WHAT TYPES OF AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATES ARE THERE?
The list below includes the types of aircraft certifications that can be performed. Click on each link and be guided through that specific certification process.
If you don't know what certification you need, or are just researching the topic please read the summary information below each link to help guide you.
Standard Airworthiness Certification A standard airworthiness certificate is issued for most aircraft and is classified by category of operation (i.e., normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, transport category, or manned free balloons).
Export Airworthiness Certification An Export Certificate of Airworthiness, is issued for aircraft which demonstrates compliance to the import countries Airworthiness requires & is safe for flight.
Special Airworthiness Certification There are special category classifications which require special airworthiness certificates. Those categories are Restricted, Multiple, Limited, Primary, Light-Sport, Experimental and Provisional.
Special Flight Permits and Authorizations A permit or authorization to fly an aircraft may be issued for an aircraft that does not currently meet the applicable airworthiness requirements, but is capable of safe flight.
WHAT OTHER CERTIFICATES DO I NEED?
CIVIL AVIATION REGULATIONS 1988 - REG 139
Documents to be carried in Australian aircraft
(1) Subject to subregulation (2), the pilot in command of an aircraft, when flying, must carry on the aircraft:
(a) its certificate of registration;
(b) its certificate of airworthiness;
(c) if Part 42 of CASR does not apply to the aircraft--unless CASA otherwise approves, its maintenance release and any other document approved for use as an alternative to the maintenance release for the purposes of a provision of these Regulations;
(d) unless CASA otherwise approves, the licences and medical certificates of the operating crew;
(e) the flight manual (if any) for the aircraft;
(f) any licence in force with respect to the radio equipment in the aircraft;
(g) if the aircraft is carrying passengers--a list of the names, places of embarkation and places of destination of the passengers;
(h) if the aircraft is carrying cargo--the bills of lading and manifests with respect to the cargo.
(2) An aircraft operating wholly within Australian territory is not required, when flying, to carry a document specified in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (f) or (g).
(3) An aircraft that is operated under an AOC need not carry its flight manual when flying if it carries on board an operations manual that:
(a) contains the information and instructions that are required, under the relevant airworthiness standards for the aircraft, to be included in the flight manual; and
(b) does not contain anything that conflicts with the information or instructions.
(4) An offence against subregulation (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(5) Subregulation (1) does not apply to the pilot in command if the flight was authorised by a special flight permit issued under regulation 21.197 of CASR.
Additionally, under the Air Navigation (Aircraft Noise) Regulations 2018, gives effect to ICAO (The Chicago Convention) Article 31 requires that every aircraft engaged in international navigation shall be provided with a certificate of airworthiness issued or rendered valid by the State in which it is registered.
All civil aircraft operating in Australia are required to comply with the Air Navigation (Aircraft Noise) Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) regardless of size, purpose or ownership.
Responsibility for regulatory compliance rests with the aircraft operator/owner to ensure their aircraft meets the regulations.