CASA 203/14 - Specification — examinations for aircraft maintenance engineer licence category engines

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Legislation au F2014L01160 In force Legislative Instrument

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Explanatory Statement

Civil Aviation Order 100.92

Specification — examinations for aircraft maintenance engineer licence category engines

 

Legislation

Section 98 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act) provides that the Governor-General may make regulations for the Act and the safety of air navigation.

 

Prior to the commencement on 27 June 2011 of Part 66 – Continuing airworthiness – aircraft engineer licences and ratings of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) (CASA’s current aircraft maintenance engineer licensing system), CASA issued aircraft maintenance engineer licences (AME licences) under regulation 31 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988). These licences were endorsed with 1 or more maintenance categories which described the areas in which the privileges of the licence could be exercised. These categories were airframes, engines, radio, electrical and instruments.

 

Under regulation 31B of CAR 1988, the privileges conferred by an AME licence for a particular category were further refined by means of ratings which were also endorsed on the licence. In addition, Civil Aviation Orders (the CAOs) specified ratings and the maintenance activities covered by them, for example, Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 100.91 for the category airframes, CAO 100.92 for the category engines, CAO 100.93 for the category radio, CAO 100.94 for the category electrical, and CAO 100.95 for the category instruments.

 

Under regulation 31 of CAR 1988, only a qualified person could apply to CASA for the issue of an AME licence. A qualified person meant a person who passed the required examinations. Under subregulation 5 (1A) of CAR 1988, the required examinations could be prescribed in the CAOs.

 

Under regulation 31C of CAR 1988, examinations for particular ratings could be prescribed in the CAOs. Under subsection 6 of CAO 100.92, for the grant of a licence, or the endorsement of a rating in the category engines, applicants must pass the relevant examinations specified by CASA.  CASA 203/14 is the instrument that specifies the relevant examinations.

 

Regulations 31, 31B and 31C of CAR 1988 were repealed by the Civil Aviation and Civil Aviation Safety Amendment Regulations 2010 (No. 1) (SLI No 328 of 2010) on 27 June 2011. However, regulation 202.344 of CASR 1998 is a transitional provision that keeps the operation of these provisions effective, as if in force immediately before 27 June 2011, effectively allowing an individual to apply for a Part 66 licence using the CAR 31 licensing examination system until the end of 26 June 2015. 

 

Under subsection 33 (3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, where an Act confers a power to make, grant or issue any instrument of a legislative or administrative character (including rules, regulations or by-laws), the power shall be construed as including a power exercisable in the like manner and subject to the like conditions (if any) to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend, or vary any such instrument.

 

Instrument

The instrument contains the operative provisions for examinations for an AME licence in the engines category and the examinations for the endorsement of ratings on the licence.  The instrument repeals CASA 287/06 as amended (also known as F2010C00101) and remakes the instrument with substantially similar content, with an amendment to subclause 4 (1A) of the instrument to reference the Part 66 Manual of Standards (MOS) of CASR 1998, for demonstration of knowledge during an examination conducted by a Maintenance Training Organisation. The previous references to CAO 100.66 (which has been repealed) have been amended to refer to the Part 66 MOS, which superseded and repealed CAO 100.66.  For the avoidance of doubt, CASA 287/06 (also known as F2006L03274) is also repealed.

 

As explained and applied by a series of provisions in Schedule 1 of the instrument, Table 1 in Schedule 1 specifies the relevant examinations by reference to the core subjects, specific group subjects and specific aircraft type examinations. All core subjects are mandatory with additional mandatory subjects for a specific aircraft type for licence group 21 (piston and turbine engine aeroplanes) and group 22 (piston and turbine engine helicopters). Specific group subjects are required depending on the rating which a person seeks to have endorsed on the licence. Specific aircraft type examinations are required if the person seeks a rating for that specific aircraft type.

 

The provisions in clause 4 of Schedule 1 describe the examination credits that may be available to an applicant, and provide for certain written or oral examinations to be waived if conditions are met.

 

Legislative Instruments Act

Under subsection 5 (1) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003 (the LIA), if an instrument is of a legislative character and made in the exercise of a power delegated by the Parliament, it is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the LIA. Because of its prescriptive character in setting out the examination requirements, the instrument is considered to be a legislative instrument and is, therefore, subject to tabling and disallowance in the Parliament under sections 38 and 42 of the LIA.

 

Consultation

The amendment to subclause 4 (1A) is of a minor and machinery nature. It is CASA’s view that it is not necessary or appropriate to undertake any further consultation under section 17 of the LIA.

 

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

A Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights is at Attachment 1.

 

Office of Best Practice Regulation (OBPR)

The repeal of CASA 287/06 and its remaking with a minor amendment does not alter the existing examination arrangements with industry. Like CASA 287/06, this instrument allows for examination credit that is beneficial to relevant licence candidates, and does not impose regulatory compliance costs. OBPR previously conducted an assessment of CASA 287/06 when it was proposed to be introduced and advised that a Regulation Impact Statement would not be required since it would have a nil to low impact on business. CASA 203/14 operates identically to CASA 287/06.

 

Making and commencement

The repeal instrument has been made by the Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, in accordance with subsection 73 (2) of the Act and under subsection 6 of CAO 100.92.

 

The instrument commences on the day after registration.

 

[Instrument number CASA 203/14]

Attachment 1

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

 

Specification — examinations for aircraft maintenance engineer licence category engines

 

This legislative instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

 

Overview of the legislative instrument

This instrument specifies the examination requirements for candidates seeking to hold a maintenance engineer licence for the category engines. Table 1 in Schedule 1 specifies the relevant examinations by reference to the core subjects, specific group subjects and specific aircraft type examinations. 

 

The instrument has a beneficial effect to industry, allowing for examination credits and waivers where requirements have been met.

 

Human rights implications

This legislative instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

 

Conclusion

This legislative instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Overview

The Civil Aviation Order 100.92, titled "Specification — examinations for aircraft maintenance engineer licence category engines," was enacted to detail the examination requirements for candidates seeking an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) licence in the engines category. This Order was introduced to address the need for standardised and regulated examinations for AME licences under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enacting body responsible for ensuring the safety and regulation of civil aviation in Australia. The policy objective of this Order is to ensure that individuals seeking an AME licence in the engines category are adequately assessed through relevant and standardised examinations, thereby maintaining high safety and competency standards within the aviation industry. This Order is instrumental in maintaining the integrity and safety of aircraft maintenance by ensuring that all candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills before being granted a licence. The Civil Aviation Order 100.92 operates in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, providing detailed specifications for the examinations required for the engines category of AME licences. It outlines the core subjects, specific group subjects, and specific aircraft type examinations that candidates must pass, allowing for examination credits and waivers where appropriate. By specifying these requirements, the Order aims to ensure that AME licence holders in the engines category are competent and knowledgeable, thereby contributing to the overall safety and airworthiness of aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Order 100.92 pertains to the specifications for examinations required for aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) licences in the category of engines. This instrument applies to individuals who wish to obtain or maintain a licence for working on aircraft engines. It outlines the examination requirements, credits, and waivers that must be fulfilled, ensuring that AMEs possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles safely and effectively. The instrument is a legislative instrument under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, and thus, it is subject to tabling and disallowance in the Parliament. Geographically, it applies within Australia, as it is made under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which operates at the Commonwealth level. The Order repealed CASA 287/06 and remade it with minor amendments, retaining the same regulatory impact on industry. No exclusions or exemptions are explicitly stated, but the requirements vary based on the specific aircraft type and ratings sought. The instrument allows for examination credits and waivers, which can benefit licence candidates, and it does not impose additional regulatory compliance costs.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Order 100.92 are detailed in the instrument CASA 203/14, which sets out the specifications for examinations for an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) licence in the engines category. Section 6 of the instrument outlines that to obtain a licence or endorsement of a rating in the engines category, applicants must pass the relevant examinations specified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The examinations are specified in Table 1 of Schedule 1, which lists core subjects, specific group subjects, and specific aircraft type examinations. These requirements ensure that candidates demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of both general and specific knowledge relevant to engine maintenance. The obligations imposed by the Act include ensuring that applicants meet the specified examination requirements. According to the instrument, all core subjects are mandatory, with additional mandatory subjects for specific aircraft types (piston and turbine engine aeroplanes and piston and turbine engine helicopters). Specific group subjects are required depending on the rating a person seeks to have endorsed on their licence, and specific aircraft type examinations are necessary if the person seeks a rating for that specific aircraft type. This detailed framework ensures that AMEs are adequately trained and knowledgeable in their respective areas of expertise. The Civil Aviation Order also outlines potential consequences for non-compliance. While specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the instrument, failure to pass the required examinations could result in the denial of the licence or endorsement. Additionally, CASA has the authority to take enforcement actions under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, which may include fines and other regulatory measures for non-compliance with licensing requirements. These provisions ensure that the standards set forth by the Act are upheld and that only qualified individuals are granted AME licences. The instrument also provides for certain examination credits and waivers under clause 4 of Schedule 1, allowing for flexibility where candidates have met specific conditions. This aspect of the legislation aims to facilitate the licensing process while maintaining stringent standards. It ensures that candidates can leverage prior qualifications and experience, thus promoting efficiency and recognising prior learning. The overall intent is to balance the need for rigorous qualification with practical considerations that support the aviation industry's workforce.

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Area of Law
Administrative Law
Civil Aviation Law
Instrument
Regulation
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Compliance Obligations
Examinations
Licensing & Registration

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.