Airworthiness and maintenance regulations under Nig. CARs
Domain overview
This domain tests airworthiness and maintenance under the Nig. CARs, especially certificate of airworthiness (C of A) validity, approved maintenance programmes, airworthiness directives (ADs), MEL use, AMO approvals, and continuing airworthiness records.
Core rules and concepts
- An aircraft may not fly unless it has a valid C of A and is maintained in accordance with an approved maintenance programme.
- Major modifications and repairs require approval; ADs are mandatory and must be complied with within stated limits unless an alternative is approved.
- Maintenance is performed by an approved maintenance organisation (AMO) or appropriately authorised personnel; a maintenance release is issued before return to service.
- The minimum equipment list (MEL) allows limited operation with specified defects, but only under the approved MEL and conditions; it is not a general permission to fly unairworthy aircraft.
- Records of maintenance, AD compliance, and component life must be kept and transferred with the aircraft.
Worked example
An operator wants to extend an inspection interval by 10% because of operational pressure. Reasoning: the interval is part of the approved maintenance programme; changing it requires NCAA approval and supporting justification, not an operator's unilateral decision. Flying beyond the approved limit without approval renders the C of A invalid and the flight unairworthy. The correct path is to apply for an amendment with a reliability or engineering basis.
Traps
- Confusing registration with airworthiness certification; registration does not prove airworthiness.
- Treating the MEL as permission to defer any defect.
- Assuming AD compliance is optional if the aircraft is not used commercially.
- Forgetting that maintenance records are part of the airworthiness basis.