ICAO, EASA, and Part-145 Regulations: Aircraft Maintenance
ICAO and EASA Regulations
There are six key documents governing international civil aviation:
- The Convention on International Civil Aviation (The Chicago Convention)
- The Interim Agreement on International Civil Aviation (PICAO)
- The International Air Services Transit Agreement (Two Freedoms)
- The International Air Transport Agreement (Fifth Freedom)
- Drafts of twelve Technical Annexes
- A standard form of Bilateral Agreement for route and air service exchange
The primary difference between ICAO and EC regulations lies in their applicability. ICAO regulations are worldwide, encompassing 190 signatory states, while EC regulations are specific to the European Union member states. ICAO’s assembly manages its budget, whereas the European Commission handles EASA’s budget. Both bodies consist of representatives from their respective member states.
EASA issues non-mandatory standards, signed by its executive director. Key annexes include:
- Annex 1: Defines maintenance technician licenses
- Annex 8: Defines aircraft maintenance requirements
- Annex 6: Defines aircraft operations
EASA’s mission is to ensure the highest level of safety and environmental protection in civil aviation within the European Union and its member states.
Part-145 Organization
The accountable manager is responsible for ensuring resources for maintenance, establishing safety and quality policies, and demonstrating understanding of Annex Part 145. This includes designating a person to monitor the quality system and appointing a maintenance director to represent the organization’s maintenance management structure. The organization must provide facilities for maintenance work, office space, and storage for tools and supplies.
A technician with a C license and certification authorization, along with assistants holding a B license, are necessary for maintenance work. An EASA Form-1 cannot be issued if it exceeds the organization’s capabilities and must be issued by an authorized workshop. Airworthiness directives must be monitored, updated, and accessible to maintenance personnel.
Part 66 Licenses and Certifying Staff
Aircraft maintenance licenses are categorized as follows:
- Category A
- Category B1
- Category B2
- Category B3
- Category C
Subcategories include:
- A1 and B1.1: Airplanes Turbine
- A2 and B1.2: Airplanes Piston
- A3 and B1.3: Helicopters Turbine
- A4 and B1.4: Helicopters Piston
Category B3 applies to piston-engine non-pressurized airplanes of 2000 kg MTOM and below. Five years of practical maintenance experience is required to obtain a B1.1 license without relevant training. Training courses and examinations must be completed within 10 years before applying for a license or adding a category. Requirements include On-the-Job Training (OJT) and an airplane theory course.
Pilot-owners may perform simple visual inspections to check the general condition and normal operation of the airframe, engines, systems, and components. Maintenance of electromechanical and pitot-static components may be authorized by a B1 license holder.