AMC M.A.901(l) and (m) Aircraft airworthiness review    

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

PHYSICAL SURVEY

1. The physical survey could require actions categorised as maintenance (e.g. operational tests, tests of emergency equipment, visual inspections requiring panel opening, etc.). In this case, after the airworthiness review, a release to service should be issued.

2. When the airworthiness review staff are not appropriately qualified as per Part-66 in order to release such maintenance, M.A.901(l) requires them to be assisted by such qualified personnel. However, the function of such Part-66 personnel is limited to performing and releasing the maintenance actions requested by the airworthiness review staff, it not being their function to perform the physical survey of the aircraft.

3. This means that the airworthiness review staff who is going to sign the airworthiness review certificate or the recommendation should be the one performing both the documented review and the physical survey of the aircraft. It is not the intent of the rule to delegate the survey to Part-66 personnel who are not airworthiness review staff. Furthermore, the provision of M.A.901(n) that allows a 90-day anticipation for the physical survey provides enough flexibility to ensure that the airworthiness review staff (ARS) are present.

4. The physical survey may include verifications to be carried out during flight.

5. The CAMO or CAO should develop procedures for the ARS to produce a compliance report that confirms that the physical survey has been carried out and found satisfactory.

6. To ensure compliance, the physical survey may include relevant sample checks of items.