15 June 2009
The CAA has introduced a new optional – and easier to follow – maintenance regime for ELA (European Light Aircraft). From today, a new streamlined procedure will allow Part 66 licensed engineers (with a UK licence that includes ELA1 aircraft types) to recommend the issue of an Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) for ELA1 aircraft.
Application forms can be downloaded from the CAA website, and full details are on line at <a href=’http://www.caa.co.uk/ela’ target=’_blank’>www.caa.co.uk/ela</a>.
The process is that the application form should be submitted to Applications and Approvals at the CAA. As the CAA explains: “If this is satisfactory, a recommendation for approval will be made and an approval document issued that will be valid for two years. The licensed engineer holding the ELA1 approval will then subsequently be able to make recommendations for the issue of an ARC for two consecutive years after which the aircraft must have a complete airworthiness review conducted by an approved Part M organisation holding the ARC privilege.”
ELA aircraft include aeroplanes with a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) less than 1,000kg which are not classified as a complex motor-powered aircraft.
