Aviation Legislation
What you must understand
Know the structure of aviation regulation: ICAO as the international framework, and the national authority - here, the GCAA - implementing it through civil aviation regulations. Understand CAR-66: the categories of licence (A, B1, B2, C), the experience and examination requirements, the scope of certification privileges, and the limits of each category. Know CAR-145 and the approved maintenance organisation concept: quality system, facilities, personnel, records and the certificate of release to service. Understand continuing airworthiness management, maintenance programmes, airworthiness directives, service bulletins and the technical log. Know the rules on record retention, occurrence reporting, and the meaning of an independent inspection. Understand the privileges and responsibilities of certifying staff and the conditions under which certification may be deferred or refused.
Traps in questions
- Category scope: a B2 certifies avionics work; a B1 certifies mechanical/airframe/engine work. Do not cross the boundary without appropriate authorisation.
- AD versus SB: an airworthiness directive is mandatory; a service bulletin is normally advisory unless mandated.
- CRS responsibility: certification asserts that the work was done to the required standard using approved data.
- Record retention: periods are prescribed; do not assume a single universal figure without checking the regulation.
- Approved data: maintenance must be carried out using approved documentation, not memory or informal notes.
Worked example
A B2 licence holder is asked to certify a structural repair. The task falls outside B2 scope, so certification requires an appropriately authorised B1 or C holder, or a specific company authorisation within the approved organisation.
Rule of thumb
Before certifying, confirm three things: the task is within your scope, approved data was used, and the records are complete.