CAR – M

SUBPART A – GENEARAL

➢ Rule 50A of A/c rules specify the condition for C of A to remain in force.
➢ CAR M is applicable to all operator of Indian register A/c irrespective of whether such a/c is maintained by
their own organization or by other approved maintenance organization.
➢ For the purpose of this CAR
I. for the oversight of the continuing airworthiness of individual aircraft and the issue of
airworthiness review certificates.
II. for the oversight of a maintenance organisation as specified in Subpart F(Maitenance
organisation)
III. for the oversight of a continuing airworthiness management organisation as specified in M.A.
Subpart G (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation)
IV. for the approval of maintenance programmes
• For aircraft registered in india.
• For aircraft used in commercial transport by Indian operator,if agreed by state of registry.
• When the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft not used in commercial air transport is
managed by a continuing airworthiness management organisation approved in
accordance with section A subpart G of CAR-M not subject to the oversight of the state
of registry, and only if agreed with the state of registry prior to the approval of the
maintenance programme.

➢ This CAR establishes common technical requirements and administrative procedures for ensuring the
continuing airworthiness of aircraft, including any component for installation thereto, which are
a) Registered in India; or
b) Registered in a foreign country and used by an Indian operator for which India ensures
oversight of operations.

➢ Definations:
→ ‘Aircraft’ means any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the
air other than reactions of the air against the earth's surface
→ “Certifying staff” means personnel responsible for the release of an aircraft or a component after
maintenance
→ A complex motor powered aircraft means
a) An aeroplane:
I. Above 5700 Kg MTOM, or
II. Certificated for more than 19 seated passengers, or
III. Certificated for operation with at least 2 pilots, or
IV. Equipped with turbojet engine(s) or more than 1 turboprop engine

b) A helicopter :
I. Above 3175 Kg MTOM, or
II. Certificated for more than 9 seated passengers
III. Certificated for operation with at least 2 pilots, or

c) A tilt rotor aircraft

→ ‘Continuing airworthiness’ means all of the processes ensuring that, at any time in its operating
life, the aircraft complies with the airworthiness standard and is in a condition for safe operation.
→ ‘large aircraft’ means an aircraft, classified as an aeroplane with a maximum take-off mass of
more than 5700 kg, or a multi-engined helicopter
→ ‘Maintenance’ means any one or combination of overhaul, repair, inspection, replacement,
modification or defect rectification of an aircraft or component, with the exception of pre-flight
inspection
 → ‘Organisation’ means a natural person, a legal person or part of a legal person. Such an
organisation may be established at more than one location whether or not within the territory of
India;
→ ‘Pre-flight inspection’ means the inspection carried out before flight to ensure that the aircraft is
fit for the intended flight
→ For the purpose of this CAR Category 1 “Light Aircraft” means the following aircrafts
i. an aeroplane, sailplane or powered sailplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) less
than 1000 kg that is not classified as complex motor- powered aircraft
ii. a balloon with a maximum design lifting gas or hot air volume of not more than 3400 m3 for
hot air balloons, 1050 m3 for gas balloons, 300 m3 for tethered gas balloons
iii. an airship designed for not more than two occupants and a maximum design lifting gas or hot
air volume of not more than 2500 m3 for hot air airships and 1000 m3 for gas airships

→ For the purpose of this CAR Category 2 “Light Aircraft means the following aircraft
i. an aeroplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of 2 000 kg or less that is not classified
as complex motor-powered aircraft;
ii. a sailplane or powered sailplane of 2 000 kg MTOM or less;
iii. a balloon;
iv. a hot air ship;
v. a gas airship complying with all of the following characteristics:
• 3 % maximum static heaviness,
• non-vectored thrust (except reverse thrust),
• conventional and simple design of structure, control system and ballonet system, and
• non-power assisted controls;
vi. a Very Light Rotorcraft

➢ CAR M is issued under provision of rule 133A.

➢ DGCA shall be the competent authority.
➢ Maintenance Programmes is approved by DGCA.

SUBPART B – ACCOUNTABILITY

➢ The owner is responsible for continuing airworthiness of a/c and shall ensure that no flight takes place
unless:
1. The aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition
2. Any operational and emergency equipment fitted is correctly installed and serviceable or clearly
identified as unserviceable
3. The airworthiness certificate remains valid
4. The maintenance of aircraft is performed in accordance with the approved maintenance
programmme
➢ When the a/c is leased, the responsibility is transferred to the lessee if.
1. The lessee is stipulated on the registration documents or
2. Detailed in the leasing contract.

➢ The pre-flight inspection is carried out by PIC (Pilot-In-Command) in case of non-scheduled operator or
any qualified authorized person of scheduled operator. The pilot-in-command or, in the case of air
operators certified in accordance with Schedule XI of aircraft rule 1937 , the operator shall be responsible
for the satisfactory accomplishment of the pre-flight inspection.
• This inspection must be carried out by the pilot or another qualified person but need not be
carried out by an approved maintenance organization or by CAR 66 certifying staff.

➢ The performance of ground de-icing and anti-icing does not required CAR 145 approval.
➢ The operator should only sub-contract to organization which are specified by DGCA in AOC (Air Operator
Certificate) or CA Form 14 (Approval Certificate)
 ➢ Commercial ATO: It refer to flying training organization certified in accordance with DGCA regulations
which operate a/c for commercial purpose in order to provide Flight Crew License (FCL) training courses.
Occurrence reporting helps improve aviation safety by ensuring that relevant safety information is reported, collected, stored, protected,
exchanged, disseminated, and analysed. It is not to attribute blame or liability but supports continued learning to make flying safer.
➢ Occurrence Reporting: Owner or operator who responsible for continuing airworthiness of a/c shall
report to DGCA of any identified condition of a/c or component which endanger flight safety.
➢ Accountable persons or organisations ensure that the type certificate (TC) holder receives adequate
reports of occurrences for that aircraft type, to enable it to issue appropriate service instructions and
recommendations to all owners or operators.
➢ Report is made as soon as possible within 72 hours from the time when condition identified.
➢ The reports may be transmitted by any method i.e. electronically, by post or by facsimile.
→ Each report should contain at least the following information:
→ - Reporter or organisation’s name and approval reference if applicable,
→ - Information necessary to identify the subject aircraft and/or component,
→ - date and time relative to any life or overhaul limitation in terms of flying hours/ cycles/landings
etc. as appropriate,
→ - details of the occurrence.

SUBPART C - CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS

➢ Continuing Airworthiness Task:

• walk-around type inspection of the aircraft and its emergency equipment for condition including, in
particular, any obvious signs of wear, damage or leakage. In addition, the presence of all required
equipment including emergency equipment should be established .
• Task such as oil and hydraulic fluid uplift and tyre inflation may be considered as a part of pre-flight
inspection. In Continuing airworthiness task, an operator hire a person responsible for pre-flight
inspection and should demonstrate to DGCA that person received appropriate training for the per-
flight inspection. The training standard for personnel performing the pre-flight inspection is described
in continuing airworthiness management exposition.
Deferred defects are defined as those defects reported in operational service which is deferred for later rectification. (2) Carried forward defects
are defined as those defects arising during maintenance which are carried forward for rectification at a later maintenance inpu
➢ Whenever possible, deferred defect should be known to the pilot/flight crew prior to their arrival at the
a/c.
• significant incidents and defects: monitor incidents and defects that have occurred in flight and
defects found during maintenance and overhaul, highlighting any that appear significant in their
own right.
• Repetitive incidents and defects: monitor on a continuous basis defects occurring in flight and
defects found during maintenance and overhaul, highlighting any that are repetitive
• Deferred and carried forward defects: Monitor on a continuous basis deferred and carried
forward defects. Deferred defects are defined as those defects reported in operational service
which is deferred for later rectification. Carried forward defects are defined as those defects
arising during maintenance which are carried forward for rectification at a later maintenance
input
• unscheduled removals and system performance: analyse unscheduled component removals and
the performance of aircraft systems for use as part of the maintenance programme efficiency

➢ Non-mandatory information such as service bulletins, service letters and other information that is
produced for a/c and its component by an approved design organization, manufacturer or DGCA.
➢ The owner or CAMO have a system to ensure that all a/c maintenance checks are performed within time
limit prescribed by the approved a/c maintenance programme. Whenever a maintenance check cannot
be carried out within the required time limit, its postponement is allowed in accordance with a procedure
agreed by DGCA.
 ➢ A/c Maintenance Programme: Maintenance of each a/c shall be organized in accordance with an a/c
maintenance programme.
➢ The a/c maintenance programme and any amendment shall be approved by DGCA.
➢ When continuing airworthiness of a/c is managed by CAMO, the a/c maintenance programme and its
amendment may be approved through indirect approval procedure.
• In that case, the indirect approval procedure shall be established by CAMO as a part of CAME
(Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition) and shall be approved by DGCA.
• The continuing airworthiness management organisation shall not use the indirect approval
procedure when this organisation is not under the oversight of the State of Registry, transferring
the responsibility for the approval of the aircraft maintenance programme to DGCA.

➢ The aircraft maintenance programme must establish compliance with:

I. instructions issued by DGCA
II. instructions for continuing airworthiness issued by the holders of the type certificate, restricted
type-certificate, supplemental type-certificate, major repair design approval, TSO authorisation or
any other relevant approval issued under CAR 21/EASA 21/FAR 21 Technical standard order
minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. When authorized to
manufacture a material, part, or appliances to a TSO standard, this is referred to as TSO authorization.
➢ The a/c maintenance programme shall contain details, including frequency of all maintenance to be
carried out, including any specific task linked to the type and the specificity of operation.
➢ The aircraft maintenance programme shall be subject to periodic reviews and amended accordingly when
necessary .
➢ For complex motor powered a/c , when maintenance programme is based on maintenance steering
group logic or on condition monitoring, the a/c maintenance programme shall include a reliability
programme.
➢ The aircraft maintenance programme shall include all the mandatory continuing airworthiness
requirements, such as repetitive Airworthiness Directives, the Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) of
the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) or specific maintenance requirements contained in the
Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS).
➢ The aircraft maintenance programme details should be reviewed at least annually (once in a year).
This review of the maintenance programme shall be performed either:
I. By the person who performs the airworthiness review of aircraft
II. By the subpart G organisation managing the continuing airworthiness of aircraft in those
cases where the review of the maintenance programme is not performed in conjunction
with an airworthiness review.
The Maintenance Review Board Report contains the Minimum Initial Scheduled Maintenance Requirement. The MRB process is a standardized process
used as an acceptable means of compliance to develop scheduled maintenance instructions ensuring the objectives of an efficient aircraft maintenance
program. ➢ An owner or operator’s maintenance programme should normally be based upon the maintenance
review board (MRB) report where applicable, the maintenance planning document (MPD), the relevant
chapters of the maintenance manual or any other maintenance data containing information on
scheduling. Maintenance planning documents (MPDs) are provided by aircraft manufacturers to
describe the repetitive tasks that are required to maintain their aircraft.
➢ Reliability programme should only be develop for large a/c. reliability program is to ensure that the aircraft maintenance
program tasks are effective, and their intervals are acceptable
➢ Reliability programmes should be developed for aircraft maintenance programmes based upon
maintenance steering group (MSG) logic or those that include condition monitored components or that
do not contain overhaul time periods for all significant system components.
➢ Reliability programmes need not be developed for aircraft not considered complex motor-powered
aircraft or that contain overhaul time periods for all significant aircraft system components.
➢ The purpose of reliability programme is to ensure that the a/c maintenance programme task are effective
and their periodicity is adequate.
➢ The reliability programme may result in the escalation or deletion of a maintenance task, as well as the
de-escalation or addition of a maintenance task.
➢ A reliability programme provides an appropriate means of monitoring the effectiveness of the
maintenance programme.
➢ If the maintenance programme is going to be approved by the DGCA, DGCA is responsible for evaluating
the justifications provided in relation to deviations from the recommendations issued by the Design
Approval Holder .
➢ Airworthiness Directives issued by the state of design of an aircraft, engine, propeller and appliance or a
supplementary type certification state are deemed to have been adopted and mandated by DGCA unless
notified otherwise. The owners/operators may comply with the modifications / inspections intimated
through Cablegram / Alert Service Bulletin / email by the type certificate holder

➢ Data for Modification and Repair: Damaged shall be assessed & modification and repair carried out using;
Data approved by DGCA,
Data by an approved by CAR 21/EASA21/FAA PART 21 design organization
➢ Procedure for modification and repair is given in AAC No. 1 of 2017
➢ A/c continuing airworthiness record system: Entry should be made as soon as practical but not later than
30 days after day of maintenance action.
➢ Authorized Release Document – CA Form 1/ EASA Form 1/ FAA 8130.
➢ Owner/ Operator ensure that the record should kept as specified period:
• Maintenance record for a/c and service life limited component – Superseded by new but not less
than 36 months after a/c release to service.
• Total time in service (hours, landing cycles) of a/c and life limited component – at least 12 months
after a/c permanently withdrawn from use.
• Time in service from last scheduled maintenance – at least superseded by new document.
• Current status of AD’s – at least 12 months after a/c permanently withdrawn from service.
• Current modification and repair – at least 12 months after permanently withdrawn from use.

➢ Term “Service life-limited component”;

I. Component subject to certified life limit after which the component should be retired
II. Component subject to service life limit after which the component should undergo
maintenance to restore their serviceability.

➢ The owner/ operator is responsible for retention of a/c record. If they cease their responsibility to other
person, also they will responsible for transferring of such records.
➢ The record system should be in paper form (robust material), computer database or combination of both.
Record stored in microfilm or optical disc form are also acceptable.
➢ The computer system should have at least one backup system, which should updated at least within 24
hours from any maintenance.
➢ If record is lost, reconstruction of record is done on basis of other document and still the record is
incomplete, owner/ operator make a statement in new record describe the loss. The reconstructed
record is submitted to DGCA for acceptance.

➢ Operator technical log system: For CAT in addition to a/c record as above, an operator use a/c technical
log system contains the information;
➢ Information about each flight Current a/c CRS
➢ Maintenance statement contains maintenance status and net due maintenance. It is kept in operators
engineering office
➢ All deferred defect rectification
➢ A/c log system and their amendment is approved by DGCA.
➢ An operator retain a/c technical log for 36 months from the date of last entry.
➢ An a/c technical log shall contain 5 sections:
→ Section 1 - A/c and operator information such registration mark of a/c, name and address of operator.
→ Section 2 – Maintenance record such as next maintenance due, current CRS.
→ Section 3 – Operation of a/c such as time of takeoff and landing, total flying hours, pre-flight
inspection signature. This section is made in 2 copy (one copy in a/c and other in ground until a/c
complete its flight)
→ Section 4 – Deferred defect.
→ Section 5 – Information for a/c commander such as how to contact maintenance engineer.
➢ A “permanent transfer” does not generally include the dry lease-out of an aircraft when the duration of
the lease agreement is less than 6 months.

SUBPART D – MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

➢ Maintenance Data:
➢ The person or organisation maintaining an aircraft shall have access to and use only applicable current
maintenance data in the performance of maintenance including modifications and repairs.
➢ Maintenance data is applicable for
• any applicable requirement, procedure, standard or information issued by DGCA,
• any applicable airworthiness directive,
• applicable instructions for continuing airworthiness, issued by type certificate holders,
supplementary type certificate holders and any other organisation that publishes such data in
accordance with CAR 21.
➢ The data should be available in the close proximity of a/c or component being maintained for mechanic
and certifying staff to perform maintenance.
➢ For lengthy maintenance task that cause changing of maintenance personnel, it must use supplementary
work card or worksheets to identify what work has actually done.

➢ Performance of Maintenance: The person not authorized to issue CRS should work under the supervision
of certifying staff.
➢ The person doing specialized task such as welding must possesses C of C (Certificate of Competency)

➢ Independent inspection is one possible error-capturing method.

• It consists of an inspection performed by an ‘independent qualified person’ of a task carried out by
an ‘authorised person
• ‘authorised person’ is the person who performs the task or supervises the task and assumes the full
responsibility for the completion of the task in accordance with the applicable maintenance data;
• ‘independent qualified person’ is the person who performs the independent inspection and attests
the satisfactory completion of the task and that no deficiencies have been found. The ‘independent
qualified person’ does not issue a certificate of release to service, therefore he/she is not required to
hold certification privileges
• the certificate of release to service is issued by the ‘authorised person’ after the independent
inspection has been carried out satisfactorily
➢ Independent inspection is an inspection made by authorized person signing the CRS & having full
responsibility of work done. The second person is not issuing CRS & therefore not require to hold license
but suitably qualified to carry out inspection.
➢ Re-inspection is subject to the same conditions as the independent inspection is, except that the
‘authorised person’ performing the maintenance task is also acting as ‘independent qualified person’ and
performs the inspection.
o The certificate of release to service is issued by the ‘authorised person’ after the reinspection has
been performed satisfactorily
o The work card system should record the identification of the ‘authorised person’ and the date
and the details of the reinspection, as necessary, before the certificate of release to service is
issued.’

➢ A/c Defect: Only authorized certifying staff decide whether a/c defect is rectified before flight or deferred
for later rectification. The defect not rectified before flight shall be recorded in a/c technical log or a/c
maintenance record system.
➢ The deferred defect should be known to pilot before their arrival to a/c.

SUBPART E – COMPONENTS

➢ Classification and Installation:

➢ All components shall be classified into the following categories
 a) Components which are in a satisfactory condition, released on CA Form 1 or equivalent and
marked in accordance with Subpart Q of CAR 21, unless otherwise specified in CAR 21 or CAR M.
b) Unserviceable components which shall be maintained in accordance with this Regulation
c) Components categorized as unsalvageable because they have reached their certified life limit or
contain a non-repairable defect
d) Standard parts used on an aircraft, engine, propeller or other aircraft component when specified
in the maintenance data and accompanied by evidence of conformity traceable to the applicable
standard.
e) Material both raw and consumable used in the course of maintenance when the organisation is
satisfied that the material meets the required specification and has appropriate traceability. All
materials must be accompanied by documentation clearly relating to the particular material and
containing a conformity to specification statement plus both the manufacturing and supplier
source
f) Components, standard parts and material shall only be installed on an aircraft or a component
when they are in a satisfactory condition, belong to one of the categories listed in point (a) and
the applicable maintenance data specifies the particular component, standard part or material

➢ A document equivalent to an CA Form 1 may be:

I. a release document issued by an organisation under the terms of a bilateral agreement signed
by DGCA;
II. EASA Form 1
III. FAA Form 8130-3
IV. Airworthiness release documents issued by the manufacturer of aircraft for new components
shall be acceptable for the installation on type of aircraft for which Type Certificate is accepted
by DGCA
V. A release document issued by an organisation approved under CAR 145
VI. UK CAA Form 1
VII. Any other form acceptable to DGCA.

➢ UNSERVICEABLE COMPONENTS
• The person or organisation that performs maintenance should ensure the proper identification of
any unserviceable components. The unserviceable status of the component should be clearly
declared on a tag together with the component identification data and any information that is
useful to define actions that are necessary to be taken.
• Such information should state, as applicable, in-service times, maintenance status, preservation
status, failures, defects or malfunctions reported or detected, exposure to adverse environmental
conditions, and whether the component is installed on an aircraft that was involved in an
accident or incident.
• Unserviceable components should typically undergo maintenance due to
(1) expiry of the service life limit as defined in the aircraft maintenance programme;
(2) non-compliance with the applicable airworthiness directives and other continuing
airworthiness requirements mandated by the DGCA;
(3) absence of the necessary information to determine the airworthiness status or eligibility for
installation;
(4) evidence of defects or malfunctions;
(5) being installed on an aircraft that was involved in an incident or accident likely to affect the
component’s serviceability.

➢ UNSALVAGEABLE COMPONENTS
• The following types of components should typically be classified as unsalvageable
i. components with non-repairable defects, whether visible or not to the naked eye;
ii. components that do not meet design specifications, and cannot be brought into
conformity with such specifications
iii. components subjected to unacceptable modification or rework that is irreversible;
 iv. certified life-limited parts that have reached or exceeded their certified life limits, or have
missing or incomplete records
v. components whose airworthy condition cannot be restored due to exposure to extreme
forces, heat or adverse environmental conditions
vi. components for which conformity with an applicable airworthiness directive cannot be
accomplished
vii. components for which maintenance records and/or traceability to the manufacturer
cannot be retrieved.

➢ Component Maintenance: It is not eligible to issue CA form 1 for component that is removed from a/c and
installed after performing maintenance on it.
➢ Maintenance of engine/ auxiliary power unit (APU) is performed by B rated organization.
➢ Component removal and installed on a/c is considered as a/c maintenance and not component
maintenance.
➢ Service Life Limited Component: Installed component shall not exceed service life limit as specified in
maintenance programme and AD.
➢ Service life limit is express in calendar time, flight hours, landing cycles.

➢ MUTILATION OF COMPONENTS
• Mutilation should be accomplished in such a manner that the components become permanently
unusable for their originally intended use. Mutilated components should not be able to be
reworked or camouflaged to provide the appearance of being serviceable, such as by replating,
shortening and rethreading long bolts, welding, straightening, machining, cleaning, polishing, or
repainting
• Mutilation may be accomplished by one or a combination of the following procedures
I. grinding;
II. burning;
III. removal of a major lug or other integral feature;
IV. permanent distortion of parts;
V. cutting a hole with cutting torch or saw;
VI. melting;
VII. sawing into many small pieces; and
VIII. any other method accepted by the competent authority.

SUBPART F – MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION

➢ CAR M Subpart F deals with approval of organization for maintenance of a/c other than complex motor
power aircraft and componenets to be installed therein not used by air operator certified in accordance
with schedule XI of aircraft rule 1937.
➢ An application for issue or variation of maintenance organization approval shall be made in CA Form 2.
➢ Organization for fabrication of parts must have procedures include in its maintenance organization
manual.
➢ The agreement by DGCA for the fabrication of parts by the approved maintenance organisation should be
formalised through the approval of a detailed procedure in the maintenance organisation manual.
➢ An approved data for fabrication of parts is approved either by DGCA, TC or STC holder, CAR 21 design
organization manual.
➢ Parts should not be fabricated unless an engineering drawing of item is produced & acceptable to DGCA.
➢ Maintenance organization manual and its amendments shall be approved by DGCA RAO.
➢ Minor amendment to manual is indirectly approved provided the amendments are submitted to DGCA
LAO at least 15 days before their effectively.
➢ Personnel Requirements: An organization appoint accountable manager who has corporate authority for
ensuring that all maintenance is financed and carried out to standard required by DGCA. A person may be
Accountable manager for more than one organization & is not require be knowledgeable on technical
matters. It may be CEO.
➢ Maintenance organization depend on extent of approval should have a/c maintenance manager,
workshop manager are responsible to AM (accountable manager).
➢ A/c maintenance Manager is responsible to ensure that any maintenance, defect rectification carried out
accordance with design and quality standard.
➢ Segregation means storing unserviceable components in a separate secured location from serviceable
components
➢ The aircraft maintenance manager is responsible for ensuring that all maintenance required to be carried
out, plus any defect rectification carried out during aircraft maintenance, is carried out to the design and
quality standards specified in this CAR
➢ Workshop Manager is responsible to ensure that all work on a/c component is carried out to standard.
A/c maintenance manager or Workshop manager should have knowledge of CAR M, knowledge of
maintenance organization manual, 5 years aviation experience of which at least 3 years should be
practical maintenance experience.
➢ The organization may temporary sub contract the staff for higher than normally contracted work.
Temporary staff should not issue CRS.
➢ A personnel carrying specialized task such as welding, NDT, NDI shall hold Certificate of Competency
➢ Particular NDT test means dye penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic, radiographic
method X ray & gamma ray.
➢ Baroscopic and Coin tapping are non-destructive inspection (NDI) rather than non-destructive testing.
➢ For repetitive pre-flight airworthiness directives or if a/c operating away from supported location, the
organization may issue “Limited certifying staff authorization” to a/c commander on the basis of flight
crew license after organization satisfy that sufficient practical training has been carried out to require
standard.
➢ The commander hold either ATPL, CPL or equivalent acceptable to DGCA.
➢ The task carried out and certified by commander are replacement of internal lights, filament, closing of
cowling, regiment of quick access inspection panel, any simple check/ replacement.
➢ The Limited certifying staff authorization having validity of 12 months subject to satisfactory recurrent
training.
➢ Certifying Staff: To exercise the privileges of certifying staff, the person must possess AME license issued
by DGCA & having knowledge of a/c rated on his license.
➢ An organization appoint certifying staff after the assessment of competence and capability of person
under the supervision of another certifying staff.
➢ When person recruit from another organization and was certifying staff in that organization then written
confirmation from previous organization may require.
➢ The organization may issue “one off certification authorization” when a/c is grounded away from main
base and there is no certifying staff is available to issue CRS.
➢ One-off Certification Authorization is issue;
➢ To an employee’s of an organization having type qualification on a/c of similar system, OR

➢ To any person with not less than 3 years of maintenance experience and holding AME license for such
type of a/c.
➢ The above must be reported to DGCA within 7 days of issuance of authorization. An organization ensure
that any maintenance that could affect flight safety is re-checked.
➢ The above requirement is documented in organization exposition.
➢ Component Certificate of Release to Service: After completion of component maintenance, a component
certificate of release to service is issued in CA Form 1.
➢ The CA Form 1 contain block:
• block 14b – Signature, block 11 – stating “Inspected”, block 12 – Remark Column
➢ Maintenance Records: The approved maintenance organization shall provide a copy of each certificate of
release to service to the aircraft owner.
 ➢ Organization should retain a copy of all maintenance records and any associated data for 3 years from
the date of a/c release to service.
➢ When organization terminates its operation, all maintenance record of last 3 years shall be distributed to
last owner or customer of respective a/c.
➢ Validity of approval: Subpart F Maintenance Organization approval shall be valid for Max period of 5
years .
➢ Findings: i. Level 1 finding is any non-compliance with CAR M requirement which lower the safety
standard and hazards seriously the flight safety.
➢ Level 2 finding is any which lower the safety standard and possibly hazards the flight safety.
➢ Corrective action is taken for level 1 finding is within 7 days & for level 2 finding within 30 days.

SUBPART G – CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

➢ An application for issue or extension of CAMO approval shall be made on CA Form 2.

➢ The approval of CAMO is indicated on CA Form 14 Approval Certificate.
➢ The scope of work of CAMO is specified in CAME (Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition).
➢ The CAME and its amendments is approved by DGCA.
➢ Minor amendments to exposition may be approved indirectly through an indirect approval procedure.
Provided the amemdments are submitted to DGCA local office atleast 15 days before their affectivity and
procedure is documented.
➢ The CAMO may use EDP (Electronic Data Processing) for publication of the CAME.
➢ Personnel Requirements: For CAT (Commercial Air Transport), the accountable manager is a person of
corporate authority to ensure that all operation of operator can be financed and carried out to standard
require for the issue of AOC (Air Operator’s Certificate)
➢ The actual number of person employed & their necessary qualification is depends on “Task to be performed”,
“Size and complexity of organization”, & “Amount and complexity of maintenance Contracting”.
➢ Nominated person or a group of such person should have:
→ Comprehensive knowledge of
• relevant parts of operation,
• AOC holder operation specification,
Content of the releveny parts of the AOC holder’s operations manual.
→ Knowledge of Quality system.
→ 5 years relevant work experience of which at least 2 years should be from aeronautical industry.
→ Engineering degree or a/c maintenance technician qualification.
→ Knowledge of organization CAME.

➢ Accountable manager is normally intended to mean the chief executive officer of the continuing airworthiness
management organisation approved under Subpart G.
➢ For CAT, accountable manager nominate a Post Holder (i.e. QCM) is responsible for management and
supervision of activities in CAMO. DGCA accept post holder if employed from CAR 145 organization.

➢ Airworthiness Review Staff:

➢ To be approved to carry out airworthiness reviews, an approved continuing airworthiness management

organisation shall have appropriate airworthiness review staff to issue airworthiness review certificates .

➢ For a/c used in CAT & having MTOM of above 2730 kg except balloons, the staff should acquire;
1. At least 5 years of experience in continuing airworthiness
2. Appropriate AME license or aeronautical degree or equivalent
3. Formal aeronautical maintenance training
4. Position in approved organization with appropriate responsibilities.
5. Not satisfy the above, requirement given in 2) is replaced by 5 years of experience in continuing
airworthiness in addition to 1).
For a/c not used in CAT & having MTOM of 2730 kg or below and balloons, the staff should acquire;
1. At least 3 years of experience in continuing airworthiness.
2. Appropriate AME license or aeronautical degree
3. Formal aeronautical maintenance training
4. Position in approved organization with appropriate responsibilities.
5. Not satisfy the above, requirement given in 2) is replaced by 4 years of experience in continuing
airworthiness in addition to 1).

➢ Airworthiness Review Staff nominated by approved CAMO can only issue an authorization by CAMO when
accepted by DGCA after satisfactory completion of review under supervision of DGCA or under the
supervision of the organisation's airworthiness review staff in accordance with a procedure approved by
the DGCA.
➢ In the case of one-man organisations, this person has always overall authority. This means that this
person can be nominated as airworthiness review staff.
➢ The formal acceptance by the DGCA of the airworthiness review staff is granted through the
corresponding CA Form 4
➢ The CAMO should retain the record of Review Staff for 2 years after they left the organization

➢ To keep the validity of review staff authorization, the review staff should have either;
• Involved in continuing airworthiness management activities for at least 6 months in every 2 years.
• conducted at least one review in last 12 months.

➢ Continuing Airworthiness Management:

➢ All continuing airworthiness management shall be carried out according to the prescriptions of Subpart C .
➢ For every aircraft managed, the approved continuing airworthiness management organisation shall
develop and control a maintenance programme for the aircraft managed including any applicable
reliability programme.
➢ For CAT, if operator is not approved under CAR 145, the operator may have written contract with such an
organization.
➢ A/c base maintenance, scheduled line maintenance and engine maintenance contract shall be accepted
to DGCA.
➢ If a/c require unscheduled line maintenance, the contract is in the form of Work Order.
➢ The list of CAR 145 contractor or the reference of the list should be included in CAME.
➢ The maintenance contract is not necessary when the maintenance is based on one time work order (only
for particular one time maintenance).

➢ Documentation:
➢ The approved CAMO shall hold and use applicable current maintenance data for the performance of
continuing airworthiness tasks. This data may be provided by the owner or the operator, subject to an
appropriate contract being established with such an owner or operator.
➢ For Non-CAT, the CAMO may develop “baseline” and/ or “generic” maintenance programme for initial
approval.
➢ Baseline maintenance programme is develop for particular aircraft type .
➢ Generic maintenance programme is maintenance programme developed to cover a group of similar types
of aircraft. These programme should be based on same types of instructions as the baseline maintenance
programme.
➢ “Base line” and “generic” maintenance programmes are not applicable to a particular aircraft registration
mark, but to an aircraft type or group of types, and should be available to the DGCA prior to the initial
approval and prior to the extension of the scope of an existing organisation approval.

➢ Airworthiness Review: Review of a/c is carried by, Document review and Physical survey of a/c.
➢ A full document review of a/c records carried out by CAMO. The CAMO should develop procedures for
the airworthiness review staff to produce a compliance report that confirm the a/c is review and found in
compliance with CAR M.
➢ The review staff of CAMO shall carry out physical survey of a/c. If review staff are not appropriately
approved to licensing requirements shall be assisted by such qualified person.
➢ The Airworthiness Review Certificate (CA Form 15b ) or a recommendation for the issue of the
airworthiness review certificate ( CA Form 15a) .
➢ A copy of any airworthiness review certificate issued or extended for an aircraft shall be sent to DGCA
within 10 days along with requisite fees.
➢ Airworthiness review tasks shall not be sub-contracted.
➢ The DGCA shall be informed by the organisation as soon as practicable but in any case within 72 hours
from the moment the organisation identifies the condition to which the review relates.
➢ Airworthiness review is anticipated by max of 90 days without loss of continuity of the review. A copy of
both physical inspection and document review compliance report is sent to DGCA along with CA Form 15.
A copy of airworthiness review certificate issued for an a/c shall be sent to state of registry (DGCA) within
10 days
➢ Airworthiness review task shall not be sub-contracted.
➢ If the outcome of review is inconclusive, DGCA shall be informed.

➢ Quality System: The QS shall monitor organization activities includes the functions;
➢ Monitor that the organization task is performed in accordance with approved procedures
➢ Monitor that all contracted maintenance is carried according to the contract
➢ Monitor the continued compliance with this CAR.
➢ The record of above activities is stored for at least 2 years.
➢ The primary objective of QS is to enable CAMO to ensure the airworthy a/c & to remain in compliance to
this CAR.
➢ An essential element of quality system is the Independent Audit.
➢ If there is no safety related findings, the audit time period is increased by 100 % if agree by DGCA.
➢ For small organization managing Non CAT, the QS is replaced by regular organizational review subject to
approval of DGCA.
➢ A small organization is an organization with up to 5 full time staff
➢ Changes to CAMO should be notify to DGCA at the earliest opportunity.

➢ Record Keeping: The copy of each airworthiness review certificate and recommendation issued is retain
for 2 years after a/c is permanently withdrawn from use.
➢ When CAMO terminates its operation, the retained records shall be transferred to the owner of the a/c.
➢ Continued Validity of Approval: An approval to CAMO shall be issued for maximum period of 5 years.

SUBPART H – CERRTIFICATE OF RELEASE TO SERVICE (CRS)

➢ No aircraft can be released to service unless a certificate of release to service is issued at the completion
of any maintenance, when satisfied that all maintenance required has been properly carried out by
• appropriate certifying staff on behalf of the maintenance organisation approved in accordance
with Section A, Subpart F of CAR-M

• certifying staff in compliance with requirements of. CAR 66, except for complex maintenance
tasks
• the Pilot-owner
➢ For unforeseen case, when a/c is grounded where no approved maintenance organization is available, the
owner may authorize any person with not less than 3 years of maintenance experience and holding
proper qualification
➢ The a/c is rechecked and release by an authorized person by subpart F of CAR M or CAR 145 organization
at the earliest opportunity but within a period not exceeding 7 days.
➢
➢ A certificate of release to service shall contain as a minimum
1. basic details of the maintenance carried out; and
2. the date such maintenance was completed; and
3. the identity of the organisation and/or person issuing the release to service, including:

➢ When maintenance of a/c cannot be completed, CRS may be issued within in the approved a/c limitation.
➢ A CRS shall not issue in case of any known non-compliance which endanger flight safety.
➢ Component CRS shall be issue on CA Form 1.
➢ When organization carried a maintenance on component and used on his own, then CA Form 1 is not
required.
➢ “3 years of appropriate maintenance experience” means 3 years working in an aircraft maintenance
environment on at least some of the aircraft type systems corresponding to the aircraft endorsed on the
aircraft maintenance license or on the certifying staff authorisation that the person holds.
➢ “Holding the proper qualifications”
1. a valid ICAO Annex 1 compliant maintenance license for the aircraft type requiring certification
2. a certifying staff authorisation valid for the work requiring certification, issued by an ICAO Annex 6
approved maintenance organisation

➢ The certificate of release to service should relate to the task specified in the manufacturer's or operator's
instruction or the aircraft maintenance programme which itself may cross-refer to a manufacturer's/
operator's instruction in a maintenance manual, service bulletin etc .
➢ ‘Endangers flight safety’ means any instance where safe operation could not be assured or which could
lead to an unsafe condition. It typically includes, but is not limited to, significant cracking, deformation,
corrosion or failure of primary structure, any evidence of burning, electrical arcing, significant hydraulic
fluid or fuel leakage and any emergency system or total system failure. An airworthiness directive
overdue for compliance is also considered a hazard to flight safety

➢ Pilot Owner Authorization: For light a/c use in non-CAT, to qualify for pilot-owner, the person must;
1. Hold a valid pilot license issued or validated by DGCA for a/c type rated or class rating;
2. Own the a/c, either a sole or joint, the owner must be
▪ One of the natural person on the registration form;
▪ or Member of non-profit recreational legal entity
▪ The scope of limited pilot-owner authorization is specified in A/c Maintenance Programme
▪ The CRS shall be entered in the logbook and contain basic details of maintenance carried out, date
of maintenance, maintenance data used, signature & pilot license number issuing certificate.
 SUBPART I – AIRWORTHINESS REVIEW CERTIFICATE (ARC)

➢ A/c Airworthiness Review: To ensure the validity of C of A, an airworthiness review of the a/c is carried
out periodically.
➢ An airworthiness certificate is issued on CA Form 15a or 15b on completion of the review. CA Form 15a is
issued by DGCA while CA Form 15b is issued by CAR M Subpart G organization (CAMO).
➢ The ARC is valid for 1 year.
➢ An a/c is in controlled environment if continuously managed during last 12 months by CAMO, CAR M
Subpart F and CAR 145 organization.
➢ For a/c use in CAT and having MTOM of above 2730 kg except balloons are in a controlled environment,
the organization (CAR 145, CAR M Subpart- F or G) issue ARC. For ARC issued, the a/c in controlled
environment, extend twice the validity of ARC for a period of one year each time.
➢ For a/c use in CAT and having MTOM of above 2730 kg except balloon are not in controlled environment,
the organization (CAR 145, CAR M Subpart – F & G) not hold the privileges to issue CRS, the ARC is issued
by DGCA.
➢ For a/c not use in CAT and having MTOM of 2730 kg or below including balloon, the organization issue
ARC.
➢ For ARC issued under controlled environment may extend twice the validity of ARC for a period of 1 year
each time.
➢ DGCA shall not be issued ARC for more than two consecutive years.
➢ Whenever circumstances reveal the existence of a potential safety threat DGCA shall carry out the
airworthiness review and issue ARC on CA Form 15a.
➢ DGCA may also issue ARC in the following cases;
▪ If a/c managed by CAMO located outside of India;
▪ For balloons and any other a/c of 2730 kg MTOM and below, if requested by owner;

➢ When DGCA carries out the airworthiness review and/or issues the airworthiness review certificate itself,
the owner or operator shall provide DGCA with
▪ the documentation required by DGCA; and
▪ suitable accommodation at the appropriate location for its personnel; and
▪ when necessary, the support of personnel appropriately qualified in accordance with CAR 66 or
equivalent personnel requirements

➢ An airworthiness review certificate cannot be issued nor extended if there is evidence or reason to
believe that the aircraft is not airworthy
➢ The organisation nominates airworthiness review staff complying with all the following requirements
▪ The airworthiness review staff hold a certifying staff authorisation for the corresponding
aircraft
▪ The airworthiness review staff have at least three years of experience as certifying staff
▪ The airworthiness review staff have acquired knowledge of this CAR relevant to continuing
airworthiness management.
▪ The airworthiness review staff have acquired proven knowledge of the procedures of the
maintenance organisation relevant to the airworthiness review and issue of the airworthiness
review certificate
▪ The airworthiness review staff have been formally accepted by the DGCA after having
performed an airworthiness review under the supervision of the DGCA or under the
supervision of the organisation's airworthiness review staff in accordance with a procedure
approved by the DGCA.
▪ the airworthiness review staff have performed at least one airworthiness review in the last
twelve- month period.

➢ A copy of the airworthiness review certificate issued is sent to the DGCA within 10 days of the date of
issue .
➢ It is acceptable to anticipate the extension of ARC by maximum of 30 days without loss of continuity of
airworthiness review pattern.
➢ The CA Form 15c is only applicable to Category I Light aircraft not involved in commercial operations. a
new EASA Form 15a or 15b has to be issued if the operation of the aircraft changes to commercial. This
includes the corresponding approval of the maintenance programme and the performance of an
airworthiness review.

➢ Validity of the Airworthiness Review Certificate

a) An airworthiness review certificate becomes invalid if
▪ suspended or revoked; or
▪ the airworthiness certificate is suspended or revoked
▪ the aircraft is not on the aircraft register of DGCA; or certificate of registration is not valid or
▪ the type certificate under which the airworthiness certificate was issued is suspended or
revoked

(b) An aircraft must not fly if the airworthiness certificate is invalid or if:
▪ the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft or any component fitted to the aircraft does not meet
the requirements of this CAR, or;
▪ the aircraft does not remain in conformity with the type design approved/accepted by DGCA; or
▪ the aircraft has been operated beyond the limitations of the approved flight manual or the
airworthiness certificate, without appropriate action being taken; or
▪ the aircraft has been involved in an accident or incident that affects the airworthiness of the
aircraft, without subsequent appropriate action to restore airworthiness; or
▪ a modification or repair has not been approved

(c) Upon surrender or revocation, the airworthiness review certificate shall be returned to DGCA .

(d) Restriction on ARC validity due to validity of C of R

▪ In case of leased aircraft, the period of validity of airworthiness review certificate (ARC) shall be
restricted to the date of validity of certificate of registration
▪ Such an ARC may be further extended for the remaining period of 1 year validity without payment
of additional fee and physical inspection, provided the maintenance due during the period has
been satisfactorily completed. In case the aircraft is undergoing maintenance, the ARC shall be
extended after completion of the maintenance by ARC staff/ concerned RAO/ SRAO on payment
of requisite fee and physical inspection of the aircraft

➢ The a/c could not fly until the ARC is extended; and
➢ The new expiration date (after extension) is set 1 year after the previous expiration date (not 1 year after
extension is performed).
➢ Upon surrender or revocation, the ARC shall be returned to DGCA.
➢ In case of leased a/c, the period of validity of ARC shall be restricted to the date of validity of C of R.
➢ If a/c registration is transferred to India, the ARC remains valid until its expiry date.
➢ Airworthiness Review of A/c Imported into India: If a/c imported in India, the person;
➢ Apply to DGCA for issuance of new C of A;
➢ For a/c other than new, required airworthiness review;
➢ The person should inform DGCA at least 10 working days in advance of the time and location of
airworthiness review.
➢ If require airworthiness review by DGCA should be requested to DGCA with a 30 day notice.