AMC M.B.301(b) Maintenance programme    

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

1. When assessing aircraft maintenance programmes for approval, the CAA should verify that the maintenance programme is acceptable for the continuing airworthiness of the specific aircraft listed and it is appropriate for the proposed operating environment and scheduled utilisation.

2. The CAA should assess the contents taking into account the origins of the document, i.e. the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance programme, an MRB report, the CAMO or operator’s own experience or another approved programme.

3. A CAA may elect to publish a proposed maintenance schedule for a piston engine aircraft type or a group of piston engine aircraft types below 2 730 kg maximum take- off mass (MTOM) or for a sailplane, powered sailplane or balloon type or for a group of sailplanes, powered sailplanes or balloon types. When owners/operators of the aircraft mentioned above elect to use a CAA proposed maintenance schedule, all the out of phase manufacturer recommendations should be incorporated into the final maintenance programme in order for it to be approved.

4. A copy of the approved programme should be retained by the CAA, unless the programme is approved by a CAMO.

5. The documentation issued by the CAA to approve the aicraft maintenance programme may include details of who may issue certificates of release to service in a particular situation and may define which tasks are considered as complex maintenance tasks or limited pilot owner maintenance according to Appendix VIII to Part-M.

6. In the case of aircraft used by air carriers licensed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 or complex motor-powered aircraft, the development of the aircraft maintenance programme is dependent upon sufficient satisfactory in-service experience which has been properly processed. In general, the task being considered for escalation beyond the MRB limits should have been satisfactorily repeated at the existing frequency several times before being proposed for escalation. Appendix I to AMC M.A.302 and M.B.301(b) gives further information.

7. The CAA may approve an incomplete maintenance programme at the start of operation of an aircraft or an operator, subject to limiting the approval of the maintenance programme to a period that does not exceed any required maintenance not yet approved.

8. If the CAA is no longer satisfied that a safe operation can be maintained, the approval of a maintenance programme or part of it may be suspended or revoked. Events giving rise to such action include:

8.1. An operator changing the utilisation of an aircraft;

8.2. The owner or CAMO has failed to ensure that the programme reflects the maintenance needs of the aircraft such that safe operation can be assured.