Civil Aviation Order 100.24 (Maintenance Authority) Instrument 2007

Overview

Civil Aviation Order 100.24, enacted in 2007 and updated in 2011 and 2026, serves to establish the framework for issuing maintenance authorities within the Australian aviation industry. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for stringent and consistent standards for maintenance personnel to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), acting under the authority of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, is the enacting body for this order, with the overarching policy objective being to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation in Australia. The Order sets forth the requirements for individuals seeking maintenance authorities, including necessary qualifications, training, and experience, as well as the process for application and issuance of such authorities. This regulatory framework is essential in maintaining high standards for aircraft maintenance, thereby contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the civil aviation sector.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Order 100.24, titled "Maintenance Authority" Instrument 2007, is a legislative instrument under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, and it sets out the requirements for the issue and use of a maintenance authority in the context of civil aviation. This Order applies to any person or entity that seeks to carry out maintenance on aircraft, encompassing both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The scope of the Order extends to all maintenance activities conducted within Australia, governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and aligned with the Civil Aviation Act 1988. Notably, the Order stipulates that an applicant for a maintenance authority must hold an aircraft engineer licence, with an exception for applicants seeking authority specifically for maintenance on RPA, who must provide evidence of adequate training and practical experience. The Order mandates the use of a specified application form for seeking a maintenance authority, and CASA retains the discretion to issue such authorities based on the demonstrated competence of the applicant in performing the associated maintenance functions.

Key Provisions

Civil Aviation Order 100.24, which is part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, outlines the requirements and procedures for the issuance of maintenance authorities in Australia. Maintenance authorities allow individuals or entities to carry out maintenance on aircraft, ensuring that such maintenance meets airworthiness standards. Section 1.1 of the Order stipulates that applicants for a maintenance authority must hold an aircraft engineer licence, except in cases where the authority is for maintenance on remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), as per section 1.1A. For these exceptions, applicants must provide evidence of adequate training, practical experience, and pass any required examinations, as detailed in section 1.2. The Order mandates that applications for a maintenance authority must be submitted using a specific application form, typically endorsed by the applicant’s employer regarding the intended use of the authority, as stated in section 2. A maintenance authority may be granted to an applicant who meets the criteria outlined in section 1 and demonstrates the requisite competence to perform the specified maintenance functions, as per section 3.1. This authority can cover maintenance on a particular aircraft or a category of aircraft, engines, systems, or installations, as detailed in section 3.2. Entities and individuals governed by this Order must ensure compliance with the outlined requirements for issuing and maintaining a maintenance authority. This includes holding the necessary qualifications and providing the required evidence of training and experience. Employers must endorse applications, ensuring that the maintenance authority aligns with the intended operational context. Non-compliance with these obligations may result in the denial or revocation of a maintenance authority, potentially impacting the operational readiness and airworthiness of aircraft. Breaching the provisions of Civil Aviation Order 100.24 can lead to significant consequences. For instance, operating without a valid maintenance authority or providing false information in an application can result in civil penalties, including fines and potential legal action. The Order does not explicitly state maximum penalties, but the severity of the breach may influence the extent of the penalty. Additionally, failure to comply with the Order’s requirements could lead to criminal charges, especially if such non-compliance results in unsafe aircraft operations. In such cases, the penalties may include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety.