020 C 03
020 C 03
020 C 03
AC 20-03
Identification and management of
aeronautical products
Advisory Circulars are intended to provide advice and guidance to illustrate a means, but not necessarily the only
means, of complying with the Regulations, or to explain certain regulatory requirements by providing informative,
interpretative and explanatory material.
Advisory Circulars should always be read in conjunction with the relevant regulations.
Audience
This Advisory Circular (AC) applies to:
Purpose
The purpose of this AC is to provide guidance to the aviation community for identification of aircraft
and aeronautical products.
Status
This version of the AC is approved by the Executive Manager, Standards Division.
1.0 March 2016 Initial version. Aeronautical product information published within Civil Aviation
Advisory Publication (CAAP) 51-2, CAAP 42W-1 and other related
airworthiness ACs were reviewed and updated for inclusion within this AC.
Whilst previously drafted under AC 21.Q, CASA has determined that the
contents apply to a wider set of regulations than under Subpart 21.Q and thus
the generic 20 series numbering has now been utilised.
Unless specified otherwise, all subregulations, regulations, divisions, subparts and parts
referenced in this AC are references to the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR).
Contents
1 Reference material 3
1.1 Acronyms 3
1.2 Definitions 4
1.3 References 5
2 Background 8
2.1 Aeronautical product and aircraft component 8
2.2 Approved design 9
2.3 Identification of parts 10
2.4 Approved parts and unapproved parts 13
2.5 Unserviceable parts 14
2.6 Unsalvageable parts 15
3 Detection of unapproved parts 17
3.2 Part records 17
3.3 Procurement process 17
3.4 Acceptance procedures 18
3.5 Supplier evaluations 19
4 Reports 20
4.1 Unapproved parts 20
4.2 Reporting major defects 20
4.3 Reporting to CASA 20
4.4 Reporting to other approval holders 21
5 Salvaging parts 22
6 Disposal of parts 23
1 Reference material
1.1 Acronyms
The acronyms and abbreviations used in this AC are listed in the table below.
Acronym Description
AC Advisory Circular
AD Airworthiness Directive
TC Type Certificate
TSO Technical Standard Order (FAA)
1.2 Definitions
Terms that have specific meaning within this AC are defined in the table below.
Term Definition
Aeronautical Product Any part or material that is, or is intended by its manufacturer, to be a part of
or used in an aircraft, unless excluded by the regulations - see Part I of the
Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act).
Aircraft Component Any part or equipment for an aircraft that, when fitted to, or provided in an
aircraft may, if it is not sound or functioning correctly, affect the safety of the
aircraft, its occupants or its cargo or cause the aircraft to become a danger to
person or property or flotation equipment, evacuation equipment, ration
packs, portable breathing apparatus, fire-fighting equipment, or any other
equipment or apparatus, fitted to, or provided in, an aircraft for use in an
emergency - see Part 1 of the CASR Dictionary.
Aircraft Material Material (including a fluid) for use in the manufacture, maintenance, servicing
or operation of an aircraft or of an aircraft component, but does not include an
aircraft component - see Part 1 of the CASR Dictionary.
Approved Design For an aeronautical product, other than an aircraft engine or propeller, that is
approved in a manner mentioned in regulation 21.305 or 21.305A, the design
specifications for the product and any changes to the design specifications
made in accordance with a Part 21 approval.
Class I Product Includes a complete aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller for which a foreign
type certificate has been issued - see paragraph 21.321 (2) (a).
Class II Product A major component of a Class I product, the failure of which would jeopardise
the safety of a Class I product - see paragraph 21.321 (2) (b).
Class III Product Any part or component which is not Class I or Class II product and includes
standard parts - see paragraph 21.321 (2) (c).
Contracting State A country that has signed the Convention of Civil Aviation (the Chicago
Convention).
Critical Part A part that must be inspected, overhauled, or removed or retired from the
aircraft within a period specified in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the
Manufacturers Maintenance Manual (as published occasionally by the
aircrafts manufacturer) for the aircraft or in the Manufacturers Instructions for
Continued Airworthiness (as published occasionally by the manufacturer) for
the aircraft.
Distributor Brokers suppliers, resellers, or other individuals and agencies engaged in the
sale of aircraft parts.
Instructions for Written instructions for an aircraft or aeronautical product as per Clause 10 of
Continued Airworthiness Part 3 of the CASR Dictionary.
Part For the purpose of this AC, a part refers to any aeronautical product, aircraft
component, product or appliance.
Standard Part A part that complies with a specification that is established, published and
maintained by an organisation that sets consensus standards for products or
a government agency and includes design, manufacturing, test and
acceptance criteria and requirements for the uniform identification of the part -
Term Definition
1.3 References
Regulations
Regulations are available on the ComLaw website http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Home
Document Title
CASR Dictionary
Part 42 Manual of
Standards (MOS)
Document Title
CAO 100.16 Administration Procedure - distribution & rejection of aircraft components and
materials
Advisory material
Advisory Circulars are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/AC
Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (AMC/GM) are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/amcgm
Civil Aviation Advisory Publications are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/CAAP
Document Title
AMC/GM Part 42 Continuing airworthiness requirements for aircraft and aeronautical products
CAAP 42W-1 Documents for the supply of aircraft components and materials
CAAP 42W-2 Authorised Release Certificate
Document Title
Other references
Document Title
Forms
CASAs forms are available at http://www.casa.gov.au/forms
2 Background
Aeronautical product
2.1.2 Section 3 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act) defines an aeronautical product as any
part or material that is, or is intended by its manufacturer to be, a part of or used in an
aircraft, unless it is excluded by the regulations. Aeronautical product also covers
equipment that does not come with an Authorised Release Certificate (ARC), but is
intended for use in an aircraftfor example, night vision equipment.
2.1.3 Parts, materials, standard parts, components, appliances and equipment are all
aeronautical products under the Act, unless excluded in a legislative instrument under
subclause 1 (2) of Part 2 of the CASR Dictionary. Examples of parts excluded as
aircraft components are headsets and night vision goggles.
Aircraft component
2.1.4 Part 1 of CAR provides the interpretation for an aircraft component in which the part or
component may affect the safety of the aircraft, or is classified as emergency
equipment. Aircraft components are required to have an ARC before installation.
Installation or fitment
2.1.8 For aircraft operating under Part 42, Table 12.3.1 of the Part 42 Manual of Standards
(MOS) details which foreign countries' ARCs are accepted and also provides details on
rejecting a defective part. For further details on details on completing an ARC see
CASA Form 1i.
2.1.9 For aircraft operating under the CAR, Appendix 1 of Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 100.16
contains a table of appropriate documents for use as an ARC. For further details
regarding the ARC see Civil Aviation Advisory Circular (CAAP) 42W-2.
2.1.10 If the components are accompanied by the correct documentation, subsequent
installation of these aircraft components is allowed, depending on whether the
regulations of the CAR or CASR apply. The following regulations specify requirements:
regulations 42W and 42ZA of the CAR
regulation 42.420.
2.3.2.3 The manufacturer's data plate serves as the baseline to control all maintenance activity
accomplished. There is a concern that removal of data plates, other than for
maintenance action, may cause loss of traceability to the originally type-certified
product.
2.3.2.4 Division 21.Q.2 sets out the requirements for manufacturers data plate for aircraft and
aircraft engines or identification marks for aircraft propellers. On occasion, a
manufacturers data plate for aircraft, aircraft engines or identification marks for aircraft
propellers can end up being:
defaced
detached
1
For further information on removal of the manufacturer's data plates see CASA AC 45-01.
lost
destroyed in an accident
of questionable validity.
2.3.2.5 Manufacturer's data plates of questionable validity are not explicitly stated in the
regulations. If the type certificate (TC) holder is aware of their current serial number
being the same as a scrapped aircraft (particular imported aircraft), they should contact
the local CASA regional office with any relevant substantiating data. See paragraph
2.3.2.6 for procedures.
2.3.2.6 Procedures regarding the review of manufacturer's data plates:
The CASA regional office may conduct an additional review of the bona fides of the
class I product.
CASA's Aircraft Certification cell in the Airworthiness and Engineering Standards
Branch may seek further assistance from the TC holder.
The TC holder will provide further information on how and who can install these
data plates.
CASA may request further verification of the proof of installation of the data plates.
2.3.2.7 The bona fides are established by either:
conformity inspection of all components and sub-assemblies against the approved
design by an approved maintenance organisation
statutory declaration by an approved maintenance organisation attesting to the
build status of the aircraft or aircraft engine.
2.3.2.8 In certain cases, an aircraft being imported may not have manufacturers data plate due
to de-registration procedures by the relevant National Airworthiness Authority (NAA).
This situation is treated in the same way as lost or detached manufacturers data plate
referenced in the procedures in paragraph 2.3.2.6.
2.3.2.9 An aircraft or aircraft engine data plate remains with the particular aircraft or aircraft
engine throughout its life unless otherwise authorised by CASA. In cases where a new
data plate is pending and the bona fides of the aircraft or aircraft engine have been
verified, CASA may allow the release to service of an aircraft or aircraft engine without a
data plate on a case-by-case basis. This can involve the State of Design for the
manufacturer of the aircraft or aircraft engine, and the TC holder. To establish the
suitability of operation without data plates (refer to procedures in paragraph 2.3.2.6).
2
For further information on ATSOs see AC 21-601.
3
For further information on APMAs see AC 21-16.
4
For further information on use of COTS parts see Appendix C of AC 21-08.
2.3.6.3 Materials are required to have a document that was issued under the law of a
contracting state, which contains a statement that identifies the material and
specification. 5
2.3.7 MITCOM/FITCOM
2.3.7.1 Manufacture in the course of maintenance (MITCOM) applies to maintenance
organisations holding an approval under regulation 30 of CAR and aircraft being
maintained under Part 4 or Part 4A of CAR.
2.3.7.2 Fabrication in the course of maintenance (FITCOM) applies to maintenance
organisations holding an approval under Part 145 or the aircraft is being maintained
under Part 42.
2.3.7.3 MITCOM/FITCOM is usually for Class III products that are used on an aircraft on which
a maintenance organisation is carrying out maintenance. They are ineligible for sale or
issue of an ARC.
2.3.7.4 In accordance with section 145.A.43 of Part 145 MOS or subregulation 42W (4) of CAR
(as appropriate) MITCOM and FITCOM parts must be marked accordingly:
MITCOM parts must be marked using the original manufacturer's part number and
the identification that clearly relates to the organisation's identity and
manufacturing/inspection data.
FITCOM parts require a part number that clearly relates to the
manufacturing/inspection data and the organisation's identity on the part for
traceability purposes. Parts that are considered too small for marking can use a tag
for identification prior to fitment. 6
This marking of the organisations identity is required for wiring unless an
agreement is provided by the original manufacturer.
5
For further information on using materials see GM 42.455(1) (a) for those aircraft and components
maintained by a Part 145 organisation.
6
For further information see CAAP 30-4 for MITCOM parts and the AMC/GM Part 145 for FITCOM parts.
7
Approved single engine turbine powered aircraft.
2.4.4 For aircraft operating under the CAR, Parts 42W and 42ZA of CAR do not describe the
term for an unapproved part. These regulations describe the eligibility of a part and
requirements for its intended installation.
8
For further information on SUPs see CASA Airworthiness Bulletin General Advice 01 or FAA
Unapproved Parts Notifications (UPN).
9
For further information see CAAP 37-1.
10
For further information on current airworthiness related unserviceabilities see CASA's Airworthiness
Bulletins series.
3.1 General
3.1.1 Positive identification of unapproved parts is often difficult, due to the similarity of
unapproved parts characteristics. Some of the issues may not appear visually.
3.1.2 Reasons for suspecting that a part is unapproved can include: 11
different finish
size
colour
improper identification
incomplete or altered paperwork
parts that do not conform to the approved design
modifications on an aircraft or component that have not been approved
parts that have not been passed through an approved quality system
parts which cannot be traced to their original source
parts maintained to superseded approved designs
not following the relevant approved design
parts maintained by facilities that are not authorised
intentional misrepresentation
any questionable identification.
11
FAA AC 21-29C has further information on detecting unapproved parts.
12
See AMC/GM Part 145 for further details.
13
For acceptance procedures for Certificate of Approval holder under regulation 30 of CAR, see
CAAP 30-4.
quarantine parts of questionable nature and attempt to resolve issues regarding the
questionable status of each part (for example, obtain necessary documentation if
inadvertently not provided, or determine if irregularities are a result of shipping
damage and handle accordingly). 14
14
For further information on acceptable foreign ARCs see the Part 42 MOS or CAO 100.16.
15
See AMC/GM Part 145 for further details. For supplier evaluations, see CAAP 30-4.
4 Reports
4.2.1 CAR
4.2.2 Regulation 51A of CAR defines a major defect in an aircraft, that has caused or could
cause:
primary structural failure
control system failure
engine structural failure
fire.
4.2.3 Regulation 51A of CAR requires any person who, while involved in the operation or
maintenance or an aircraft, discovers a major defect to report the defect to CASA
immediately.
4.2.4 Regulation 52 of CAR requires reporting to CASA if an aircraft component is found to
have a defect that, if the component were fitted to an aircraft, may affect the safety of
the aircraft or cause the aircraft to become a danger to persons or property.
4.2.5 CASR
4.2.6 The CASR Dictionary defines a major defect in an aeronautical product as one that, if it
is fitted to an aircraft, may affect the safety of the aircraft or cause the aircraft to
become a danger to persons or property.
4.2.7 The AMO is required to report major defects in an aeronautical product to CASA in
accordance with regulation 42.385.
4.2.8 Part 145 organisations are required to report occurrences and major defects for
aeronautical products. 17
16
See CAAP 51-1 for reporting of defects to CASA.
17
See AMC/GM Part 145 for further details.
4.3.2 Reports can be mailed. free of charge from anywhere in Australia, to:
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Reply Paid 2005
GPO Box 2005
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Note: Mark IN-CONFIDENCE if confidentiality is required.
4.3.3 When confidentiality is not required, the completed SUP Report Form can be faxed to
(02) 6217 1920.
5 Salvaging parts
5.1 Overview
5.1.1 Salvaged aircraft parts can lack maintenance history and traceability. Many of these
aircraft parts have been released to service after having been recovered from aircraft
that may have been involved in accidents or incidents. The accident or incidents may
have caused deterioration of the parts from any tolerances in the approved design. A
part that has suffered deterioration may not show any visual signs of damage, distortion
or changed characteristics. However, latent faults may be present.
5.1.2 The approved design may have insufficient detail to properly assess the parts to
determine their serviceability. If the information in the approved design is insufficient to
assess the serviceability of potentially deteriorated salvaged components, the operator
should consult the Original Equipment Manufacturer for further guidance. Alternatively,
an authorised person under Subpart 21.M or approved design organisations under
Subpart 21.J can generate technical data that includes airworthiness limitations.
5.1.3 Depending on the design of the part, verification activities will confirm that it complies
with its approved design.
5.1.4 To maintain aircraft components that are salvaged, the approved maintenance
organisation should establishclear procedures that detailany additional precautionary
steps that are applicable.
5.1.5 CAR
5.1.5.1 Paragraph 42W (2) (c) of CAR allows for replacement of components as long as the
replacement component is not damaged and complies with its manufacturer's
specification. Release of parts is in accordance with CASA approved documented
procedures and/or procedures manuals.
5.1.6 CASR
5.1.6.1 Regulation 42.430 allows for fitting parts removed from aircraft provided that
maintenance has not been carried out to either a different place on an aircraft or to
another aircraft.
5.1.6.2 The part can only be fitted to another aircraft or second aircraft if:
the aircraft that the part was removed from is under a continued airworthiness
management program
maintenance has not been carried out
the part was stored and it was done in conjunction with instructions issued by the
manufacturer
the part has not been immersed or exposed to extremes of stress or temperature
the person responsible for continued airworthiness agrees to the fitting.
5.1.6.3 Release of salvaged parts is in accordance with the CASA approved exposition.
6 Disposal of parts
6.1.1 The CAR is not specific about the requirements for disposal of parts. However, parts
that are unserviceable are ineligible for fitment according to regulations 42W and 42ZA
of CAR. The requirements set by Division 42.E.3 can be followed as they provide the
necessary outcomes. 18
6.1.2 Controlling unserviceable and unsalvageable parts is covered by Division 42.E.3. Once
CASA has been notified of unapproved parts, and if they are not subject to further
action or if they are considered unsalvageable, they will be required to be any of the
following:
stored separately and secured from serviceable aeronautical products
returned to the owner
scrapped or have arrangements made for scrapping so they cannot be installed as
a serviceable part.
Note: It is acceptable to use these parts as a training aid.
6.1.3 In accordance with regulation 52B of CAR, the operator must contact CASA prior to
scrapping any parts as they may be the subject of an investigation.
18
For disposal of parts for Certificate of Approval holder under regulation 30 of CAR, see CAAP 30-4.