Discussion paper on Part 66 aircraft type ratings (DP 2202MS)

Overview

We are seeking your feedback on proposed improvements to aircraft maintenance type ratings.

We propose to continue to generally harmonise with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type rating and processes. However, future Australian type rating decisions will place the emphasis on an assessment of whether a new aircraft type introduces technologies or techniques that:

• are not covered by the licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME) category training
• require new processes which will be unfamiliar to LAMEs
• are sufficiently safety critical as to require specialised maintenance training.

The proposed options are intended to:

• maintain an appropriate level of safety
• reduce administrative costs
• facilitate better efficiency for both CASA and industry
• effect better processes
• clarify requirements
• provide a more appropriate framework for the assignment of type ratings to aircraft under Part 66 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) and its associated Manual of Standards.

Key changes

The proposed key changes are:

• General alignment with EASA type rating decisions but with some variation for the Australian context.
• Future aircraft type ratings would only be generated if safety-critical technologies or processes required to maintain an aircraft are not covered by Part 66 of CASR licence category training.
• Existing type rated aircraft - not type rated prior to commencement of Part 66 of CASR - would be reverted to no type rating.
• Type rated aircraft with similar maintenance requirements would be grouped together under a common group rating.
• Training for type ratings would be made more accessible.

Please read the discussion paper document DP 2202MS for more information.

Previous consultations

To inform the development of this discussion paper, we consulted the Part 66 Technical Working Group, helicopter operators, approved maintenance organisations, maintenance training providers, the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers’ Association, LAMEs and CASA staff.

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help inform the next phase of policy development and implementation.

Please submit your comments using the survey link on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au for advice.

Documents for review

The Related section at the bottom of this page contains all the documents for this consultation. These are:

• Discussion paper on Part 66 aircraft type ratings - DP 2202MS
• MS Word copy of the online consultation - Discussion paper on Part 66 aircraft type ratings - (DP 2202MS), for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

The Discussion Paper on Part 66 aircraft type ratings (DP 2022MS) document comprises 2 parts:

1. Discussion paper – DP 2202MS
2. Appendix A – Indicative tables of potential changes to type ratings (Appendix A is provided for reference purpose only). 

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

Feedback that improves on the options discussed will be incorporated into the policy proposed.

Post implementation review

We will monitor and review the new policies in practice on an ongoing basis.