An Expired Certificate of Airworthiness and a Promised 'Temporary Authorisation'
You are a part-owner of a PA-28-161 registered A6-ABC. The Certificate of Airworthiness expired on 30 June. The approved maintenance organisation completed the renewal inspection on 28 June and has told the owner that the 'paperwork is with the GCAA' but the new certificate has not been issued. The Certificate of Registration is valid, insurance is current, and the aircraft has a valid radio station licence. The aircraft is due a compass swing at a maintenance base 25 nm away, and the owner proposes that you fly it there on Saturday morning with no passengers, in VMC, to 'get it done'. The maintenance organisation says it can issue a temporary authorisation if needed, but no one has applied. The aircraft's mass and balance is within limits. You hold a valid PPL(A), Class 2 medical and PA-28 rating, and are current.
1. May you fly the aircraft to the maintenance base on Saturday? Explain.
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No, not on the expired Certificate of Airworthiness. The certificate expired on 30 June. Completion of the renewal inspection is not a new certificate, and 'paperwork with the GCAA' is not an authorisation. Without a valid certificate the aircraft is not airworthy for normal flight, and the insurance position is at risk.
The lawful options are to wait for the certificate or to apply to the GCAA for a ferry permit or special flight permit for this specific flight. Only the GCAA can issue it; the maintenance organisation cannot. A permit would normally be limited to no passengers, VMC, a specified route and a valid maintenance release.
2. What documents should be on board for a lawful private flight?
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Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Airworthiness (or permit), maintenance release, radio station licence, insurance certificate, flight manual, mass-and-balance schedule, and your licence and medical. Also confirm the aircraft technical log and any permit conditions.
The Certificate of Registration and insurance do not substitute for the Certificate of Airworthiness.
3. The owner says the aircraft is insured, so the risk is covered. Does that change your decision?
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No. Insurance does not create airworthiness or regulatory authority. A claim may be refused or reduced if the flight was made without a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
As PIC you must confirm the aircraft is airworthy and the documents are valid before flight. The right decision is not to fly; move the aircraft by road or wait for the certificate or permit.