CASA has introduced a set of exemptions for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry to support businesses affected by the coronavirus restrictions in Australia.
MROs are expected to be impacted by the industry slow-down as the aviation industry gradually shuts down to comply with ever-tightening government rules designed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
In an announcement released today, CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody said the new exemptions were intended to help MROs through difficult times.
"CASA has been phasing in the introduction of various general exemptions for a number of authorisations or permissions related to the continuing airworthiness of aircraft," Carmody said. "These are designed to proportionally manage safety risks while providing relief."
Among the exemptions are:
- if you are a CASR Part 42.G continuing airworthiness management organisation (CAMO), CASA will extend your certificate by six months
- if you managed the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft since the last airworthiness review, CASA will allow you to extend the due date of the next airworthiness review for the aircraft by six months
- if you have a CASR Part 145 approved maintenance organisation certificate or a CAR 30 certificate of approval, CASA will extend it by six months. There is no change to certificates that do not have an expiry date.
- if you are a CASR Part 147 maintenance training organisation, CASA will extend your certificate by six months.
CASA has hinted that it is also exploring options to help Part 66 licence holders and those studying for that qualification with respect to time limits on type and category training.
"CASA continues to be as flexible as possible in these difficult times to assist the industry to maintain operations and to seek new business opportunities," Carmody said.
Last week, CASA brought in a series of exemptions for air operators that have been roundly applauded by the general aviation community.