Standard Certificate of Airworthiness

General Information

Type certification is the process which can lead to issue of a Type Cetificate (TC) for the design of a new type of aircraft. Type certification is necessary before a CoA in one of the standard categories can be issued for an aircraft. Aircraft airworthiness certification is the process of assessing an aircraft against its type design, and ensuring the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. Satisfactory completion of this process culminates in issue of a CoA for the individual aircraft.

The obligation on Contracting States of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to issue CoAs, is specified in Part II, Section 3 of ICAO Annex 8 Airworthiness of Aircraft. A CoA may be issued to an individual aircraft on the basis of evidence that the aircraft complies with the applicable airworthiness requirements, and that the aircraft has been satisfactorily constructed and maintained. The airworthiness categories in which Australian CoAs may be issued are described in detail in a companion Advisory Circular, AC 21-1 Aircraft Airworthiness Certification Categories and Designations Explained.

CoA (standard or special) is necessary for each individual aircraft on the Australian Civil Aircraft Register as one of the legal conditions to being able to fly (unless the aircraft is operated under a Special Flight Permit).

Issue of a standard CoA to an individual aircraft involves:

Ensuring that the aircraft conforms with the definition of the design and its method of construction ie. the aircraft conforms to the type design; this in turn ensures that the aircraft meets:

  • a design standard; and e specified airworthiness requirements;

  • ensuring that the aircraft is free from manufacturing and post-production defects; AC 21-2(1): Standard certificates of airworthiness 4 November 2010

  • ensuring compliance with all applicable ADs. For imported aircraft, applicable ADs will include all applicable ADs from the state of design of the aircraft type;

  • ensuring that all required modifications, as dictated by design changes and applicable ADs, have been embodied;

  • ensuring that the required operational equipment has been fitted; and

  • ensuring that the aircraft’s airworthiness state is properly reflected in the required documentation including that alterations have been carried out in accordance with approved data.

A standard CoA may be issued in the following categories:

  • Transport

  • Normal

  • Utility

  • Acrobatic

  • Commuter

  • Manned Free Balloons

Standard CoAs are only issued to aircraft which meet prescribed airworthiness standards eg. CASR Part 23 (a design standard for small aircraft):

  • CASR Part 25 (a design standard for transport category aeroplanes)

  • CASR Part 29 (a design standard for transport category helicopters)

  • CASR Part 31 (a design standard for manned free balloons); or a one-off standard, prescribed and published by CASA for special classes of aircraft.

  • Special CoAs or special flight permits cover all other cases. For relevant information, refer to AC 21-3 Special Certificates of Airworthiness - Overview.

 
 
 
 

Consulting for Airworthiness & Regulatory Services