{"id":"F2014L01161","name":"CASA 204/14 - Specification — examinations for aircraft maintenance engineer licence category radio","slug":"casa-204-14-specification-examinations-for-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-licence-category-radio","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":92223,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2014L01161-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"CASA 204/14 - Specification — examinations for aircraft maintenance engineer licence category radio","content":"Instrument number CASA 204/14\n\nI, JOHN FRANCIS McCORMICK, Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, make this instrument under subsection 6 of Civil Aviation Order 100.93 (CAO 100.93) and subsection 33 (3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n\\[Signed John F. McCormick\\]\n\nJohn F. McCormick \nDirector of Aviation Safety\n\n21 August 2014\n\nSpecification — examinations for aircraft maintenance engineer licence category radio\n\n1 Commencement\n\nThis instrument commences on the day after registration.\n\n2 Repeal\n\n(1)Instrument CASA 288/06, also known as F2006L03275, is repealed.\n\n(2)Instrument CASA 288/06 as amended, also known as F2010C00103, is repealed.\n\n3 Specification — examinations for licence or additional ratings\n\nFor subsection 6 of CAO 100.93, the examinations mentioned in Schedule 1 are specified for the grant of a licence, or endorsement of additional ratings for a specific aircraft type, for the category radio.\n\nSchedule 1 Examinations for category radio\n\n1 Core subject examinations\n\nThe core subject examinations for a licence group in table 1 of this Schedule (table 1) are indicated by the symbol \\* in the column for the licence group.\n\n2 Specific group subject examinations\n\n(1) The specific group subject examinations for a licence group in table 1 are indicated by the symbol \\* in the column for the licence group.\n\n(2) Subject to subclause (3), the additional specific group subject examinations for licence group 20 in table 1 for a specific aircraft type are indicated by the symbol # in the column for licence group 20.\n\n(3) For licence group 20 in table 1, a candidate must pass the specific group subject examinations only in the systems installed on the specific aircraft type for which the rating is sought.\n\n3 Specific aircraft type examinations\n\nThe specific aircraft type examinations for licence group 20 in table 1 are those:\n\n(a) indicated by the symbol # in the column for the licence group; and\n\n(b) comprising an assessment of the assembly, functioning and principles of construction of, and the methods and procedures for the maintenance of, the radio category of the specific aircraft type.\n\n4 Credits and waivers\n\n(1) A person is not required to pass the examination in aerodynamics and maintenance practices (code QB) for a licence group if the person holds a credit for passing each of the following examinations for the licence group:\n\n(a) Maintenance practices and materials (code BA);\n\n(b) Aerodynamics and mechanical controls (code BB);\n\n(c) Electrical and instrument systems (code BC).\n\n> Note The examinations coded BA, BB and BC are prescribed in the Specification under CAO 100.91 for category airframes and in the Specification under CAO 100.92 for category engines.\n\n(1A) A person is not required to pass the examination in Airworthiness administration (code AA) for a licence group if:\n\n(a) the person has knowledge of Module 10, Aviation Legislation, in Part 3, Appendix I of the Part 66 Manual of Standards (MOS); and\n\n(b) the person has demonstrated the knowledge by successful examination conducted by a Maintenance Training Organisation (MTO) in accordance with paragraph 66.A.25 (b) of the Part 66 MOS.\n\n> Note CASA approval is dependent on CASA’s satisfaction that, through Module 10, the MTO can train and examine in the comprehensive specifics of Airworthiness administration (code AA) for the licence group.\n\n(2) CASA may waive the requirement for the written examination (code WS) mentioned in table 1 for a specific aircraft type if:\n\n(a) the specific aircraft type is so similar to another aircraft type for which the applicant already holds the category radio rating that the applicant may be taken to have adequate knowledge of the radio category for the specific aircraft type; and\n\n(b) the safety of air navigation will not be affected by the waiver.\n\n(3) CASA may waive the requirement for the oral examination (code WO) mentioned in table 1 for a specific aircraft type if:\n\n(a) the person obtains, and records in a schedule of experience, appropriate practical experience on the aircraft type; and\n\n(b) the safety of air navigation will not be affected by the waiver.\n\nTable 1 — Examinations for category radio\n\n```html\n

Examination

Code

Licence groups

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

20

Core subjects

Airworthiness administration

AA

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Electrical fundamentals

QA

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Aerodynamics and maintenance practices

QB

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Basic logic and semiconductor theory

QC

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

AC theory and power systems

QD

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

20

Digital techniques, computer and electronic devices

QE

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Communication systems radio basics

WA

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Specific group subjects

Communications systems

WZ

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Audio CVR systems

WB

*

#

ADF systems

WC

*

#

VOR systems

WD

*

#

Instrument landing systems

WE

*

#

Weather radar systems

WF

*

#

Air Traffic Control transponder systems

WG

*

#

VLF navigation systems

WH

*

#

Radio altimeter systems

WI

*

#

Distance measuring systems

WJ

*

#

Doppler navigation systems

WK

*

#

Satellite navigation systems

WL

*

#

Specific aircraft type

Written

WS

#

Oral

WO

#

\n```\n\n> Note The code is an abbreviation for examination administration purposes.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"_metrics":{"completionTokens":596},"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument maintains its original purpose of specifying examination requirements for radio category aircraft maintenance engineer licences. The 2014 version repeals and replaces earlier instruments without expanding scope — it remains focused on examination specifications, credits and waivers as originally intended."},"complexity_factors":["Dense matrix table with 16 columns and multiple symbol conventions (* and #) requiring cross-referencing","Multiple licence groups (1-12 and 20) with different exam requirements for each","Conditional logic for credits and waivers with nested conditions (e.g., subclause 4(1A) requires both knowledge AND demonstrated examination)","Cross-references to external instruments: CAO 100.91, CAO 100.92, and Part 66 Manual of Standards","Specific aircraft type rules for licence group 20 differ substantially from groups 1-12","Technical abbreviations and codes throughout (AA, QA, QB, WA, WZ, etc.) requiring decoding"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument defines the exams required to obtain or add a radio-category aircraft maintenance engineer licence, replacing two earlier CASA instruments. It groups required testing into core subjects, specialised system subjects (varying by licence group), and aircraft-type exams for certain licence holders.\n\nIt also provides credit for equivalent prior exams and training, and allows CASA to waive type exams where experience suffices. It ensures qualified technical knowledge for radio systems while avoiding unnecessary retesting."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument updates and replaces earlier CASA specifications of the same subject (examinations for radio-category AME licences and type ratings) but does not broaden the regulatory scope beyond prescribing which exams are required and how limited credits/waivers operate. The change is primarily a replacement and clarification (including adding an MTO-based credit route for Airworthiness administration and explicit waiver conditions), not a substantive expansion of statutory scope or the set of regulated activities."},"complexity_factors":["Single instrument replacing two earlier specifications (repeal in clause 2)","Schedule 1 contains a large table mapping ~20+ examination codes to 13 licence groups (1–12 and 20)","Approximately 20 distinct subject codes (e.g. AA, QA, QB, QC, QD, QE, WA, WZ, WB, WC, WD, WE, WF, WG, WH, WI, WJ, WK, WL, WS, WO) to track and apply","Cross-references to other instruments and standards (CAO 100.93; CAO 100.91 and CAO 100.92 for related codes; Part 66 Manual of Standards, paragraph 66.A.25(b))","Several conditional rules and exceptions (credits, MTO-based substitution, CASA waivers) with nested conditions (e.g. CASA satisfaction, recorded schedule of experience)","Different treatment for licence group 20 (type ratings) with both system-level restrictions and separate specific-aircraft-type examinations","Administrative discretion concentrated in CASA for waivers and MTO approval, increasing conditional complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)**\n\n- It sets out which written and oral examinations a person must pass to get an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) licence or an additional type rating in the *radio* category. (This is a specification made under Civil Aviation Order 100.93; see instrument heading and clause 3.)\n- It repeals two earlier CASA instruments that previously specified these examinations (CASA 288/06 and its amendment). (Clause 2.)\n- The specification is organised into three levels of assessment in Schedule 1: core subjects, specific group subjects, and specific aircraft type examinations. The Schedule lists subject codes (for administration) and shows which licence groups must sit which exams. (Schedule 1, Table 1.)\n- For licence group 20 (the group used for type ratings), the instrument distinguishes: (a) specific group subject exams limited to the systems actually installed on the aircraft type; and (b) specific aircraft type examinations which assess assembly, functioning, construction principles and maintenance methods/procedures for the radio equipment on that aircraft. (Schedule 1, subclauses 2(3) and 3.)\n- It provides limited credit and waiver rules so some exam requirements can be avoided if certain prior exams or training are held, or if CASA is satisfied the applicant already has the relevant knowledge or experience. The principal rules are:\n - If a person has passed three other maintenance exams (codes BA, BB and BC), they do not have to pass the combined aerodynamics and maintenance practices exam (QB). (Schedule 1, cl.4(1).)\n - A person can be excused from the Airworthiness administration exam (AA) if they have demonstrated knowledge of Module 10 of the Part 66 Manual of Standards and passed an MTO-conducted exam on that Module. CASA approval of the MTO’s training/examination capability is required. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A) and the accompanying Note.)\n - CASA may waive the written specific-aircraft-type exam (WS) if the new aircraft type is so similar to a type the applicant already holds that safety won’t be affected. (Schedule 1, cl.4(2).)\n - CASA may waive the oral specific-aircraft-type exam (WO) if the person records appropriate practical experience on the type in a schedule of experience and CASA is satisfied safety won’t be affected. (Schedule 1, cl.4(3).)\n\n**Who is affected**\n\n- People seeking an AME licence in the radio category or seeking an additional radio-type rating (candidates must sit the exams specified for their licence group in the Schedule). (Clause 3; Schedule 1.)\n- Maintenance Training Organisations (MTOs) that provide Module 10 training and examinations if candidates rely on MTO assessment as a substitute for the AA exam; CASA must be satisfied with the MTO’s capability. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A) and Note.)\n- CASA, which retains discretion to grant waivers for written and oral type exams and to approve MTO assessment arrangements. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A), (2) and (3).)\n- Employers and licence exam administrators, who must align training and record-keeping with the Schedule of experience and the examination matrix.\n\n**Why it matters (claimed purpose, and practical implications)**\n\n- The instrument’s stated purpose is to prescribe the examinations required for issuing radio-category maintenance licences and ratings (clause 3 and Schedule 1). That purpose is implemented by mapping subject codes to licence groups and by giving CASA limited discretion to accept equivalent training/experience instead of repeating exams.\n\n- Practical effects and trade-offs to note:\n - Who pays: candidates (or their employers) bear the direct costs of sitting exams and of any training required to pass them. MTOs could capture some of that training-and-assessment business when Module 10 credit is available. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A) and Note.)\n - Who decides: CASA retains decision-making power for waivers and for approving MTO Module 10 arrangements—this central discretion creates an administrative decision point and may produce case-by-case variability. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A), (2) and (3).)\n - Behavioural incentives: the MTO-credit route (AA waived by MTO Module 10) incentivises candidates and employers to use approved MTOs rather than rely on CASA-run exams. The waiver rules for WS and WO incentivise documenting appropriate practical experience and seeking recognition where types are similar. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A), (2) and (3).)\n - Compliance burden: the instrument requires accurate record-keeping (e.g. schedule of experience) and may require employers or training organisations to demonstrate competence to CASA. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A) and (3).)\n - Substitution effects: the availability of credits and MTO substitution for AA can reduce duplication of assessment, but shifts assessment responsibility from a central regulator to approved private training organisations (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A)). That reduces regulator workload but requires CASA oversight capacity to ensure standards are maintained (Schedule 1, Note).\n - Safety trade-off mechanism: all waivers are conditional on CASA being satisfied that safety of air navigation will not be affected. This condition is the legal safety gate for any relaxation of examination requirements. (Schedule 1, cl.4(2) and (3).)\n\n**Operational detail worth emphasising**\n\n- The table in Schedule 1 uses short subject codes (AA, QA, QB, QC, QD, QE, WA, WZ, etc.) for administrative purposes; the table indicates with symbols whether a subject is a core subject (*), a specific group subject (*), or an additional specific-group / type subject (#). Candidates need to consult the table to see which specific codes apply to their licence group and to a particular aircraft type. (Schedule 1, Table 1 and accompanying Note.)\n- For licence group 20 (type ratings), the instrument is explicit that candidates only need to be examined on the systems actually installed on the aircraft type sought — this limits testing to relevant equipment rather than all possible systems. (Schedule 1, cl.2(3).)\n\n**Implementation risks and administrative costs**\n\n- CASA must exercise judgment when approving MTO Module 10 assessments and when granting waivers; that requires staff time and sets up potential for inconsistent outcomes unless CASA applies consistent criteria and publishes guidance. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A), (2) and (3).)\n- Training organisations can benefit commercially by offering Module 10 and preparing candidates for waived exams; regulators and employers need to ensure training quality is equivalent to past CASA-administered exams. (Schedule 1, cl.4(1A) and Note.)\n- Candidates and employers must track which codes and symbols in the table apply to their licence group and specific aircraft types; the table is detailed and administrative systems (e.g. exam booking, record-keeping) must align to avoid errors.\n\n**Bottom line**\n\nThis instrument replaces earlier CASA exam specifications and sets out a detailed matrix of required radio-category exams by licence group, while allowing limited credits and CASA‑controlled waivers (including MTO‑based credit for one core subject). It formalises which subjects are compulsory, which can be credited or waived, and who (CASA or an approved MTO) can verify equivalence of knowledge or experience. The key operational requirements are: consult the Schedule for applicable subject codes, record and evidence practical experience where a waiver is sought, and rely on CASA approval for MTO-exam recognition. (See Schedule 1, Table 1 and cl.4.)"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/casa-204-14-specification-examinations-for-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-licence-category-radio","history":"/api/acts/casa-204-14-specification-examinations-for-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-licence-category-radio/history","analysis":"/api/acts/casa-204-14-specification-examinations-for-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-licence-category-radio/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/casa-204-14-specification-examinations-for-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-licence-category-radio/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/casa-204-14-specification-examinations-for-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-licence-category-radio/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/casa-204-14-specification-examinations-for-aircraft-maintenance-engineer-licence-category-radio/documents"}}