list of locations where maintenance is carried out, together with a general descriptions of the facilities, and;
procedures specifying how the maintenance organisation ensures compliance with this Part, and;
the maintenance organisation manual amendment procedure(s).
The maintenance organisation manual and its amendments shall be approved by the competent authority.
Notwithstanding point (b) minor amendments to the manual may be approved through a procedure (hereinafter called indirect approval).
M.A.605 Facilities
The organisation shall ensure that:
Facilities are provided for all planned work, specialised workshops and bays are segregated as appropriate, to ensure protection from contamination and the environment.
Office accommodation is provided for the management of all planned work including in particular, the completion of maintenance records.
Secure storage facilities are provided for components, equipment, tools and material. Storage conditions shall ensure segregation of unserviceable components and material from all other components, material, equipment and tools. Storage conditions shall be in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and access shall be restricted to authorised personnel.
M.A.606 Personnel requirements
The organisation shall appoint an accountable manager, who has corporate authority for ensuring that all maintenance required by the customer can be financed and carried out to the standard required by this Part.
A person or group of persons shall be nominated with the responsibility of ensuring that the organisation is always in compliance with this Subpart. Such person(s) shall be ultimately responsible to the accountable manager.
All point (b) persons shall be able to show relevant knowledge, background and appropriate experience related to aircraft and/or component maintenance.
The organisation shall have appropriate staff for the normal expected contracted work. The use of temporarily sub-contracted staff is permitted in the case of higher than normally expected contracted work and only for personnel not issuing a certificate of release to service.
The qualification of all personnel involved in maintenance shall be demonstrated and recorded.
Personnel who carry out specialised tasks such as welding, non-destructive testing/inspection other than colour contrast shall be qualified in accordance with an officially recognised standard.
The maintenance organisation shall have sufficient certifying staff to issue M.A.612 and M.A.613 certificates of release to service for aircraft and components. They shall comply with the requirements of Annex III (Part-66).
By derogation from point (g), the organisation may use certifying staff qualified in accordance with the following provisions when providing maintenance support to operators involved in commercial operations, subject to appropriate procedures to be approved as part of the organisation's manual:
For a repetitive pre-flight airworthiness directive which specifically states that the flight crew may carry out such airworthiness directive, the organisation may issue a limited certifying staff authorisation to the aircraft commander on the basis of the flight crew licence held, provided that the organisation ensures that sufficient practical training has been carried out to ensure that such person can accomplish the airworthiness directive to the required standard;
In the case of aircraft operating away from a supported location the organisation may issue a limited certifying staff authorisation to the aircraft commander on the basis of the flight crew licence, provided that the organisation ensures that sufficient practical training has been carried out to ensure that such person can accomplish the task to the required standard.
M.A.607 Certifying staff
In addition to point M.A.606(g), certifying staff can only exercise their privileges, if the organisation has ensured:
that certifying staff can demonstrate that they meet the requirements of point 66.A.20(b) of Annex III (Part-66), except when Annex III (Part-66) refers to Member State regulation, in which case they shall meet the requirement of such regulation, and;
that certifying staff have an adequate understanding of the relevant aircraft and/or aircraft component(s) to be maintained together with the associated organisation procedures.
In the following unforeseen cases, where an aircraft is grounded at a location other than the main base where no appropriate certifying staff is available, the maintenance organisation contracted to provide maintenance support may issue a one-off certification authorisation:
to one of its employees holding type qualifications on aircraft of similar technology, construction and systems; or
to any person with not less than three years maintenance experience and holding a valid ICAO aircraft maintenance licence rated for the aircraft type requiring certification provided there is no organisation appropriately approved under this Part at that location and the contracted organisation obtains and holds on file evidence of the experience and the licence of that person.
All such cases must be reported to the competent authority within seven days of the issuance of such certification authorisation. The approved maintenance organisation issuing the one-off certification authorisation shall ensure that any such maintenance that could affect flight safety is re-checked.
The approved maintenance organisation shall record all details concerning certifying staff and maintain a current list of all certifying staff together with their scope of approval as part of the organisation's manual pursuant to point M.A.604(a)5.
M.A.608 Components, equipment and tools
The organisation shall:
hold the equipment and tools specified in the maintenance data described in point M.A.609 or verified equivalents as listed in the maintenance organisation manual as necessary for day-to-day maintenance within the scope of the approval; and,
demonstrate that it has access to all other equipment and tools used only on an occasional basis.
Tools and equipment shall be controlled and calibrated to an officially recognised standard. Records of such calibrations and the standard used shall be kept by the organisation.
The organisation shall inspect, classify and appropriately segregate all incoming components.
M.A.609 Maintenance data
The approved maintenance organisation shall hold and use applicable current maintenance data specified in point M.A.401 in the performance of maintenance including modifications and repairs. In the case of customer provided maintenance data, it is only necessary to have such data when the work is in progress.
M.A.610 Maintenance work orders
Before the commencement of maintenance a written work order shall be agreed between the organisation and the organisation requesting maintenance to clearly establish the maintenance to be carried out.
M.A.611 Maintenance standards
All maintenance shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Section A, Subpart D of this Annex (Part-M).
M.A.612 Aircraft certificate of release to service
At the completion of all required aircraft maintenance in accordance with this Subpart an aircraft certificate of release to service shall be issued according to point M.A.801.
M.A.613 Component certificate of release to service
At the completion of all required component maintenance in accordance with this Subpart a component certificate of release to service shall be issued in accordance with point M.A.802. EASA Form 1 shall be issued except for those components maintained in accordance with points M.A.502(b), M.A.502(d) or M.A.502(e) and components fabricated in accordance with point M.A.603(c).
The component certificate release to service document, EASA Form 1 may be generated from a computer database.
M.A.614 Maintenance records
The approved maintenance organisation shall record all details of work carried out. Records necessary to prove all requirements have been met for issuance of the certificate of release to service including the sub-contractor's release documents shall be retained.
The approved maintenance organisation shall provide a copy of each certificate of release to service to the aircraft owner, together with a copy of any specific repair/modification data used for repairs/modifications carried out.
The approved maintenance organisation shall retain a copy of all maintenance records and any associated maintenance data for three years from the date the aircraft or aircraft component to which the work relates was released from the approved maintenance organisation.
The records under this point shall be stored in a manner that ensures protection from damage, alteration and theft.
All computer hardware used to ensure backup shall be stored in a different location from that containing the working data in an environment that ensures they remain in good condition.
Where an approved maintenance organisation terminates its operation, all retained maintenance records covering the last three years shall be distributed to the last owner or customer of the respective aircraft or component or shall be stored as specified by the competent authority.
M.A.615 Privileges of the organisation
The maintenance organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M), may:
maintain any aircraft and/or component for which it is approved at the locations specified in the approval certificate and the maintenance organisation manual;
arrange for the performance of specialized services under the control of the maintenance organisation at another organisation appropriately qualified, subject to appropriate procedures being established as part of the Maintenance Organisation Manual approved by the competent authority directly;
maintain any aircraft and/or component for which it is approved at any location subject to the need of such maintenance arising either from the unserviceability of the aircraft or from the necessity of supporting occasional maintenance, subject to the conditions specified in the Maintenance Organisation Manual;
issue certificates of release to service on completion of maintenance, in accordance with point M.A.612 or point M.A.613.
M.A.616 Organisational review
To ensure that the approved maintenance organisation continues to meet the requirements of this Subpart, it shall organise, on a regular basis, organisational reviews.
M.A.617 Changes to the approved maintenance organisation
In order to enable the competent authority to determine continued compliance with this Part, the approved maintenance organisation shall notify it of any proposal to carry out any of the following changes, before such changes take place:
the name of the organisation;
the location of the organisation;
additional locations of the organisation;
the accountable manager;
any of the persons specified in point M.A.606(b);
the facilities, equipment, tools, material, procedures, work scope and certifying staff that could affect the approval.
In the case of proposed changes in personnel not known to the management beforehand, these changes shall be notified at the earliest opportunity.
M.A.618 Continued validity of approval
An approval shall be issued for an unlimited duration. It shall remain valid subject to:
the organisation remaining in compliance with this Part, in accordance with the provisions related to the handling of findings as specified under point M.A.619, and;
the competent authority being granted access to the organisation to determine continued compliance with this Part, and;
the approval not being surrendered or revoked;
Upon surrender or revocation, the approval certificate shall be returned to the competent authority.
M.A.619 Findings
A level 1 finding is any significant non-compliance with Part-M requirements which lowers the safety standard and hazards seriously the flight safety.
A level 2 finding is any non-compliance with the Part-M requirements which could lower the safety standard and possibly hazard the flight safety.
After receipt of notification of findings according to point M.B.605, the holder of the maintenance organisation approval shall define a corrective action plan and demonstrate corrective action to the satisfaction of the competent authority within a period agreed with this authority.
SUBPART G CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION
M.A.701 Scope
This Subpart establishes the requirements to be met by an organisation to qualify for the issue or continuation of an approval for the management of aircraft continuing airworthiness.
M.A.702 Application
An application for issue or change of a continuing airworthiness management organisation approval shall be made on a form and in a manner established by the competent authority.
M.A.703 Extent of approval
The approval is indicated on a certificate included in Appendix VI issued by the competent authority.
Notwithstanding point (a), for commercial air transport, the approval shall be part of the air operator certificate issued by the competent authority, for the aircraft operated.
The scope of work deemed to constitute the approval shall be specified in the continuing airworthiness management exposition in accordance with point M.A.704.
M.A.704 Continuing airworthiness management exposition
The continuing airworthiness management organisation shall provide a continuing airworthiness management exposition containing the following information:
a statement signed by the accountable manager to confirm that the organisation will work in accordance with this Part and the exposition at all times, and;
the organisation's scope of work, and;
the title(s) and name(s) of person(s) referred to in points M.A.706(a), M.A.706(c), M.A.706(d) and M.A.706(i), and;
an organisation chart showing associated chains of responsibility between all the person(s) referred to in points M.A.706(a), M.A.706(c), M.A.706(d) and M.A.706(i), and;
a list of the airworthiness staff referred to in point M.A.707, specifying, where applicable, the staff authorised to issue permits to fly in accordance with point M.A.711(c), and;
a general description and location of the facilities, and;
procedures specifying how the continuing airworthiness management organisation ensures compliance with this Part, and;
the continuing airworthiness management exposition amendment procedures, and;
the list of approved aircraft maintenance programmes, or, for aircraft not involved in commercial air transport, the list of ‘generic’ and ‘baseline’ maintenance programmes.
The continuing airworthiness management exposition and its amendments shall be approved by the competent authority.
Notwithstanding point (b), minor amendments to the exposition may be approved indirectly through an indirect approval procedure. The indirect approval procedure shall define the minor amendment eligible, be established by the continuing airworthiness management organisation as part of the exposition and be approved by the competent authority responsible for that continuing airworthiness management organisation.
M.A.705 Facilities
The continuing airworthiness management organisation shall provide suitable office accommodation at appropriate locations for the personnel specified in point M.A.706.
M.A.706 Personnel requirements
The organisation shall appoint an accountable manager, who has corporate authority for ensuring that all continuing airworthiness management activities can be financed and carried out in accordance with this Part.
For commercial air transport the point (a) accountable manager shall be the person who also has corporate authority for ensuring that all the operations of the operator can be financed and carried out to the standard required for the issue of an air operator's certificate.
A person or group of persons shall be nominated with the responsibility of ensuring that the organisation is always in compliance with this Subpart. Such person(s) shall be ultimately responsible to the accountable manager.
For commercial air transport, the accountable manager shall designate a nominated post holder. This person shall be responsible for the management and supervision of continuing airworthiness activities, pursuant to point (c).
The nominated post holder referred to in point (d) shall not be employed by a Part-145 approved organisation under contract to the operator, unless specifically agreed by the competent authority.
The organisation shall have sufficient appropriately qualified staff for the expected work.
All point (c) and (d) persons shall be able to show relevant knowledge, background and appropriate experience related to aircraft continuing airworthiness.
The qualification of all personnel involved in continuing airworthiness management shall be recorded.
For organisations extending airworthiness review certificates in accordance with points M.A.711(a)4 and M.A.901(f), the organisation shall nominate persons authorised to do so, subject to approval by the competent authority.
The organisation shall define and keep updated in the continuing airworthiness management exposition the title(s) and name(s) of person(s) referred to in points M.A.706(a), M.A.706(c), M.A.706(d) and M.A.706(i).
For all large aircraft and for aircraft used for commercial air transport the organisation shall establish and control the competence of personnel involved in the continuing airworthiness management, airworthiness review and/or quality audits in accordance with a procedure and to a standard agreed by the competent authority.
M.A.707 Airworthiness review staff
To be approved to carry out airworthiness reviews and, if applicable, to issue permits to fly, an approved continuing airworthiness management organisation shall have appropriate airworthiness review staff to issue airworthiness review certificates or recommendations referred to in Section A of Subpart I and, if applicable, to issue a permit to fly in accordance with point M.A.711(c):
For all aircraft used in commercial air transport, and aircraft above 2 730 kg MTOM, except balloons, these staff shall have acquired:
at least five years' experience in continuing airworthiness; and
an appropriate license in compliance with Annex III (Part-66) or an aeronautical degree or a national equivalent; and
formal aeronautical maintenance training; and
a position within the approved organisation with appropriate responsibilities.
Notwithstanding points (a) to (d), the requirement laid down in point M.A.707(a)1(b) may be replaced by five years of experience in continuing airworthiness additional to those already required by point M.A.707(a)1(a).
For aircraft not used in commercial air transport of 2 730 kg MTOM and below, and balloons, these staff shall have acquired:
at least three years' experience in continuing airworthiness, and
an appropriate license in compliance with Annex III (Part-66) or an aeronautical degree or a national equivalent; and
appropriate aeronautical maintenance training; and
a position within the approved organisation with appropriate responsibilities;
Notwithstanding points (a) to (d), the requirement laid down in point M.A.707(a)2(b) may be replaced by four years of experience in continuing airworthiness additional to those already required by point M.A.707(a)2(a).
Airworthiness review staff nominated by the approved continuing airworthiness organisation can only be issued an authorisation by the approved continuing airworthiness organisation when formally accepted by the competent authority after satisfactory completion of an airworthiness review under supervision.
The organisation shall ensure that aircraft airworthiness review staff can demonstrate appropriate recent continuing airworthiness management experience.
Airworthiness review staff shall be identified by listing each person in the continuing airworthiness management exposition together with their airworthiness review authorisation reference.
The organisation shall maintain a record of all airworthiness review staff, which shall include details of any appropriate qualification held together with a summary of relevant continuing airworthiness management experience and training and a copy of the authorisation. This record shall be retained until two years after the airworthiness review staff have left the organisation.
M.A.708 Continuing airworthiness management
All continuing airworthiness management shall be carried out according to the prescriptions of M.A Subpart C.
For every aircraft managed, the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation shall:
develop and control a maintenance programme for the aircraft managed including any applicable reliability programme,
Present the aircraft maintenance programme and its amendments to the competent authority for approval, unless covered by an indirect approval procedure in accordance with point M.A.302(c), and provide a copy of the programme to the owner of aircraft not involved in commercial air transport,
manage the approval of modification and repairs,
ensure that all maintenance is carried out in accordance with the approved maintenance programme and released in accordance with Section A, Subpart H of this Annex (Part-M),
ensure that all applicable airworthiness directives and operational directives with a continuing airworthiness impact, are applied,
ensure that all defects discovered during scheduled maintenance or reported are corrected by an appropriately approved maintenance organisation,
ensure that the aircraft is taken to an appropriately approved maintenance organisation whenever necessary,
coordinate scheduled maintenance, the application of airworthiness directives, the replacement of service life limited parts, and component inspection to ensure the work is carried out properly,
manage and archive all continuing airworthiness records and/or operator's technical log.
ensure that the mass and balance statement reflects the current status of the aircraft.
In the case of commercial air transport, when the operator is not appropriately approved to Part-145, the operator shall establish a written maintenance contract between the operator and a Part-145 approved organisation or another operator, detailing the functions specified in points M.A.301-2, M.A.301-3, M.A.301-5 and M.A.301-6, ensuring that all maintenance is ultimately carried out by a Part-145 approved maintenance organisation and defining the support of the quality functions of point M.A.712(b). The aircraft base, scheduled line maintenance and engine maintenance contracts, together with all amendments, shall be approved by the competent authority. However, in the case of:
an aircraft requiring unscheduled line maintenance, the contract may be in the form of individual work orders addressed to the Part-145 maintenance organisation.
component maintenance, including engine maintenance, the contract as referred to in point (c) may be in the form of individual work orders addressed to the Part-145 maintenance organisation.
M.A.709 Documentation
The approved continuing airworthiness management organisation shall hold and use applicable current maintenance data in accordance with point M.A.401 for the performance of continuing airworthiness tasks referred to in point M.A.708. This data may be provided by the owner or the operator, subject to an appropriate contract being established with such an owner or operator. In such case, the continuing airworthiness management organisation only needs to keep such data for the duration of the contract, except when required by point M.A.714.
For aircraft not involved in commercial air transport, the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation may develop ‘baseline’ and/or ‘generic’ maintenance programmes in order to allow for the initial approval and/or the extension of the scope of an approval without having the contracts referred to in Appendix I to this Annex (Part-M). These ‘baseline’ and/or ‘generic’ maintenance programmes however do not preclude the need to establish an adequate Aircraft Maintenance Programme in compliance with point M.A.302 in due time before exercising the privileges referred to in point M.A.711.
M.A.710 Airworthiness review
To satisfy the requirement for the airworthiness review of an aircraft referred to in point M.A.901, a full documented review of the aircraft records shall be carried out by the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation in order to be satisfied that:
airframe, engine and propeller flying hours and associated flight cycles have been properly recorded; and
the flight manual is applicable to the aircraft configuration and reflects the latest revision status; and
all the maintenance due on the aircraft according to the approved maintenance programme has been carried out; and
all known defects have been corrected or, when applicable, carried forward in a controlled manner; and
all applicable airworthiness directives have been applied and properly registered; and
all modifications and repairs applied to the aircraft have been registered and are in compliance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012; and
all service life limited components installed on the aircraft are properly identified, registered and have not exceeded their approved service life limit; and
all maintenance has been released in accordance with Annex I (Part-M); and
the current mass and balance statement reflects the configuration of the aircraft and is valid; and
the aircraft complies with the latest revision of its type design approved by the Agency; and
if required, the aircraft holds a noise certificate corresponding to the current configuration of the aircraft in compliance with Subpart I of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
The airworthiness review staff of the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation shall carry out a physical survey of the aircraft. For this survey, airworthiness review staff not appropriately qualified to Annex III (Part-66) shall be assisted by such qualified personnel.
Through the physical survey of the aircraft, the airworthiness review staff shall ensure that:
all required markings and placards are properly installed; and
the aircraft complies with its approved flight manual; and
the aircraft configuration complies with the approved documentation; and
no evident defect can be found that has not been addressed according to point M.A.403; and
no inconsistencies can be found between the aircraft and the point (a) documented review of records.
By derogation to point M.A.901(a), the airworthiness review can be anticipated by a maximum period of 90 days without loss of continuity of the airworthiness review pattern, to allow the physical review to take place during a maintenance check.
The airworthiness review certificate (EASA Form 15b) or the recommendation for the issue of the airworthiness review certificate (EASA Form 15a) referred to in Appendix III to Annex I (Part-M) can only be issued:
by airworthiness review staff appropriately authorised in accordance with point M.A.707 on behalf of the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation or by certifying staff in cases provided for in point M.A.901(g); and
when satisfied that the airworthiness review has been completely carried out and that there is no non-compliance which is known to endanger flight safety.
A copy of any airworthiness review certificate issued or extended for an aircraft shall be sent to the Member State of Registry of that aircraft within 10 days.
Airworthiness review tasks shall not be sub-contracted.
Should the outcome of the airworthiness review be inconclusive, the competent authority shall be informed as soon as practicable but in any case within 72 hours of the organisation identifying the condition to which the review relates.
M.A.711 Privileges of the organisation
A continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) may:
manage the continuing airworthiness of aircraft, except those involved in commercial air transport, as listed on the approval certificate;
manage the continuing airworthiness of commercial air transport aircraft when listed both on its approval certificate and on its Air Operator Certificate (AOC);
arrange to carry out limited continuing airworthiness tasks with any contracted organisation, working under its quality system, as listed on the approval certificate;
extend, under the conditions of point M.A.901(f), an airworthiness review certificate that has been issued by the competent authority or by another continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M);
An approved continuing airworthiness management organisation registered in one of the Member States may, additionally, be approved to carry out airworthiness reviews referred to in point M.A.710 and:
issue the related airworthiness review certificate and extend it in due time under the conditions of points M.A.901(c)2 or M.A.901(e)2; and,
issue a recommendation for the airworthiness review to the competent authority of the Member State of registry.
A continuing airworthiness management organisation whose approval includes the privileges referred to in point M.A.711(b) may additionally be approved to issue a permit to fly in accordance with point 21.A.711(d) of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 for the particular aircraft for which the organisation is approved to issue the airworthiness review certificate, when the continuing airworthiness management organisation is attesting conformity with approved flight conditions, subject to an adequate approved procedure in the exposition referred to in point M.A.704.
M.A.712 Quality system
To ensure that the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation continues to meet the requirements of this Subpart, it shall establish a quality system and designate a quality manager to monitor compliance with, and the adequacy of, procedures required to ensure airworthy aircraft. Compliance monitoring shall include a feedback system to the accountable manager to ensure corrective action as necessary.
The quality system shall monitor activities carried out under Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part M). It shall at least include the following functions:
monitoring that all activities carried out under Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part M) are being performed in accordance with the approved procedures, and;
monitoring that all contracted maintenance is carried out in accordance with the contract, and;
monitoring the continued compliance with the requirements of this Part.
The records of these activities shall be stored for at least two years.
Where the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation is approved in accordance with another Part, the quality system may be combined with that required by the other Part.
In case of commercial air transport the quality system provided for in Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part M) shall be an integrated part of the operator's quality system.
In the case of a small organisation not managing the continuing airworthiness of aircraft used in commercial air transport, the quality system may be replaced by regular organisational reviews subject to the approval of the competent authority, except when the organisation issues airworthiness review certificates for aircraft above 2 730 kg MTOM other than balloons. In the case where there is no quality system, the organisation shall not contract continuing airworthiness management tasks to other parties.
M.A.713 Changes to the approved continuing airworthiness organisation
In order to enable the competent authority to determine continued compliance with this Part, the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation shall notify it of any proposal to carry out any of the following changes, before such changes take place:
the name of the organisation.
the location of the organisation.
additional locations of the organisation.
the accountable manager.
any of the persons specified in M.A.706(c).
the facilities, procedures, work scope and staff that could affect the approval.
In the case of proposed changes in personnel not known to the management beforehand, these changes shall be notified at the earliest opportunity.
M.A.714 Record-keeping
The continuing airworthiness management organisation shall record all details of work carried out. The records required by M.A.305 and if applicable M.A.306 shall be retained.
If the continuing airworthiness management organisation has the privilege referred to in point M.A.711(b), it shall retain a copy of each airworthiness review certificate and recommendation issued or, as applicable, extended, together with all supporting documents. In addition, the organisation shall retain a copy of any airworthiness review certificate that it has extended under the privilege referred to in point M.A.711(a)4.
If the continuing airworthiness management organisation has the privilege referred to in point M.A.711(c), it shall retain a copy of each permit to fly issued in accordance with the provisions of point 21A.729 of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
The continuing airworthiness management organisation shall retain a copy of all records referred to in points (b) and (c) until two years after the aircraft has been permanently withdrawn from service.
The records shall be stored in a manner that ensures protection from damage, alteration and theft.
All computer hardware used to ensure backup shall be stored in a different location from that containing the working data in an environment that ensures they remain in good condition.
Where continuing airworthiness management of an aircraft is transferred to another organisation or person, all retained records shall be transferred to the said organisation or person. The time periods prescribed for the retention of records shall continue to apply to the said organisation or person.
Where a continuing airworthiness management organisation terminates its operation, all retained records shall be transferred to the owner of the aircraft.
M.A.715 Continued validity of approval
An approval shall be issued for an unlimited duration. It shall remain valid subject to:
the organisation remaining in compliance with this Part, in accordance with the provisions related to the handling of findings as specified under point M.B.705 and;
the competent authority being granted access to the organisation to determine continued compliance with this Part, and;
the approval not being surrendered or revoked.
Upon surrender or revocation, the approval certificate shall be returned to the competent authority.
M.A.716 Findings
A level 1 finding is any significant non-compliance with Part-M requirements which lowers the safety standard and hazards seriously the flight safety.
A level 2 finding is any non-compliance with the Part-M requirements which could lower the safety standard and possibly hazard the flight safety.
After receipt of notification of findings according to point M.B.705, the holder of the continuing airworthiness management organisation approval shall define a corrective action plan and demonstrate corrective action to the satisfaction of the competent authority within a period agreed with this authority.
SUBPART H CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE TO SERVICE — CRS
M.A.801 Aircraft certificate of release to service
Except for aircraft released to service by a maintenance organisation approved in accordance with Annex II (Part-145), the certificate of release to service shall be issued according to this Subpart;
No aircraft can be released to service unless a certificate of release to service is issued at the completion of any maintenance, when satisfied that all maintenance required has been properly carried out, by:
appropriate certifying staff on behalf of the maintenance organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part M); or
certifying staff in compliance with the requirements laid down in Annex III (Part-66), except for complex maintenance tasks listed in Appendix VII to this Annex for which point 1 applies; or
by the Pilot-owner in compliance with point M.A.803;
By derogation from point M.A.801(b)2 for ELA1 aircraft not used in commercial air transport, aircraft complex maintenance tasks listed in Appendix VII to this Annex may be released by certifying staff referred to in point M.A.801(b)2;
By derogation from point M.A.801(b), in the case of unforeseen situations, when an aircraft is grounded at a location where no approved maintenance organisation appropriately approved under this Annex or Annex II (Part-145) and no appropriate certifying staff are available, the owner may authorise any person, with not less than three years of appropriate maintenance experience and holding the proper qualifications, to maintain according to the standards set out in Subpart D of this Annex and release the aircraft. The owner shall in that case:
obtain and keep in the aircraft records details of all the work carried out and of the qualifications held by that person issuing the certification; and
ensure that any such maintenance is rechecked and released by an appropriately authorised person referred to in point M.A.801(b) or an organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M), or with Annex II (Part-145) at the earliest opportunity but within a period not exceeding seven days; and
notify the organisation responsible for the continuing airworthiness management of the aircraft when contracted in accordance with point M.A.201(e), or the competent authority in the absence of such a contract, within seven days of the issuance of such certification authorisation;
In the case of a release to service in accordance with point M.A.801(b)2 or point M.A.801(c), the certifying staff may be assisted in the execution of the maintenance tasks by one or more persons subject to his/her direct and continuous control;
A certificate of release to service shall contain as a minimum:
basic details of the maintenance carried out; and
the date such maintenance was completed; and
the identity of the organisation and/or person issuing the release to service, including:
the approval reference of the maintenance organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M) and the certifying staff issuing such a certificate; or
in the case of point M.A.801(b)2 or M.A.801(c) certificate of release to service, the identity and if applicable licence number of the certifying staff issuing such a certificate;
the limitations to airworthiness or operations, if any.
By derogation from point (b) and notwithstanding the provisions of point (h), when the maintenance prescribed cannot be completed, a certificate of release to service may be issued within the approved aircraft limitations. Such fact together with any applicable limitations of the airworthiness or the operations shall be entered in the aircraft certificate of release to service before its issue as part of the information required in point (f)4;
A certificate of release to service shall not be issued in the case of any known non-compliance which endangers flight safety.
M.A.802 Component certificate of release to service
A certificate of release to service shall be issued at the completion of any maintenance carried out on an aircraft component in accordance with point M.A.502.
The authorised release certificate identified as EASA Form 1 constitutes the component certificate of release to service, except when such maintenance on aircraft components has been performed in accordance with point M.A.502(b), point M.A.502(d) or point M.A.502(e) in which case the maintenance is subject to aircraft release procedures in accordance with point M.A.801.
M.A.803 Pilot-owner authorisation
To qualify as a Pilot-owner, the person must:
hold a valid pilot licence (or equivalent) issued or validated by a Member State for the aircraft type or class rating; and
own the aircraft, either as sole or joint owner; that owner must be:
one of the natural persons on the registration form; or
a member of a non-profit recreational legal entity, where the legal entity is specified on the registration document as owner or operator, and that member is directly involved in the decision making process of the legal entity and designated by that legal entity to carry out Pilot-owner maintenance.
For any privately operated non-complex motor-powered aircraft of 2 730 kg MTOM and below, sailplane, powered sailplane or balloon, the Pilot-owner may issue a certificate of release to service after limited Pilot-owner maintenance as specified in Appendix VIII to this Annex.
The scope of the limited Pilot-owner maintenance shall be specified in the aircraft maintenance programme referred to in point M.A.302.
The certificate of release to service shall be entered in the logbooks and contain basic details of the maintenance carried out, the maintenance data used, the date on which that maintenance was completed and the identity, the signature and pilot licence number of the Pilot-owner issuing such a certificate.
SUBPART I AIRWORTHINESS REVIEW CERTIFICATE
M.A.901 Aircraft airworthiness review
To ensure the validity of the aircraft airworthiness certificate an airworthiness review of the aircraft and its continuing airworthiness records shall be carried out periodically.
An airworthiness review certificate is issued in accordance with Appendix III (EASA Form 15a or 15b) to this Annex on completion of a satisfactory airworthiness review. The airworthiness review certificate is valid one year;
An aircraft in a controlled environment is an aircraft (i) continuously managed during the previous 12 months by a unique continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G, of this Annex (Part-M), and (ii) which has been maintained for the previous 12 months by maintenance organisations approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of this Annex (Part-M), or with Annex II (Part-145). This includes maintenance tasks referred to in point M.A.803(b) carried out and released to service in accordance with point M.A.801(b)2 or point M.A.801(b)3;
For all aircraft used in commercial air transport, and aircraft above 2 730 kg MTOM, except balloons, that are in a controlled environment, the organisation referred to in (b) managing the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft may, if appropriately approved, and subject to compliance with point (k):
issue an airworthiness review certificate in accordance with point M.A.710, and;
for the airworthiness review certificates it has issued, when the aircraft has remained within a controlled environment, extend twice the validity of the airworthiness review certificate for a period of one year each time;
For all aircraft used in commercial air transport and aircraft above 2 730 kg MTOM, except balloons, that (i) are not in a controlled environment, or (ii) which continuing airworthiness is managed by a continuing airworthiness management organisation that does not hold the privilege to carry out airworthiness reviews, the airworthiness review certificate shall be issued by the competent authority upon satisfactory assessment based on a recommendation made by a continuing airworthiness management organisation appropriately approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) sent together with the application from the owner or operator. This recommendation shall be based on an airworthiness review carried out in accordance with point M.A.710;
For aircraft not used in commercial air transport of 2 730 kg MTOM and below, and balloons, any continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) and appointed by the owner or operator may, if appropriately approved and subject to point (k):
issue the airworthiness review certificate in accordance with point M.A.710, and;
for airworthiness review certificates it has issued, when the aircraft has remained within a controlled environment under its management, extend twice the validity of the airworthiness review certificate for a period of one year each time;
By derogation from points M.A.901(c)2 and M.A.901(e)2, for aircraft that are in a controlled environment, the organisation referred to in (b) managing the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft, subject to compliance with point (k), may extend twice for a period of one year each time the validity of an airworthiness review certificate that has been issued by the competent authority or by another continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M);
By derogation from points M.A.901(e) and M.A.901(i)2, for ELA1 aircraft not used in commercial air transport and not affected by point M.A.201(i), the airworthiness review certificate may also be issued by the competent authority upon satisfactory assessment, based on a recommendation made by certifying staff formally approved by the competent authority and complying with provisions of Annex III (Part-66) as well as requirements laid down in point M.A.707(a)2(a), sent together with the application from the owner or operator. This recommendation shall be based on an airworthiness review carried out in accordance with point M.A.710 and shall not be issued for more than two consecutive years;
Whenever circumstances reveal the existence of a potential safety threat, the competent authority shall carry out the airworthiness review and issue the airworthiness review certificate itself;
In addition to point (h), the competent authority may also carry out the airworthiness review and issue the airworthiness review certificate itself in the following cases:
when the aircraft is managed by a continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) located in a third country;
for all balloons and any other aircraft of 2 730 kg MTOM and below, if it is requested by the owner;
When the competent authority carries out the airworthiness review and/or issues the airworthiness review certificate itself, the owner or operator shall provide the competent authority with:
the documentation required by the competent authority; and
suitable accommodation at the appropriate location for its personnel; and
when necessary, the support of personnel appropriately qualified in accordance with Annex III (Part-66) or equivalent personnel requirements laid down in point 145.A.30(j)(1) and (2) of Annex II (Part-145);
An airworthiness review certificate cannot be issued nor extended if there is evidence or reason to believe that the aircraft is not airworthy.
M.A.902 Validity of the airworthiness review certificate
An airworthiness review certificate becomes invalid if:
suspended or revoked; or
the airworthiness certificate is suspended or revoked; or
the aircraft is not on the aircraft register of a Member State; or
the type certificate under which the airworthiness certificate was issued is suspended or revoked.
An aircraft must not fly if the airworthiness certificate is invalid or if:
the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft or any component fitted to the aircraft does not meet the requirements of this Part; or
the aircraft does not remain in conformity with the type design approved by the Agency; or
the aircraft has been operated beyond the limitations of the approved flight manual or the airworthiness certificate, without appropriate action being taken; or
the aircraft has been involved in an accident or incident that affects the airworthiness of the aircraft, without subsequent appropriate action to restore airworthiness; or
a modification or repair is not in compliance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
Upon surrender or revocation, the airworthiness review certificate shall be returned to the competent authority
M.A.903 Transfer of aircraft registration within the EU
When transferring an aircraft registration within the EU, the applicant shall:
inform the former Member State in which Member State it will be registered, then;
apply to the new Member State for the issuance of a new airworthiness certificate in accordance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
Notwithstanding point M.A.902(a)(3), the former airworthiness review certificate shall remain valid until its expiry date.
M.A.904 Airworthiness review of aircraft imported into the EU
When importing an aircraft onto a Member State register from a third country, the applicant shall:
apply to the Member State of registry for the issuance of a new airworthiness certificate in accordance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012; and
for aircraft other than new, have a airworthiness review carried out satisfactorily in accordance with point M.A.901; and
have all maintenance carried out to comply with the approved maintenance programme in accordance with point M.A.302.
When satisfied that the aircraft is in compliance with the relevant requirements, the continuing airworthiness management organisation, if applicable, shall send a documented recommendation for the issuance of an airworthiness review certificate to the Member State of registry.
The owner shall allow access to the aircraft for inspection by the Member State of registry.
A new airworthiness certificate will be issued by the Member State of registry when it is satisfied the aircraft complies with the prescriptions of Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012.
The Member State shall also issue the airworthiness review certificate valid normally for one year unless the Member State has safety reason to limit the validity.
M.A.905 Findings
A level 1 finding is any significant non-compliance with requirements laid down in this Annex (Part-M) which lowers the safety standard and hazards seriously the flight safety.
A level 2 finding is any non-compliance with requirements laid down in this Annex (Part-M) which could lower the safety standard and possibly hazard the flight safety.
After receipt of notification of findings according to point M.B.903, the person or organisation accountable referred to in point M.A.201 shall define a corrective action plan and demonstrate corrective action to the satisfaction of the competent authority within a period agreed with this authority including appropriate corrective action to prevent reoccurrence of the finding and its root cause.
SECTION B PROCEDURE FOR COMPETENT AUTHORITIES
SUBPART A GENERAL
M.B.101 Scope
This Section establishes the administrative requirements to be followed by the competent authorities in charge of the application and the enforcement of Section A of this Part.
M.B.102 Competent authority
(a)General
A Member State shall designate a competent authority with allocated responsibilities for the issuance, continuation, change, suspension or revocation of certificates and for the oversight of continuing airworthiness. This competent authority shall establish documented procedures and an organisational structure.
(b)Resources
The number of staff shall be appropriate to carry out the requirements as detailed in this Section.
(c)Qualification and training
All staff involved in activities dealt with in this Annex shall be appropriately qualified and have appropriate knowledge, experience, initial training and continuation training to perform their allocated tasks.
(d)Procedures
The competent authority shall establish procedures detailing how compliance with this Annex (Part-M) is accomplished.
The procedures shall be reviewed and amended to ensure continued compliance.
M.B.104 Record-keeping
The competent authorities shall establish a system of record-keeping that allows adequate traceability of the process to issue, continue, change, suspend or revoke each certificate.
The records for the oversight of organisations approved in accordance with this Annex shall include as a minimum:
the application for an organisation approval.
the organisation approval certificate including any changes.
a copy of the audit program listing the dates when audits are due and when audits were carried out.
the competent authority continued oversight records including all audit records.
copies of all relevant correspondence.
details of any exemption and enforcement actions.
any report from other competent authorities relating to the oversight of the organisation.
organisation exposition or manual and amendments.
copy of any other document directly approved by the competent authority.
The retention period for the point (b) records shall be at least four years.
The minimum records for the oversight of each aircraft shall include, at least, a copy of:
aircraft certificate of airworthiness,
airworthiness review certificates,
Section A Subpart G organisation recommendations,
reports from the airworthiness reviews carried out directly by the Member State,
all relevant correspondence relating to the aircraft,
details of any exemption and enforcement action(s),
any document approved by the competent authority pursuant to Annex I (Part-M) or Annex II (Part-ARO) of Regulation ( EU) No 965/2012.
The records specified in point (d) shall be retained until two years after the aircraft has been permanently withdrawn from service.
All records specified in point M.B.104 shall be made available upon request by another Member State or the Agency.
M.B.105 Mutual exchange of information
In order to contribute to the improvement of air safety, the competent authorities shall participate in a mutual exchange of all necessary information in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008.
Without prejudice to the competencies of the Member States, in the case of a potential safety threat involving several Member States, the concerned competent authorities shall assist each other in carrying out the necessary oversight action.
SUBPART B ACCOUNTABILITY
M.B.201 Responsibilities
The competent authorities as specified in M.1 are responsible for conducting inspections and investigations in order to verify that the requirements of this Part are complied with.
SUBPART C CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS
M.B.301 Maintenance programme
The competent authority shall verify that the maintenance programme is in compliance with point M.A.302.
Except where stated otherwise in point M.A.302(c) the maintenance programme and its amendments shall be approved directly by the competent authority.
In the case of indirect approval, the maintenance programme procedure shall be approved by the competent authority through the continuing airworthiness management exposition.
In order to approve a maintenance programme according to point (b), the competent authority shall have access to all the data required in points M.A.302(d), (e) and (f).
M.B.302 Exemptions
All exemptions granted in accordance with Article 14(4) of Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 shall be recorded and retained by the competent authority.
M.B.303 Aircraft continuing airworthiness monitoring
The competent authority shall develop a survey programme to monitor the airworthiness status of the fleet of aircraft on its register.
The survey programme shall include sample product surveys of aircraft.
The programme shall be developed taking into account the number of aircraft on the register, local knowledge and past surveillance activities.
The product survey shall focus on a number of key risk airworthiness elements and identify any findings. Furthermore, the competent authority shall analyse each finding to determine its root cause.
All findings shall be confirmed in writing to the person or organisation accountable according to point M.A.201.
The competent authority shall record all findings, closure actions and recommendations.
If during aircraft surveys evidence is found showing non-compliance to a requirement laid down in this Annex (Part-M), the competent authority shall take actions in accordance with point M.B.903.
If the root cause of the finding identifies a non-compliance with any Subpart or with another Part, the non-compliance shall be dealt with as prescribed by the relevant Part.
In order to facilitate appropriate enforcement action, competent authorities shall exchange information on non-compliances identified in accordance with point (h).
M.B.304 Revocation, suspension and limitation
The competent authority shall:
suspend an airworthiness review certificate on reasonable grounds in the case of potential safety threat, or;
suspend, revoke or limit an airworthiness review certificate pursuant to point M.B.303(g).
SUBPART D MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
(to be developed as appropriate)
SUBPART E COMPONENTS
(to be developed as appropriate)
SUBPART F MAINTENANCE ORGANISATION
M.B.601 Application
Where maintenance facilities are located in more than one Member State the investigation and continued oversight of the approval shall be carried out in conjunction with the competent authorities designated by the Member States in whose territory the other maintenance facilities are located.
M.B.602 Initial Approval
Provided the requirements of points M.A.606(a) and (b) are complied with, the competent authority shall formally indicate its acceptance of the M.A.606(a) and (b) personnel to the applicant in writing.
The competent authority shall establish that the procedures specified in the maintenance organisation manual comply with Subpart F of Section A of this Annex (Part-M) and ensure the accountable manager signs the commitment statement.
The competent authority shall verify that the organisation is in compliance with the requirements laid down in Subpart F of Section A of this Annex (Part-M).
A meeting with the accountable manager shall be convened at least once during the investigation for approval to ensure that he/she fully understands the significance of the approval and the reason for signing the commitment of the organisation to compliance with the procedures specified in the manual.
All findings shall be confirmed in writing to the applicant organisation.
The competent authority shall record all findings, closure actions (actions required to close a finding) and recommendations.
For initial approval all findings shall be corrected by the organisation and closed by the competent authority before the approval can be issued.
M.B.603 Issue of approval
The competent authority shall issue to the applicant an EASA Form 3 approval certificate (Appendix V) which includes the extent of approval, when the maintenance organisation is in compliance with the applicable points of this Part.
The competent authority shall indicate the conditions attached to the approval on the EASA Form 3 approval certificate.
The reference number shall be included on the EASA Form 3 approval certificate in a manner specified by the Agency.
M.B.604 Continuing oversight
The competent authority shall keep and update a program listing, for each maintenance organisation approved in accordance with Subpart F of Section B of this Annex (Part-M) under its supervision, the dates when audit visits are due and when such visits were carried out.
Each organisation shall be completely audited at periods not exceeding 24 months.
All findings shall be confirmed in writing to the applicant organisation.
The competent authority shall record all findings, closure actions (actions required to close a finding) and recommendations.
A meeting with the accountable manager shall be convened at least once every 24 months to ensure he/she remains informed of significant issues arising during audits.
M.B.605 Findings
When during audits or by other means evidence is found showing non-compliance to a requirement laid down in this Annex (Part-M), the competent authority shall take the following actions:
For level 1 findings, immediate action shall be taken by the competent authority to revoke, limit or suspend in whole or in part, depending upon the extent of the level 1 finding, the maintenance organisation approval, until successful corrective action has been taken by the organisation.
For level 2 findings, the competent authority shall grant a corrective action period appropriate to the nature of the finding that shall not be more than three months. In certain circumstances, at the end of this first period and subject to the nature of the finding, the competent authority can extend the three month period subject to a satisfactory corrective action plan.
Action shall be taken by the competent authority to suspend in whole or part the approval in case of failure to comply within the timescale granted by the competent authority.
M.B.606 Changes
The competent authority shall comply with the applicable elements of the initial approval for any change to the organisation notified in accordance with point M.A.617.
The competent authority may prescribe the conditions under which the approved maintenance organisation may operate during such changes, unless it determines that the approval should be suspended due to the nature or the extent of the changes.
For any change to the maintenance organisation manual:
In the case of direct approval of changes in accordance with point M.A.604(b), the competent authority shall verify that the procedures specified in the manual are in compliance with this Annex (Part-M) before formally notifying the approved organisation of the approval.
In the case an indirect approval procedure is used for the approval of the changes in accordance with point M.A.604(c), the competent authority shall ensure (i) that the changes remain minor and (ii) that it has an adequate control over the approval of the changes to ensure they remain in compliance with the requirements of this Annex (Part-M).
M.B.607 Revocation, suspension and limitation of an approval
The competent authority shall:
suspend an approval on reasonable grounds in the case of potential safety threat, or;
suspend, revoke or limit an approval pursuant to point M.B.605.
SUBPART G CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION
M.B.701 Application
For commercial air transport the competent authority shall receive for approval with the initial application for the air operator's certificate and where applicable any variation applied for and for each aircraft type to be operated:
the continuing airworthiness management exposition;
the operator's aircraft maintenance programmes;
the aircraft technical log;
where appropriate the technical specification of the maintenance contracts between the operator and Part-145 approved maintenance organisation.
Where facilities are located in more than one Member State the investigation and continued oversight of the approval shall be carried out in conjunction with the competent authorities designated by the Member States in whose territory the other facilities are located.
M.B.702 Initial approval
Provided the requirements of points M.A.706(a), (c), (d) and M.A.707 are complied with, the competent authority shall formally indicate its acceptance of the M.A.706(a), (c), (d) and M.A.707 personnel to the applicant in writing.
The competent authority shall establish that the procedures specified in the continuing airworthiness management exposition comply with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) and ensure the accountable manager signs the commitment statement.
The competent authority shall verify the organisation's compliance with requirements laid down in Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M).
A meeting with the accountable manager shall be convened at least once during the investigation for approval to ensure that he/she fully understands the significance of the approval and the reason for signing the exposition commitment of the organisation to compliance with the procedures specified in the continuing airworthiness management exposition.
All findings shall be confirmed in writing to the applicant organisation.
The competent authority shall record all findings, closure actions (actions required to close a finding) and recommendations.
For initial approval all findings shall be corrected by the organisation and closed by the competent authority before the approval can be issued.
M.B.703 Issue of approval
The competent authority shall issue to the applicant an EASA Form 14 approval certificate (Appendix VI) which includes the extent of approval, when the continuing airworthiness management organisation is in compliance with Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M).
The competent authority shall indicate the validity of the approval on the EASA Form 14 approval certificate.
The reference number shall be included on the Form 14 approval certificate in a manner specified by the Agency.
In the case of commercial air transport, the information contained on an EASA Form 14 will be included on the air operator's certificate.
M.B.704 Continuing oversight
The competent authority shall keep and update a program listing, for each continuing airworthiness organisation approved under Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) under its supervision, the dates when audit visits are due and when such visits were carried out.
Each organisation shall be completely audited at periods not exceeding 24 months.
A relevant sample of the aircraft managed by the organisation approved under Section B, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) shall be surveyed in every 24 month period. The size of the sample will be decided by the competent authority based on the result of prior audits and earlier product surveys.
All findings shall be confirmed in writing to the applicant organisation.
The competent authority shall record all findings, closure actions (actions required to close a finding) and recommendations.
A meeting with the accountable manager shall be convened at least once every 24 months to ensure he/she remains informed of significant issues arising during audits.
M.B.705 Findings
When during audits or by other means evidence is found showing non-compliance to a requirement laid down in this Annex (Part-M), the competent authority shall take the following actions:
For level 1 findings, immediate action shall be taken by the competent authority to revoke, limit or suspend in whole or in part, depending upon the extent of the level 1 finding, the continuing airworthiness management organisation approval, until successful corrective action has been taken by the organisation.
For level 2 findings, the competent authority shall grant a corrective action period appropriate to the nature of the finding that shall not be more than three months. In certain circumstances, at the end of this first period, and subject to the nature of the finding the competent authority can extend the three month period subject to a satisfactory corrective action plan.
Action shall be taken by the competent authority to suspend in whole or part the approval in case of failure to comply within the timescale granted by the competent authority.
M.B.706 Changes
The competent authority shall comply with the applicable elements of the initial approval for any change to the organisation notified in accordance with point M.A.713.
The competent authority may prescribe the conditions under which the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation may operate during such changes unless it determines that the approval should be suspended due to the nature or the extent of the changes.
For any change to the continuing airworthiness management exposition:
In the case of direct approval of changes in accordance with point M.A.704(b), the competent authority shall verify that the procedures specified in the exposition are in compliance with this Annex (Part-M) before formally notifying the approved organisation of the approval.
In the case an indirect approval procedure is used for the approval of the changes in accordance with point M.A.704(c), the competent authority shall ensure (i) that the changes remain minor and (ii) that it has an adequate control over the approval of the changes to ensure they remain in compliance with the requirements of this Annex (Part-M).
M.B.707 Revocation, suspension and limitation of an approval
The competent authority shall:
suspend an approval on reasonable grounds in the case of potential safety threat, or;
suspend, revoke or limit an approval pursuant to point M.B.705.
SUBPART H CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE TO SERVICE — CRS
(to be developed as appropriate)
SUBPART I AIRWORTHINESS REVIEW CERTIFICATE
M.B.901 Assessment of recommendations
Upon receipt of an application and associated airworthiness review certificate recommendation in accordance with point M.A.901:
Appropriate qualified personnel from the competent authority shall verify that the compliance statement contained in the recommendation demonstrates that a complete M.A.710 airworthiness review has been carried out.
The competent authority shall investigate and may request further information to support the assessment of the recommendation.
M.B.902 Airworthiness review by the competent authority
When the competent authority carries out the airworthiness review and issues the airworthiness review certificate EASA Form 15a (Appendix III), the competent authority shall carry out an airworthiness review in accordance with point M.A.710.
The competent authority shall have appropriate airworthiness review staff to carry out the airworthiness reviews.
For all aircraft used in commercial air transport, and aircraft above 2 730 kg MTOM, except balloons, these staff shall have acquired:
at least five years experience in continuing airworthiness, and;
an appropriate licence in compliance with Annex III (Part-66) or a nationally recognized maintenance personnel qualification appropriate to the aircraft category (when Annex III (Part-66) refers to national rules) or an aeronautical degree or equivalent, and;
formal aeronautical maintenance training, and;
a position with appropriate responsibilities.
Notwithstanding the points ‘a’ to ‘d’ above, the requirement laid down in point M.B.902(b)1b may be replaced by five years of experience in continuing airworthiness additional to those already required by point M.B.902(b)1a.
For aircraft not used in commercial air transport of 2 730 kg MTOM and below, and balloons, these staff shall have acquired:
at least three years experience in continuing airworthiness, and;
an appropriate licence in compliance with Annex III (Part-66) or a nationally recognized maintenance personnel qualification appropriate to the aircraft category (when Annex III (Part-66) refers to national rules) or an aeronautical degree or equivalent, and;
appropriate aeronautical maintenance training, and;
a position with appropriate responsibilities.
Notwithstanding the points ‘a’ to ‘d’ above, the requirement shown in point M.B.902(b)2b may be replaced by four years of experience in continuing airworthiness additional to those already required by point M.B.902(b)2a.
The competent authority shall maintain a record of all airworthiness review staff, which shall include details of any appropriate qualification held together with a summary of relevant continuing airworthiness management experience and training.
The competent authority shall have access to the applicable data as specified in points M.A.305, M.A.306 and M.A.401 in the performance of the airworthiness review.
The staff that carries out the airworthiness review shall issue a Form 15a after satisfactory completion of the airworthiness review.
M.B.903 Findings
If during aircraft surveys or by other means evidence is found showing non-compliance to a Part-M requirement, the competent authority shall take the following actions:
for level 1 findings, the competent authority shall require appropriate corrective action to be taken before further flight and immediate action shall be taken by the competent authority to revoke or suspend the airworthiness review certificate.
for level 2 findings, the corrective action required by the competent authority shall be appropriate to the nature of the finding.
Appendix IContinuing Airworthiness Arrangement
1.When an owner contracts an continuing airworthiness management organisation approved under Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) in accordance with point M.A.201 to carry out continuing airworthiness management tasks, upon request by the competent authority a copy of the arrangement shall be sent by the owner to the competent authority of the Member State of registry once it has been signed by both parties.
2.The arrangement shall be developed taking into account the requirements of this Annex (Part-M) and shall define the obligations of the signatories in relation to continuing airworthiness of the aircraft.
3.It shall contain as a minimum the:
aircraft registration,
aircraft type,
aircraft serial number,
aircraft owner or registered lessee's name or company details including the address,
details of the continuing airworthiness management organisation approved under Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M), including the address.
4.It shall state the following:
‘The owner entrusts to the approved organisation the management of the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft, the development of a maintenance programme that shall be approved by the airworthiness authorities of the Member State where the aircraft is registered, and the organisation of the maintenance of the aircraft according to said maintenance programme in an approved organisation.
According to the present arrangement, both signatories undertake to follow the respective obligations of this arrangement.
The owner certifies, to the best of their belief that all the information given to the approved organisation concerning the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft is and will be accurate and that the aircraft will not be altered without prior approval of the approved organisation.
In case of any non-conformity with this arrangement, by either of the signatories, it will become null. In such a case, the owner will retain full responsibility for every task linked to the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft and the owner will undertake to inform the competent authorities of the Member State of registry within two full weeks.’
5.When an owner contracts a continuing airworthiness management organisation approved under Section A, Subpart G of this Annex (Part-M) in accordance with point M.A.201, the obligations of each party shall be shared as follows:
Obligations of the approved organisation:
have the aircraft type in the scope of its approval;
respect the conditions to maintain the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft listed below:
develop a maintenance programme for the aircraft, including any reliability programme developed, if applicable;
declare the maintenance tasks (in the maintenance programme) that may be carried out by the pilot-owner in accordance with point M.A.803(c);
organise the approval of the aircraft's maintenance programme;
once it has been approved, give a copy of the aircraft's maintenance programme to the owner;
organise a bridging inspection with the aircraft's prior maintenance programme;
organise for all maintenance to be carried out by an approved maintenance organisation;
organise for all applicable airworthiness directives to be applied;
organise for all defects discovered during scheduled maintenance, airworthiness reviews or reported by the owner to be corrected by an approved maintenance organisation;
coordinate scheduled maintenance, the application of airworthiness directives, the replacement of life limited parts, and component inspection requirements;
inform the owner each time the aircraft shall be brought to an approved maintenance organisation;
manage all technical records;
archive all technical records;
organise the approval of any modification to the aircraft in accordance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 before it is embodied;
organise the approval of any repair to the aircraft in accordance with Annex I (Part-21) to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 before it is carried out;
inform the competent authority of the Member State of registry whenever the aircraft is not presented to the approved maintenance organisation by the owner as requested by the approved organisation;
inform the competent authority of the Member State of registry whenever the present arrangement has not been respected;
carry out the airworthiness review of the aircraft when necessary and issue the airworthiness review certificate or the recommendation to the competent authority of the Member State of registry;
send within 10 days a copy of any airworthiness review certificate issued or extended to the competent authority of the Member State of registry;
carry out all occurrence reporting mandated by applicable regulations;
inform the competent authority of the Member State of registry whenever the present arrangement is denounced by either party.
Obligations of the owner
have a general understanding of the approved maintenance programme;
have a general understanding of this Annex (Part-M);
present the aircraft to the approved maintenance organisation agreed with the approved organisation at the due time designated by the approved organisation's request;
not modify the aircraft without first consulting the approved organisation;
inform the approved organisation of all maintenance exceptionally carried out without the knowledge and control of the approved organisation;
report to the approved organisation through the logbook all defects found during operations;
inform the competent authority of the Member State of registry whenever the present arrangement is denounced by either party;
inform the competent authority of the Member State of registry and the approved organisation whenever the aircraft is sold;
carry out all occurrence reporting mandated by applicable regulations;
inform on a regular basis the approved organisation about the aircraft flying hours and any other utilisation data, as agreed with the approved organisation;
enter the certificate of release to service in the logbooks as mentioned in point M.A.803(d) when performing pilot-owner maintenance without exceeding the limits of the maintenance tasks list as declared in the approved maintenance programme as laid down in point M.A.803(c);
inform the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation responsible for the management of the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft not later than 30 days after completion of any pilot-owner maintenance task in accordance with point M.A.305(a).
Appendix IIAuthorised Release Certificate EASA Form 1
These instructions relate only to the use of the EASA Form 1 for maintenance purposes. Attention is drawn to Appendix I to Annex I (Part-21) of Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 which covers the use of the EASA Form 1 for production purposes.
1. PURPOSE AND USE
1.1.The primary purpose of the Certificate is to declare the airworthiness of maintenance work undertaken on products, parts and appliances (hereafter referred to as ‘item(s)’).
1.2.Correlation must be established between the Certificate and the item(s). The originator must retain a Certificate in a form that allows verification of the original data.
1.3.The Certificate is acceptable to many airworthiness authorities, but may be dependent on the existence of bilateral agreements and/or the policy of the airworthiness authority. The ‘approved design data’ mentioned in this Certificate then means approved by the airworthiness authority of the importing country.
1.4.The Certificate is not a delivery or shipping note.
1.5.Aircraft are not to be released using the Certificate.
1.6.The Certificate does not constitute approval to install the item on a particular aircraft, engine, or propeller but helps the end user determine its airworthiness approval status.
1.7.A mixture of production released and maintenance released items is not permitted on the same Certificate.
2. GENERAL FORMAT
2.1.The Certificate must comply with the format attached including block numbers and the location of each block. The size of each block may however be varied to suit the individual application, but not to the extent that would make the Certificate unrecognisable.
2.2.The Certificate must be in ‘landscape’ format but the overall size may be significantly increased or decreased so long as the Certificate remains recognisable and legible. If in doubt consult the Competent Authority.
2.3.The User/Installer responsibility statement can be placed on either side of the form.
2.4.All printing must be clear and legible to permit easy reading.
2.5.The Certificate may either be pre-printed or computer generated but in either case the printing of lines and characters must be clear and legible and in accordance with the defined format.
2.6.The Certificate should be in English, and if appropriate, in one or more other languages.
2.7.The details to be entered on the Certificate may be either machine/computer printed or hand-written using block letters and must permit easy reading.
2.8.Limit the use of abbreviations to a minimum, to aid clarity.
2.9.The space remaining on the reverse side of the Certificate may be used by the originator for any additional information but must not include any certification statement. Any use of the reverse side of the Certificate must be referenced in the appropriate block on the front side of the Certificate
3. COPIES
3.1.There is no restriction in the number of copies of the Certificate sent to the customer or retained by the originator.
4. ERROR(S) ON A CERTIFICATE
4.1.If an end-user finds an error(s) on a Certificate, he must identify it/them in writing to the originator. The originator may issue a new Certificate only if the error(s) can be verified and corrected.
4.2.The new Certificate must have a new tracking number, signature and date.
4.3.The request for a new Certificate may be honoured without re-verification of the item(s) condition. The new Certificate is not a statement of current condition and should refer to the previous Certificate in block 12 by the following statement; ‘This Certificate corrects the error(s) in block(s) [enter block(s) corrected] of the Certificate [enter original tracking number] dated [enter original issuance date] and does not cover conformity/condition/release to service’. Both Certificates should be retained according to the retention period associated with the first.
5. COMPLETION OF THE CERTIFICATE BY THE ORIGINATOR
Block 1 Approving Competent Authority/Country
State the name and country of the competent authority under whose jurisdiction this Certificate is issued. When the competent authority is the Agency, only ‘EASA’ must be stated.
Block 2 EASA Form 1 header
‘AUTHORISED RELEASE CERTIFICATE
EASA FORM 1’
Block 3 Form Tracking Number
Enter the unique number established by the numbering system/procedure of the organisation identified in block 4; this may include alpha/numeric characters.
Block 4 Organisation Name and Address
Enter the full name and address of the approved organisation (refer to EASA form 3) releasing the work covered by this Certificate. Logos, etc., are permitted if the logo can be contained within the block.
Block 5 Work Order/Contract/Invoice
To facilitate customer traceability of the item(s), enter the work order number, contract number, invoice number, or similar reference number.
Block 6 Item
Enter line item numbers when there is more than one line item. This block permits easy cross-referencing to the Remarks block 12.
Block 7 Description
Enter the name or description of the item. Preference should be given to the term used in the instructions for continued airworthiness or maintenance data (e.g. Illustrated Parts Catalogue, Aircraft Maintenance Manual, Service Bulletin, Component Maintenance Manual).
Block 8 Part Number
Enter the part number as it appears on the item or tag/packaging. In case of an engine or propeller the type designation may be used.
Block 9 Quantity
State the quantity of items.
Block 10 Serial Number
If the item is required by regulations to be identified with a serial number, enter it here. Additionally, any other serial number not required by regulation may also be entered. If there is no serial number identified on the item, enter ‘N/A’.
Block 11 Status/Work
The following describes the permissible entries for block 11. Enter only one of these terms — where more than one may be applicable, use the one that most accurately describes the majority of the work performed and/or the status of the article.
| a Applicable standard means a manufacturing/design/maintenance/quality standard, method, technique or practice approved by or acceptable to the Competent Authority. The applicable standard shall be described in block 12. | |||
| (i) | Overhauled | . | Means a process that ensures the item is in complete conformity with all the applicable service tolerances specified in the type certificate holder's, or equipment manufacturer's instructions for continued airworthiness, or in the data which is approved or accepted by the Authority. The item will be at least disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, reassembled and tested in accordance with the above specified data. |
| (ii) | Repaired | . | Rectification of defect(s) using an applicable standarda. |
| (iii) | Inspected/Tested | . | Examination, measurement, etc. in accordance with an applicable standarda (e.g. visual inspection, functional testing, bench testing etc.). |
| (iv) | Modified | . | Alteration of an item to conform to an applicable standarda. |
Block 12 Remarks
Describe the work identified in Block 11, either directly or by reference to supporting documentation, necessary for the user or installer to determine the airworthiness of item(s) in relation to the work being certified. If necessary, a separate sheet may be used and referenced from the main EASA Form 1. Each statement must clearly identify which item(s) in Block 6 it relates to.
Examples of information to be entered in block 12 are:
Maintenance data used, including the revision status and reference.
Compliance with airworthiness directives or service bulletins.
Repairs carried out.
Modifications carried out.
Replacement parts installed.
Life limited parts status.
Deviations from the customer work order.
Release statements to satisfy a foreign Civil Aviation Authority maintenance requirement.
Information needed to support shipment with shortages or re-assembly after delivery.
For maintenance organisations approved in accordance with Subpart F of Annex I (Part-M), the component certificate of release to service statement referred to in point M.A.613:
‘Certifies that, unless otherwise specified in this block, the work identified in block 11 and described in this block was accomplished in accordance to the requirements of Section A, Subpart F of Annex I (Part-M) to Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 and in respect to that work the item is considered ready for release to service. THIS IS NOT A RELEASE UNDER ANNEX II (PART-145) TO REGULATION (EU) No 1321/2014.’
If printing the data from an electronic EASA Form 1, any appropriate data not fit for other blocks should be entered in this block.
Block 13a-13e
General Requirements for blocks 13a-13e: Not used for maintenance release. Shade, darken, or otherwise mark to preclude inadvertent or unauthorised use.
Block 14a
Mark the appropriate box(es) indicating which regulations apply to the completed work. If the box ‘other regulations specified in block 12’ is marked, then the regulations of the other airworthiness authority(ies) must be identified in block 12. At least one box must be marked, or both boxes may be marked, as appropriate.
For all maintenance carried out by maintenance organisations approved in accordance with Section A, Subpart F of Annex I (Part-M) to Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, the box ‘other regulation specified in block 12’ shall be ticked and the certificate of release to service statement made in block 12. In that case, the certification statement ‘unless otherwise specified in this block’ is intended to address the following cases;
Where the maintenance could not be completed.
Where the maintenance deviated from the standard required by Annex I (Part-M).
Where the maintenance was carried out in accordance with a requirement other than that specified in Annex I (Part-M). In this case block 12 shall specify the particular national regulation.
For all maintenance carried out by maintenance organisations approved in accordance with Section A of Annex II (Part-145) to Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, the certification statement ‘unless otherwise specified in block 12’ is intended to address the following cases:
Where the maintenance could not be completed.
Where the maintenance deviated from the standard required by Annex II (Part-145).
Where the maintenance was carried out in accordance with a requirement other than that specified in Annex II (Part-145). In this case block 12 shall specify the particular national regulation.
Block 14b Authorised Signature
This space shall be completed with the signature of the authorised person. Only persons specifically authorised under the rules and policies of the Competent Authority are permitted to sign this block. To aid recognition, a unique number identifying the authorised person may be added.
Block 14c Certificate/Approval Number
Enter the Certificate/Approval number/reference. This number or reference is issued by the Competent Authority.
Block 14d Name
Enter the name of the person signing block 14b in a legible form.
Block 14e Date
Enter the date on which block 14b is signed, the date must be in the format dd = 2 digit day, mmm = first 3 letters of the month, yyyy = 4 digit year
User/Installer Responsibilities
Place the following statement on the Certificate to notify end users that they are not relieved of their responsibilities concerning installation and use of any item accompanied by the form:
‘THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY CONSTITUTE AUTHORITY TO INSTALL.
WHERE THE USER/INSTALLER PERFORMS WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS OF AN AIRWORTHINESS AUTHORITY DIFFERENT THAN THE AIRWORTHINESS AUTHORITY SPECIFIED IN BLOCK 1, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE USER/INSTALLER ENSURES THAT HIS/HER AIRWORTHINESS AUTHORITY ACCEPTS ITEMS FROM THE AIRWORTHINESS AUTHORITY SPECIFIED IN BLOCK 1.
STATEMENTS IN BLOCKS 13A AND 14A DO NOT CONSTITUTE INSTALLATION CERTIFICATION. IN ALL CASES AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE RECORDS MUST CONTAIN AN INSTALLATION CERTIFICATION ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NATIONAL REGULATIONS BY THE USER/INSTALLER BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT MAY BE FLOWN.’
Appendix IIIAirworthiness Review Certificate — EASA Form 15
Appendix IVClass and Ratings System to be used for the Approval of Maintenance Organisations referred to in Annex I (Part-M) Subpart F and Annex II (Part-145)
Except as stated otherwise for the smallest organisations in point 12, the table referred to in point 13 provides the standard system for the approval of maintenance organisation under Subpart F of Annex I (Part-M) and Annex II (Part-145). An organisation must be granted an approval ranging from a single class and rating with limitations to all classes and ratings with limitations.
In addition to the table referred to in point 13, the approved maintenance organisation is required to indicate its scope of work in its maintenance organisation manual/exposition. See also point 11.
Within the approval class(es) and rating(s) granted by the competent authority, the scope of work specified in the maintenance organisation exposition defines the exact limits of approval. It is therefore essential that the approval class(es) and rating(s) and the organisations scope of work are matching.
A category A class rating means that the approved maintenance organisation may carry out maintenance on the aircraft and any component (including engines and/or Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), in accordance with aircraft maintenance data or, if agreed by the competent authority, in accordance with component maintenance data, only whilst such components are fitted to the aircraft. Nevertheless, such A-rated approved maintenance organisation may temporarily remove a component for maintenance, in order to improve access to that component, except when such removal generates the need for additional maintenance not eligible for the provisions of this point. This will be subject to a control procedure in the maintenance organisation exposition to be approved by the competent authority. The limitation section will specify the scope of such maintenance thereby indicating the extent of approval.
A category B class rating means that the approved maintenance organisation may carry out maintenance on the uninstalled engine and/or APU and engine and/or APU components, in accordance with engine and/or APU maintenance data or, if agreed by the competent authority, in accordance with component maintenance data, only whilst such components are fitted to the engine and/or APU. Nevertheless, such B-rated approved maintenance organisation may temporarily remove a component for maintenance, in order to improve access to that component, except when such removal generates the need for additional maintenance not eligible for the provisions of this point. The limitation section will specify the scope of such maintenance thereby indicating the extent of approval. A maintenance organisation approved with a category B class rating may also carry out maintenance on an installed engine during ‘base’ and ‘line’ maintenance subject to a control procedure in the maintenance organisation exposition to be approved by the competent authority. The maintenance organisation exposition scope of work shall reflect such activity where permitted by the competent authority.
A category C class rating means that the approved maintenance organisation may carry out maintenance on uninstalled components (excluding engines and APUs) intended for fitment to the aircraft or engine/APU. The limitation section will specify the scope of such maintenance thereby indicating the extent of approval. A maintenance organisation approved with a category C class rating may also carry out maintenance on an installed component during base and line maintenance or at an engine/APU maintenance facility subject to a control procedure in the maintenance organisation exposition to be approved by the competent authority. The maintenance organisation exposition scope of work shall reflect such activity where permitted by the competent authority.
A category D class rating is a self contained class rating not necessarily related to a specific aircraft, engine or other component. The D1 — Non Destructive Testing (NDT) rating is only necessary for an approved maintenance organisation that carries out NDT as a particular task for another organisation. A maintenance organisation approved with a class rating in A or B or C category may carry out NDT on products it is maintaining subject to the maintenance organisation exposition containing NDT procedures, without the need for a D1 class rating.
In the case of maintenance organisations approved in accordance with Annex II (Part-145), category A class ratings are subdivided into ‘Base’ or ‘Line’ maintenance. Such an organisation may be approved for either ‘Base’ or ‘Line’ maintenance or both. It should be noted that a ‘Line’ facility located at a main base facility requires a ‘Line’ maintenance approval.
The limitation section is intended to give the competent authorities the flexibility to customise the approval to any particular organisation. Ratings shall be mentioned on the approval only when appropriately limited. The table referred to in point 13 specifies the types of limitation possible. Whilst maintenance is listed last in each class rating it is acceptable to stress the maintenance task rather than the aircraft or engine type or manufacturer, if this is more appropriate to the organisation (an example could be avionic systems installations and related maintenance). Such mention in the limitation section indicates that the maintenance organisation is approved to carry out maintenance up to and including this particular type/task.
When reference is made to series, type and group in the limitation section of class A and B, series means a specific type series such as Airbus 300 or 310 or 319 or Boeing 737-300 series or RB211-524 series or Cessna 150 or Cessna 172 or Beech 55 series or continental O-200 series etc; type means a specific type or model such as Airbus 310-240 type or RB 211-524 B4 type or Cessna 172RG type; any number of series or types may be quoted; group means for example Cessna single piston engine aircraft or Lycoming non-supercharged piston engines etc.
When a lengthy capability list is used which could be subject to frequent amendment, then such amendment may be in accordance with the indirect approval procedure referred to in points M.A.604(c) and M.B.606(c) or 145.A.70(c) and 145.B.40, as applicable.
A maintenance organisation which employs only one person to both plan and carry out all maintenance can only hold a limited scope of approval rating. The maximum permissible limits are:
| CLASS | RATING | LIMITATION |
|---|---|---|
| CLASS AIRCRAFT | RATING A2 AEROPLANES 5 700 KG AND BELOW | PISTON ENGINE 5 700 KG AND BELOW |
| CLASS AIRCRAFT | RATING A3 HELICOPTERS | SINGLE PISTON ENGINE 3 175 KG AND BELOW |
| CLASS AIRCRAFT | RATING A4 AIRCRAFT OTHER THAN A1, A2 AND A3 | NO LIMITATION |
| CLASS ENGINES | RATING B2 PISTON | LESS THAN 450 HP |
| CLASS COMPONENTS RATING OTHER THAN COMPLETE ENGINES OR APU'S. | C1 TO C22 | AS PER CAPABILITY LIST |
| CLASS SPECIALISED | D1 NDT | NDT METHOD(S) TO BE SPECIFIED. |
It should be noted that such an organisation may be further limited by the competent authority in the scope of approval dependent upon the capability of the particular organisation.
Table
Appendix VMaintenance Organisation Approval referred to in Annex I (Part-M) Subpart F
Appendix VIContinuing Airworthiness Management Organisation Approval referred to in Annex I (Part-M) Subpart G
Appendix VIIComplex Maintenance Tasks
The following constitutes the complex maintenance tasks referred to in points M.A.502(d)3, M.A.801(b)2 and M.A.801(c):
The modification, repair or replacement by riveting, bonding, laminating, or welding of any of the following airframe parts:
a box beam;
a wing stringer or chord member;
a spar;
a spar flange;
a member of a truss-type beam;
the web of a beam;
a keel or chine member of a flying boat hull or a float;
a corrugated sheet compression member in a wing or tail surface;
a wing main rib;
a wing or tail surface brace strut;
an engine mount;
a fuselage longeron or frame;
a member of a side truss, horizontal truss or bulkhead;
a seat support brace or bracket;
a seat rail replacement;
a landing gear strut or brace strut;
an axle;
a wheel; and
a ski or ski pedestal, excluding the replacement of a low-friction coating.
The modification or repair of any of the following parts:
aircraft skin, or the skin of an aircraft float, if the work requires the use of a support, jig or fixture;
aircraft skin that is subject to pressurization loads, if the damage to the skin measures more than 15 cm (6 inches) in any direction;
a load-bearing part of a control system, including a control column, pedal, shaft, quadrant, bell crank, torque tube, control horn and forged or cast bracket, but excluding
the swaging of a repair splice or cable fitting, and
the replacement of a push-pull tube end fitting that is attached by riveting; and
any other structure, not listed in (1), that a manufacturer has identified as primary structure in its maintenance manual, structural repair manual or instructions for continuing airworthiness.
The performance of the following maintenance on a piston engine:
dismantling and subsequent reassembling of a piston engine other than (i) to obtain access to the piston/cylinder assemblies; or (ii) to remove the rear accessory cover to inspect and/or replace oil pump assemblies, where such work does not involve the removal and re-fitment of internal gears;
dismantling and subsequent reassembling of reduction gears;
welding and brazing of joints, other than minor weld repairs to exhaust units carried out by a suitably approved or authorised welder but excluding component replacement;
the disturbing of individual parts of units which are supplied as bench tested units, except for the replacement or adjustment of items normally replaceable or adjustable in service.
The balancing of a propeller, except:
for the certification of static balancing where required by the maintenance manual;
dynamic balancing on installed propellers using electronic balancing equipment where permitted by the maintenance manual or other approved airworthiness data;
Any additional task that requires:
specialized tooling, equipment or facilities; or
significant coordination procedures because of the extensive duration of the tasks and the involvement of several persons.
Appendix VIIIlimited Pilot-owner maintenance
In addition to the requirements laid down in Annex I (Part-M), the following basic principles are to be complied with before any maintenance task is carried out under the terms of Pilot-owner maintenance:
Competence and responsibility
The Pilot-owner is always responsible for any maintenance that he performs.
Before carrying out any Pilot-owner maintenance tasks, the Pilot-owner must satisfy himself that he is competent to do the task. It is the responsibility of Pilot-owners to familiarize themselves with the standard maintenance practices for their aircraft and with the aircraft maintenance programme. If the Pilot-owner is not competent for the task to be carried out, the task cannot be released by the Pilot-owner.
The Pilot-owner (or his contracted continuing airworthiness management organisation referred to in Subpart G, Section A of this Annex) is responsible for identifying the Pilot-owner tasks according to these basic principles in the maintenance programme and for ensuring that the document is updated in a timely manner.
The approval of the maintenance programme has to be carried out in accordance with point M.A.302.
Tasks
The Pilot-owner may carry out simple visual inspections or operations to check for general condition and obvious damage and normal operation of the airframe, engines, systems and components.
Maintenance tasks shall not be carried out by the Pilot-owner when the task:
is critically safety related, whose incorrect performance will drastically affect the airworthiness of the aircraft or is a flight safety sensitive maintenance task as specified in point M.A.402(a) and/or;
requires the removal of major components or major assembly and/or;
is carried out in compliance with an Airworthiness Directive or an Airworthiness Limitation Item, unless specifically allowed in the AD or the ALI and/or;
requires the use of special tools, calibrated tools (except torque wrench and crimping tool) and/or;
requires the use of test equipments or special testing (e.g. NDT, system tests or operational checks for avionic equipment) and/or;
is composed of any unscheduled special inspections (e.g. heavy landing check) and/or;
is effecting systems essential for the IFR operations and/or;
is listed in Appendix VII to this Annex or is a component maintenance task in accordance with points M.A.502(a), (b), (c) or (d).
The criteria 1 to 8 listed above can not be overridden by less restrictive instructions issued in accordance with ‘M.A.302(d) Maintenance Programme’.
Any task described in the aircraft flight manual as preparing the aircraft for flight (Example: assembling the glider wings or pre-flight), is considered to be a pilot task and is not considered a Pilot-owner maintenance task and therefore does not require a Certificate of Release to Service.
Performance of the maintenance Pilot-owner tasks and records
The maintenance data as specified in point M.A.401 must be always available during the conduct of Pilot-owner maintenance and must be complied with. Details of the data referred to in the conduct of Pilot-owner maintenance must be included in the Certificate of Release to Service in accordance with point M.A.803(d).
The Pilot-owner must inform the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation responsible for the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft (if applicable) not later than 30 days after completion of the Pilot-owner maintenance task in accordance with point M.A.305(a).