Amateur-built and experimental aircraft - Australian Transport Safety ...

Figure 94: Information flows associated with continuing airworthiness for
certified aircraft
A permit to fly under ABAA requires aircraft to have all modifications approved, in
addition to a check to ensure that airworthiness directives for aircraft currently in
service addressed where necessary. However, in relation to experimental aircraft,
the flow of information depicted in Figure 94 will not necessarily occur as there is
no requirement for CASA, as the registering authority, to be involved in the
continuing airworthiness loop unless CASA considers that operation of the aircraft
is a danger to public safety. All responsibility for checking kit manufacturer
directives, service bulletins, and other maintenance documents rests entirely with
the builder, or a LAME for second-hand ABE aircraft. Horneman (2008) points out
that most ABE aircraft are maintained according to CASA Schedule 5.
Experimental aircraft must be maintained in accordance with CAR 42CB, which
refers to the issue of experimental certificates under CASR 21.195A.
Calls have been made by amateur aircraft builders since the 1970s for a workable
syllabus on aircraft maintenance. 48 The Sport Aircraft Operations Group has been
negotiating with CASA to develop a Basic Airworthiness Administration Syllabus.
Horneman (2008) makes the following maintenance recommendations for ABE
aircraft operators:
• research the aircraft’s maintenance requirements
• regularly check kit or designer websites for updates
• consult people and organisations with appropriate experience for the type of
flying performed
• consult with a LAME
• develop a risk management process.
48 In a letter to the editor of Australian Airsport in 1973, Zapletal proposed a workable syllabus to
deal with the owner maintenance problem under ABAA, pointing out that although clear drawings
and guidance are found in an aircraft build project, there is no such guide for maintenance.
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