CAA SkyWise on Maintenance / Engineers
Minimum Equipment List Compliance Guidance
The CAA website has been updated to provide additional and enhanced guidance regarding MEL and MMELs for operators
https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/aircraft/operations/air-operator-certificates/minimum-equipment-list-compliance/
Dated: April 2024
Part 66 and 147 changes (E propulsion requirements)
The CAA is considering amendments to the regulatory requirements, including AMC and GM, necessary to ensure the continuing airworthiness of non-conventional aircraft and aircraft with non-conventional powerplants.
The requirements also ensure flexible transitioning of AML holders in the current subcategories to obtain certification privileges for the maintenance of non-conventional aircraft and powerplants.
To ensure that we achieve the right level of compliance and guidance we are seeking feedback on the proposals in this consultation. You will help us to better understand the potential issues or improvements that can be made to our proposals, we invite stakeholders to give us your views.
Dated: February 2024
Reporting of Suspected Unapproved Parts
The UK CAA have developed a Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUP) webpage for use by industry as a reference when determining the acceptability of parts for fitment to aircraft or product.
The webpage gives information regarding SUP cases that have been reported and investigated along with the outcome of the investigation.
There is also guidance on the reporting of Suspected Unapproved Parts and a link to the SUP reporting form.
Dated: December 2023
Maintenance of Aircraft Combustion Heaters
Recent aircraft surveys by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have highlighted the fact that servicing and inspection of cockpit and cabin combustion heaters and exhaust systems is not being included in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP).
These tasks must be carried out in accordance with the aircraft/equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Mandatory continued airworthiness information from the State of Design and the CAA (for example, FAA AD’s GR No. 11) must also be included in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme.
There is further guidance on our website.
Dated: September 2023
Suspected Unapproved Parts – AOG Technics Limited
The UK CAA has been investigating the supply of a large number of Suspect Unapproved Parts, all of which were supplied through a UK based company, AOG Technics Limited, Nova North, 11 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5BY.
The UK CAA recommends that all CAMOs, operators, owners, maintainers and distributers should investigate their records thoroughly to determine the provenance of any parts acquired either directly or indirectly from AOG Technics.
Please read UK CAA Safety Notice 2023/004 for full details.
Dated: August 2023
ORS9 Decision Acceptance of certain parts from Israel
ORS9 Decision no.31 allows the acceptance of certain civil aeronautical parts produced by manufacturers located in Israel allowing UK industry to use and install these without further administrative burden (to the industry or UK CAA).
A CAAI Form 8130-3, Authorised Release Certificate (Airworthiness Approval Tag) for parts, issued by a manufacturer under a production approval granted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel, will be deemed acceptable.
The Decision will remain in force and remain valid until the signing of the Technical Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness and Environmental Certification under the Working Arrangement signed by CAA and CAAI (20 April 2023).
Dated: August 2023
Airworthiness Approvals
The CAA has published revision 2 to CAP1539, which provides an interpretation of the term Principal Place of Business, in relation to Airworthiness approvals issued by the UK CAA.
Dated: July 2023
Transfer of non-Part 21 aircraft to Permit to Fly
The CAA have published a revised version of CAP 1302. This document provides guidance on the policy and process for transferring a non-Part 21 aircraft from a national Certificate of Airworthiness to a national Permit to Fly. Note this policy does not apply to Part 21 aircraft.
Dated: May 2023
CAP 2375 – Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Exposition Guidance
CAP 2375 – Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Exposition Guidance has been updated. Please refer to this for industry guidance on the format and content required for a UK Maintenance Organisation Exposition.
Dated: March 2023
Certifying UK registered aircraft after 1 January 2023
Clarification on engineer licensing requirements certifying UK registered aircraft
The UK’s exit from the EU and EASA has changed engineering licensing requirements, particularly in relation to what licences are needed to certify a G registered aircraft from the 1 January 2023.
Applications for transfer from EU to UK Part 66 must be submitted to [email protected] no later than 31 December 2022.
Dated: December 2022
Updated Leaflet B-40 published as CAP562 SA
Leaflet B-40 containing policy and principles for CAA Oversight of Military Registered Aircraft (COMRA) has been updated and published as CAP 562 Supplementary Amendment B-40.
Dated: November 2022
UK Civil Aviation Authority and US Federal Aviation Administration agree continuation of Maintenance Implementation Procedures beyond 2022
The Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration have provided an update on the planned changes to the Maintenance Implementation Procedures.
The existing procedures were agreed between the UK and the USA in January 2021, which allowed for the continuation of maintenance organisation approvals between the UK and the USA post-EU Exit until 31 December 2022. These will now be extended beyond the end of the year.
The industry does not need to take any action prior to 31 December 2022 as there will be an implementation period for the new procedures.
Dated: July 2022
Correct versions of CAA Forms – Part 21, Part 145, Part 147 and Part M (CAMO & CAO)
For the purposes of clarification, the UK CAA have received numerous requests as to where to find the latest Form templates.
These templates can be found on the CAA Regulations page under Forms, link attached.
Please ensure this information is circulated within your organisations.
Dated: July 2022
Re-opening of Same Day Licensing Counter at Aviation House
The same day counter service, which allows applicants to have their licence or certificate issued on the day, reopens at Aviation House on 4 July 2022.
The booking line will be made available from 27 June 2022. Full details of the services offered can be found on our website.
Dated: June 2022
Part-66L Engineer Licensing e-Exams – Coming Spring 2022
For new prospective engineers and existing ones looking to upgrade their privileges, we are currently in the final stages of developing and rolling out a series of digital e-examination modules to meet the requirements set out in Appendix VII of the regulation.
Dated: February 2022
Extension of Part M Subpart G approval validity
Exemption E5500 (Official Record Series 4, No.1499) was introduced to assist organisations transitioning from a Part-MG approval to a Part-CAMO approval. It applies to the holders of Subpart G approvals once an application has been submitted to the CAA for an approval certificate in accordance with the requirements of Annex Vc (Part-CAMO) by 24th September 2021, together with the required documentation.
This Skywise serves as a reminder that a Subpart G approval will become invalid after the 24th September 2021 unless an application for a Part-CAMO approval has been made prior to this date.
Part-CAMO applications will be processed on the following priorities:
1. New AOC’s
2. Existing AOC’s transitioning from MG to Part-CAMO
3. Existing standalone MG’s transitioning to Part-CAMO
Dated: September 2021
Updated guidance letter on the recognition of EASA Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued an update to its guidance letter for Continued Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMO) with an EASA Part M Subpart G approval to manage UK registered aircraft and issue or extend the validity of their Airworthiness Review Certificates. The guidance applies to CAMOs which have their principal place of business located outside the UK.
Dated: August 2021
Type responsibility agreement surrenders
Two organisations have surrendered their Type Responsibility Agreements (TRAs). The aircraft that were covered by these TRAs will be unable to maintain their Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) unless a new TRA is agreed.
The aircraft types affected are:
Miles aircraft
Auster and Beagle aircraft (not Pup)
The CAA will assess an individual or organisation application to take the responsibilities. If none is found, the aircraft will no longer be eligible for a CofA.
Parties interested in the TRA for any or all of the above aircraft, fulfilling BCAR A5-1 Para 4, should contact the CAA at [email protected].
Dated: June 2021
(UK) Part-MG Approved Organisations transitioning to a (UK) Part-CAMO approval
The UK CAA will release an exemption, pursuant to Article 71(1) of UK Reg (EU) No. 2018/1139 as retained (and amended in UK domestic law) under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, applicable to CAMO’s currently approved under (UK)Part-MG who have submitted their application to the CAA for a (UK)Part-CAMO approval by 24 September 2021.
The exemption will allow an approval issued in accordance with (UK)Part-MG to continue to be valid until 24th September 2022, subject to the conditions of the exemption.
Where no application has been received by 24 September 2021, the (UK)Part-MG approvals will become invalid.
Dated: June 2021
Aircraft pitot blockages
Following a number of recent events at Heathrow where aircraft have experienced pitot blockages after a period of inactivity, we have issued advice to industry on aircraft checks and crew awareness.
See Safety Notices:
SN-2021/014
SN-2020/013
SN-2021/012
Dated: June 2021
UK CAA and EASA sign Technical Implementation Procedures on aerospace production and design
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have concluded negotiations on the Technical Implementation Procedures (the TIP), which was signed today.
The signing of the TIP, which sets out the measures the aerospace sector must take in order to design and produce new aerospace parts moving between the UK and the EU, signals the continued close working relationship between the two organisations now that the UK has left the European regulatory system.
A copy of the TIP is now available on our website.
Dated: May 2021
Apply for reactivation of a UK issued Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence
This application process allows the reactivation of the previously held UK licence now we have left the EU system.
You must have previously held a UK issued Part 66 Licence which was subsequently transferred to an EU member state prior to the UK EU Exit date.
Dated: February 2021
Apply for a UK Issued Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence with an EU Part 66 Licence
This application process allows you to apply for a UK issued Part 66 Licence post the UK EU exit date where an individual can now hold a UK and EU issued licence concurrently.
You will be required to hold a current EU issued Part 66 licence which has not been suspended or enforcement action taking place.
Dated: February 2021
Ex-Military Aircraft: Design, restoration and continuing airworthiness approval
Updated guidance for those who are seeking to obtain a CAA Airworthiness approval for an ex-military aircraft, or who wish to restore, maintain and operate such an aircraft on the UK Civil register.
This guidance material, over and above that provided in the statutory requirements, is based on experience gained from past approvals. A summary of revisions since the initial issue is included in this new edition: Ex-Military Aircraft: Design, restoration and continuing airworthiness approval (CAP1640)
Dated: January 2021
COVID-19 General Exemptions
The CAA has issued a significant number of exemptions to help aviation cope with the impact of the Government’s COVID-19 restrictions. Currently, we don’t plan to issue any wide-ranging exemptions for the current lockdown when the current set end on 22 November.
Under the current lockdown restrictions the Department for Transport has confirmed that engine health and maintenance check flights and flights to maintain currency are allowed. These should only be conducted where there is an urgent requirement, and where alternative options are not available. We believe flying skills cannot be sustained in the long term by exemptions.
There are some elements of commercial aviation that are important to the response to COVID-19 which will be considered for exemptions. Consideration will also be given to those undergoing training towards commercial flying qualifications.
Dated: November 2020
Runway maintenance – equipment control
A recent incident at a UK aerodrome led to maintenance equipment being left on the runway. This incident is currently subject to AAIB investigation.
It has become apparent that a lack of tool control, and security of equipment carried on aerodrome vehicles were contributory factors.
Aerodrome operators should ensure that:
1. procedures for both routine maintenance and work in progress includes robust equipment control.
2. Suitable vehicles are used for transporting equipment
3. Equipment is carried in/on vehicles securely
Dated: October 2020
Distance Learning & Virtual Reality
Guidance for use of Web based training, Distance Learning, Simulation and Virtual Reality (CAP1933) now published.
This document provides guidance on Distance Learning within UK Part 147 Organisations with respect to AMC 147.A.130(a) Training procedures and quality system (Annex IV to ED Decision 2020/002/R).
Dated: October 2020
CAP 1528 – Guidance for Part 147 Instructors
CAP 1528 for Part 147 Instructors has been updated to reflect CAA policy regarding the release of EASA UG.CAO.00154.
Dated: October 2020
EASA Form 15c
Organisations and Certifying Staff are reminded that since 24 March 2020 it is only possible to issue an EASA Form 15c for aircraft within the scope of Part-ML.
An EASA Form 15b must not be issued.
For further information please see the Part-ML guidance on the CAA website.
Dated: October 2020
EU Exit: Part-66 transfer application recommended submission by 1st October
Part-66 licence holders who are considering transferring their licence to another EASA Member State are reminded of the advice to apply at least 3 months prior to the end of the transition period (31 December 2020).
Applications received after October 1st will be processed on a best endeavours basis. However, there may be insufficient time for the CAA and receiving NAA to process the application prior to the end of the transition period and the UK leaving the European system. Our dedicated microsite includes more information about the transfer process, and a detailed explanation of the process can also be found on our website.
Dated: September 2020
Part-CAO Combined Airworthiness Exposition
A Part-CAO Combined Airworthiness Exposition (CAE) document is now available to download.
This example of a compliant CAE has been designed as a starting point for Part-CAO organisations considered as ‘small’. It can be used by existing Part-MG and Part-MF organisations as well as new applicants to either progress their transition or to apply for an initial Part-CAO approval.
The new format CAE and associated BCAR A8-24 & A8-25 supplements can be found under ‘Additional information (Maintenance and Continuing Airworthiness Organisations)’ on the Part ML page of the CAA website: www.caa.co.uk/Part-ML
Dated: August 2020
COVID-19 – EASA licence holders within Air Maintenance Organisations
Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) holders should be aware that the exemption relating to validity has been amended, as the medical element for pilots and ATCOs have been removed.
The exemption as applied to AMLs remains unchanged but the reference number has been updated:
Licensing is now: ORS4 No. 1410
For more information refer to: COVID 19 guidance for commercial and recreational aviation
Dated: August 2020
COVID-19 – Continuation training and human factor refresher training
Part 21, Part M, Part 145 and Part 147 organisations should look to carry out continuation training and human factor refresher training via online methods, in line with CAP 1742 due to COVID-19.
CAP 1742 is available to download from the CAA website.
Dated: June 2020
COVID-19 – Preservation considerations
In response to the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, the CAA is providing guidance, primarily for the assistance of organisations unfamiliar with the storage and preservation of aircraft, by reminding them of the appropriate measures and sources of information available so that when aircraft are returned to operational service they can do so with a minimum of additional disruption while maintaining an appropriate level of safety.
Dated: May 2020
COVID-19 – BCAR Section A A8-10 Welder Approval validity extension
BCAR Section A, A8-10 Approval of Welders require each Welder Approval Holder to renew this approval on a 12 month basis via completion of check examinations. In response to the exceptional circumstances caused by the Covid-19 outbreak, the Civil Aviation Authority (‘the CAA’), has varied these requirements on a temporary basis.
Dated: April 2020
Using suitably qualified engineers to perform physical aircraft surveys during airworthiness reviews
In response to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Civil Aviation Authority is providing this alternative AMC to M.A.901(m) for wherever normal airworthiness review procedures cannot be followed.
This alternative AMC allows for the use of a suitably qualified engineer to perform the aircraft survey as part of the airworthiness review when the airworthiness review staff are unable to travel to the aircraft.
For more information the alternative AMC please see the CAA website.
Please also check the CAA website for further information relating to COVID-19.
Dated: April 2020
Acceptance of certified copies for Part-66 licence applications
To help ensure the continuity of Part-66 licensing over the coming weeks due to COVID-19, the UK CAA will accept a certified true copy of a Part-66 licence (EASA Form 26) to support applications made to renew, vary or amend the holder’s licencing privileges without need for the original licence to be submitted to the CAA prior to processing the application.
We require the original licence to be posted soon after the application is made with proof of postage being emailed to [email protected]
Please note that submitting applications at this time via post may result in delays to the processing of your request. We encourage all applicants to submit applications via our online application service.
Guidance on the certification of documents is available on the CAA website.
Dated: March 2020
COVID-19 – Updated advice for Airworthiness organisations and licensed engineers
We have published an update on how our airworthiness team and other related work will be taking place following the recent and unprecedented COVID-19 developments.
Dated: March 2020
CAA Part-ML Guidance updated
The CAA guidance on EASA Part-ML has been updated to include new guidance, links and additional information.
Dated: March 2020
CAP 1814 Accreditation of apprenticeships
CAP 1814 provides guidance for the of accreditation National Qualifications toward the issue of Part 66 licences by Further and Higher Education Training Establishments in England.
Th document provides guidance to organisations wishing to accredit qualifications gained in their apprenticeships. The scope includes EASA / UK Part 66 Syllabus, equivalent aerospace qualifications within design, manufacturing, continued airworthiness and maintenance disciplines.
Dated: March 2020
CAP 562 Civil Aircraft Airworthiness Information and Procedures Publication Notification
Issue 4, Amendment 3, of CAP 562 Civil Aircraft Airworthiness Information and Procedures has been published, containing updates to Leaflet B-40, Leaflet B-180 (Appendix 1-2), Leaflet 25-80, Leaflet 44-30 and Leaflet 70-90.
Dated: January 2020
ELA1 aircraft maintenance
Guidance for implementing Self-Declared Maintenance Programmes for use with ELA1 aircraft (CAP1454) has been updated.
All ELA 1 aircraft (operating privately) should have already transitioned from a CAA Light Aircraft Maintenance Programme (LAMP) or plan to transition at the next Airworthiness Review.
In either case this must not be later than 24 March 2021. CAP 1454 helps explain how to establish an appropriate replacement maintenance programme.
More information: https://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Aircraft-ownership-and-maintenance/Self-Declared-Maintenance-Programme/
Dated: December 2019
Engineer Licencing – Signing your licence
The CAA has recently been in receipt of licence renewal and variation applications where the original licence returned to the CAA was not signed by the licence holder.
By not signing the licence, the privileges of the licence cannot be exercised. Any maintenance and associated Certificate to Release to Service issued using an unsigned licence is invalid and therefore invalidates the C of A / ARC of the aircraft.
Licence holders must sign the licence immediately on receipt to render the licence valid. Maintenance Organisations must ensure their certifying staff have signed their licence prior to issuance of an Organisation Authorisation.
Dated: November 2019
Operating experimental aircraft under E conditions
Guidance and information for operating experimental aircraft under E conditions has been updated.
Following a review, we have published a new edition of the guidance. This now includes requirements for ferry flight and A to B operations.
Dated: November 2019
On the job training (OJT) for first type ratings in any category or sub category
CAP 1530 has been updated to reflect CAA policy regarding content of the procedure that is required in Section 3.15 of the Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE) for approved OJT.
Dated: October 2019
CAP 1529 – Guidance for Aircraft Type Training within a Part 147
CAP 1529 has been updated to reflect CAA policy regarding actual task completion on live operational aircraft, use of simulation and a sample practical workbook.
Dated: October 2019
CAP 1528 – Guidance for Part 147 Instructors
CAP 1528 has been updated to reflect CAA policy regarding personnel training and experience, those requiring EASA Form 4 , Invigilators and minor updates
Dated: October 2019
Winter Operations 2019 / 2020
During Winter 2018 / 2019 de-icing MOR data showed primary error factors as 65% ramp services and 30% aerodrome. Of these errors 70% were detected by the pilot, 14% by ground crew, and 11% by cabin crew.
Considerations when preparing for Winter operations:
Sources of information to use, particularly for hold-over times
Specific issues associated with your operation and aircraft
– Permitted contamination
– Permitted fluids
– Refreezing of some fluids
– Effects on aircraft of runway / taxiway de-icing substances
– Contaminated runway performance
Updating documentation / Operations Manuals
Training / retraining staff
Serviceability of de-icing / anti-icing equipment
Service level agreements
Snow plans at aerodromes used
Using your SMS to evaluate Winter Operations
Dated: September 2019
Part 145 – Applicability of AMC2 145.A.50(d) and Certification of Used Aircraft Components
We have published guidance on the applicability of AMC2 145.A.50(d) and Certification of Used Aircraft Components for Part 145 holders.
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the use of AMC2 145.A.50(d) so that the competent authority, installers and operators have confidence that used aircraft components have been satisfactorily removed from the aircraft, inspected, assessed and tested, as necessary, before being recertified and made eligible for installation on an aircraft registered in an EASA Member State.
Dated: August 2019
Identification requirement for aircraft maintenance licensing applications
This notification updates and replaces the information sent on 17 May 2018 as SW2018/84
Please note that you are required to submit a certified true copy of photographic ID (such as passport or driving licence) when applying for the initial issue of a Part-66 licence and all applications submitted online via the CAA portal.
The ID document must also be certified by your quality department or Head of 145/147 organisation.
Dated: August 2019
Maintenance programme approval (up to 2730 Kg)
Maintenance programmes for other than complex motor-powered aircraft, ELA2, aircraft up to 2730 Kg and piston engine aircraft (fixed wing and rotorcraft)
Owners, operators, Part M subpart G (CAMO), Part 145 and Part M subpart F organisations must make sure approval of maintenance programmes complies with Part M, M.A.302 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g). ELA1 aircraft not involved in commercial operations can use M.A.302 (h) Self-Declared Maintenance Programme.
CAA LAMP 766 and 767 were withdrawn on 31 August 2016. LAMP based approval programmes, submitted directly or indirectly, will not be approved.
Dated: May 2019
A procedure to write a procedure
Following collaboration with UK maintenance organisations the CAA is pleased to have published guidance to the wider industry on producing procedures to support their respective organisations.
Dated: May 2019
Engineer licence application form update
The UK CAA has re-issued application form SRG1014 (EASA Form 19) to reflect Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1142 amending Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014.
The new version of this form is to be used with immediate effect; the UK CAA will no longer accept any previous versions of this form from 22nd March 2019.
Dated: March 2019
GPS Week Counter Rollover Event (6 April 2019)
Navigation and timing information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) is used by many aircraft and ground-based aviation systems.
The GPS navigation message contains date and time information in the form of a sequential week and seconds counter, which first started on 6th January 1980. As the week counter rolls over every 1024 weeks, it will do so on 6th April 2019 for the second time in history.
Systems using GPS for obtaining date and time are required to ensure that a correct progressive week count is maintained.
Dated: February 2019
Update to EU exit information – Aerospace maintenance organisations
We have updated the information on our website concerning aerospace maintenance organisations in the event of a non-negotiated EU exit. This includes a series of changes to address stakeholder queries about ongoing validity of approvals.
Dated: February 2019
Update to EU exit information – Engineer training organisations and Licensed engineers
We have updated the information on our website concerning Engineer training organisations and Licensed engineers in the event of a non-negotiated EU exit.
The update for Engineer training organisations includes information for those who have completed a portion of their modules at the point that the UK leaves the EU.
The update for Licensed engineers includes more information for engineers who are part way through their training at 29 March 2019.
Dated: February 2019
Ex-military National Fly to Permit maintenance programmes
Owners, operators and BCAR A8-25 Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations are advised that the CAA has issued CAP 1740, ‘Guidance on Maintenance programmes for aircraft operating on a National Permit to Fly’.
The CAP sets out in single document, what should be considered when compiling a maintenance programme primarily for ex-military types that require to be operated and maintained to an approved programme, to meet the current requirements of BCAR A3-7 paragraph 15.
Dated: February 2019