Frequently Asked Questions
Why use an approved person rather than CASA?
Although the issuing of a Certificate of Airworthiness was traditionally a CASA function, due to staff reductions, cost recovery and the length of time it takes they now actively seek to have this activity farmed out to Instrument of Appointment holders. A CASA Airworthiness Inspector will make an appointment to come and look at the plane at their convenience and if it doesn't meet standards will walk away until the deficiencies have been rectified at which point the process starts over. At Paper Planes, we work closely with your people to ensure that the aircraft meets the requirements as smoothly as possible.
Are the certifications internationally recognised?
Australian Standard and Export Certificates of Airworthiness are internationally recognised documents complying with ICAO Annex 8 requirements. The documents issued by Paper Planes have the same status as the ones issued by CASA.
Special Flight Permits allow for the flight of an Australian aircraft when it does not meet normal airworthiness standards but as the aircraft by definition does not meet the required standards for automatic acceptance by foreign countries, overflight permission is generally required when the aircraft is operating outside Australian territory.
As part of the CASA required procedures for issue of an Export C of A, confirmation is required from the importing country that they will accept a certificate issued by someone other than a government agency.
What is involved?
The C of A process at its most simple involves establishing that the aircraft meets its Type Design, has been maintained, modified and repaired in accordance with approved data, and is fit for flight. Establishing these three aspects can require significant research and inspection.
To establish that the aircraft meets it's Type Design, a comparison is made against the airframe, engine and propeller Type Certificate Data Sheets as well as the regulations that the aircraft was designed and manufactured under. This involves inspecting things like aircraft equipment fitout, placards, the Flight Manual, and any modifications that may affect its Type Certification.
Establishing that the aircraft has been maintained, modified and repaired in accordance with approved data requires a review of the aircraft's maintenance records and cross referencing that with the applicable information to determine that activities have been correctly carried out and documented. This can be quite an involved process, especially with older or high usage aircraft.
To determine if the aircraft is fit for flight involves an inspection of the aircraft for general deficiencies, and ensuring that all maintenance is up to date. This requires researching and documenting all Airworthiness Directives applicable to the aircraft, checking that all Airworthiness Limitations and time lifed components are within their required parameters and completing a Periodic Inspection or Phase Check to the point that a Maintenance Release can be issued. On a new production aircraft the Periodic Inspection is not required, but all Australian requirements must be complied with which sometimes require modifications to be carried out.
Additional requirements such as marking the Australian Registration on the aircraft, as well as administrative items like noise certification, obtaining a radio class licence etc are generally carried out in conjunction with the C of A process.
Please note that aircraft over 14 years old with a MTOW over 5700 kg will require an Ageing Aircraft Clearance from CASA prior to issue of a C of A. It is highly recommended that the eligibility for this clearance be established before the aircraft is purchased.
What can I do to speed up the process?
The most constructive thing that can be done to speed up the process is to make sure the aircraft is in good shape both from a maintenance standpoint and from a legal one. The aircraft's documentation and maintenance records should all be in order and the aircraft available for inspection. Many issues that can delay aircraft certification are inadvertently created by well-intentioned people trying to prepare an aircraft, so it is advisable to consult with us in advance as well as during the process of preparation so that we can ensure you're on the right track. It saves us time, and you money.
Can you come to me, or do I need to bring the aircraft to you?
We are available to work with customers anywhere in the world. All C of A activities involve a degree of field work, so it's as easy for us to come to an airport on the other side of the world as it is to go to one on the other side of the city. Depending on the nature of the work it may involve the majority of the preparation being done at our offices with site visits to inspect things as required, or we can base out of your facilities.