{"id":"F2005B00932","name":"Civil Aviation Amendment Order (No. R86) 2004 - Civil Aviation Order 100.90 - Administration and Procedure - Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licences - General Requirements (12/12/2004)","slug":"civil-aviation-amendment-order-no-r86-2004-civil-aviation-order-100-90-administration-and-procedure-","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":32328,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005B00932-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Civil Aviation Amendment Order (No. R86) 2004 - Civil Aviation Order 100.90 - Administration and Procedure - Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licences - General Requirements (12/12/2004)","content":"Civil Aviation Amendment Order\n\n(No. R86) 2004\n\nI, WILLIAM BRUCE BYRON, Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, issue the following Civil Aviation Order under regulation 31 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\n\\[Signed Bruce Byron\\]\n\nBruce Byron\n\nDirector of Aviation Safety and\n\nChief Executive Officer\n\n12 December 2004\n\n\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\n\n1 Name of Order\n\nThis Order is the Civil Aviation Amendment Order (No. R86) 2004.\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis Order commences on gazettal.\n\n3 Replacement of section 100.90 of the Civil Aviation Orders\n\nSection 100.90 of the Civil Aviation Orders is omitted and a new section substituted as set out in Schedule 1.\n\nSchedule 1 Substitution of section 100.90 of the Civil Aviation Orders\n\nSECTION 100.90\n\nADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURE — AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER LICENCES — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS\n\n1 APPLICATION\n\nExcept where otherwise approved or directed by CASA, this section of Civil Aviation Orders specifies the requirements under regulation 31 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 for the grant or renewal of aircraft maintenance engineer licences.\n\n2 DEFINITIONS\n\n2.1 Terms and abbreviations used in this section of the Civil Aviation Orders and in sections 100.91 to 100.96 inclusive shall have the following meanings.\n\nAME means aircraft maintenance engineer.\n\nappropriate airworthiness office means the airworthiness office which has been assigned administrative control of the AME or his employer.\n\nappropriate certificate of approval means a certificate of approval in force under regulation 30 of the CAR 1988, appropriate to the maintenance being performed.\n\nCASA means the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.\n\nCAO means the Civil Aviation Orders.\n\nCAR 1988 means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\ncategory means the division or portion of an aircraft, in respect of which the licence was granted.\n\ncomposite indicator means an indicator which receives, processes and/or displays information to and from both instrument and radio systems.\n\nelectrical component means any self-contained part, combination of parts, subassemblies or units, which perform an electrical function necessary to the operation of a system.\n\nExtension 1 means a rating giving limited certification privileges within the electrical, instrument and radio categories with respect to a specific type aircraft/engineer combination for which ratings in both the airframe and engine categories of that aircraft type are already held.\n\nExtension 2 means a rating giving limited certification privileges within the airframe, engine and radio categories with respect to a specific type aircraft/engine combination for which ratings in both the electrical and instrument categories of that aircraft type are already held.\n\nfunctional test means a detailed examination in which a complete system, subsystem or component is tested to determine if it functions within the prescribed limits.\n\nhigh capacity aircraft means an aircraft having a maximum seating capacity exceeding 38 passenger seats or a maximum payload exceeding 4 200 kilograms.\n\nNDT means nondestructive testing.\n\noperational check means the operation of a system or component to determine that it is operating normally.\n\nprimary structure means those parts of the structure which contribute significantly to carrying flight, ground or pressurisation loads, the failure of which could endanger the safety of the aircraft.\n\nrating means an endorsement on an aircraft maintenance engineer licence made for the purpose of specifying the limits of the work to which the licence relates and which specifies the types, series or groups within the relevant category, in respect of which the privileges of the licence may be exercised.\n\nremovable item of equipment of a radio system means any part of a radio system which is designed to be readily removed from the aircraft and which is provided with fittings such as plugs, sockets and quick disconnects to facilitate its removal.\n\nspecialised test equipment means test equipment designed to perform a specific function and which requires operator training before use.\n\nsystem means a combination of aircraft components and their associated wiring, plumbing, fluids, etc, which perform a specific function.\n\n2.2 Definitions contained in the CAR 1988 have not been repeated in this subsection but such definitions must have the same meaning in this section and CAO sections 100.91 to 100.95 (inclusive) as they have in CAR 1988.\n\n3 LICENCE CATEGORIES AND PRIVILEGES\n\n3.1 A licence may be granted with ratings in 1 or more of the following categories:\n\n    (a) airframes;\n    (b) engines;\n    (c) radio systems;\n    (d) electrical systems;\n    (e) instruments.\n\n3.2 Each category is divided into ratings, the details of which are specified in CAO sections 100.91 to 100.95, as applicable.\n\n3.4 CASA may grant a licence or rating with such limitations as considered necessary.\n\n3.5 The categories and privileges of licences which may be granted under this section are specified in Appendix I of this section.\n\n6 GRANT OF A LICENCE\n\n6.1 A licence may be granted to a person who complies with the following requirements:\n\n    (c) has passed the examinations and met the experience requirements specified in CAO sections 100.91 to 100.95 as applicable;\n    (d) has passed the Airworthiness Administration (AA) examination within the preceding 24 months.\n\n> Note: For the issue of an aircraft maintenance engineer licence readers must refer to regulation 31 of CAR 1988.\n\n6.3 A licence may be granted to an applicant who is the holder of a valid licence with a rating equivalent to the rating sought, granted by the recognised authority of another country, provided that he or she:\n\n    (b) has passed examinations in Airworthiness Administration (AA) and basic technical knowledge as specified by CASA; and\n    (d) is able to read, write and converse in the English language.\n\n> Note: For the issue of an aircraft maintenance engineer licence to a person who holds a licence issued by the competent authority in any other country, readers must refer to subregulation 31 (6) of CAR 1988.\n\n7 VALIDITY AND RENEWAL OF A LICENCE\n\n7.3 A licence may be renewed if the holder:\n\n    (a) in the preceding 24 months has exercised the privileges of the licence for not less than 6 months; or\n    (b) has been engaged in work which may be considered by CASA as comparable with the duties and privileges pertaining to his or her licence.\n\n> Note: For the period of operation and renewal of an aircraft maintenance engineer licence, a change of address or production of a licence, readers must refer to regulations 31, 32A, 32B, 299 and 302 of CAR 1988.\n\n  \nAPPENDIX I\n\nAME LICENCE CATEGORIES AND PRIVILEGES\n\n1 GENERAL\n\n1.1 This Appendix specifies those parts of an aircraft which fall within the respective licence categories and details the limits to which the holder of a licence can certify for completion of maintenance of an Australian aircraft.\n\n1.2 Before exercising the privileges of a licence, the holder must ensure he or she is familiar with the aircraft, engine, systems or installations and the maintenance requirements appropriate to the task for which certification is to be made.\n\n1.4 Maintenance of an aircraft, additional to that detailed in this Appendix, may be certified to the extent specified in the relevant sections of Part 100 of the CAOs.\n\n1.5 The category grouping classifications used in this Appendix are defined in CAO sections 100.91 to 100.95, as applicable.\n\n1.6 Where maintenance is performed on an aircraft component, installed in an aircraft which:\n\n    (a) receives information; or\n    (b) processes information; or\n    (c) displays information;\n\nin respect of systems which require certification to be made under the privileges of 2 or more AME licence categories, a certification must be made for the completion of the maintenance in all affected AME licence categories.\n\n1.7 Maintenance of systems or components installed in an aircraft which supply data for indication purposes must be certified by the holder of an appropriate AME licence for that system or component.\n\n2 CATEGORY AIRFRAMES\n\n2.1 The following parts of an aircraft constitute Category Airframes:\n\n    (a) aircraft structure — including engine mountings, cowlings and firewalls;\n    (b) control surfaces;\n    (c) helicopter dynamic components — excluding the engine and engine mounted gearboxes;\n    (d) flight control systems;\n    (e) hydraulic systems;\n    (f) pneumatic systems;\n    (g) air conditioning systems;\n    (h) pressurisation systems;\n    (i) airframe ice and rain protection systems;\n    (j) landing gear systems;\n    (k) fuel and liquid tanks and associated plumbing not forming a part of the engine or the engine lubricating system;\n    (l) airframe fire extinguishing systems;\n    (m) cabin and cockpit furnishings;\n    (n) windshield clear vision system;\n    (o) emergency equipment;\n    (p) all airframe system controls.\n\n2.2 Airframes Category Privileges: With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the airframe category may be made by persons holding the appropriate airframe rating(s), with the following limitations:\n\n    (a) inspections using an NDT method — limited to liquid penetrant inspections utilising aerosol packed materials;\n    (b) completion of an inspection involving the use of an NDT method which has been performed and certified by a holder of a valid appropriate NDT authority;\n    (c) completion of a repair or modification that involved manual welding, including braze welding, that has been performed by a holder of a valid appropriate welding authority;\n    (d) maintenance of components which are supplied as bench tested units, installed in an aircraft — limited to inspection, replacement and adjustment of parts normally adjustable or replaceable in service where the subsequent operation may be proved without the use of test equipment additional to that normally used for functional tests on the aircraft;\n    (e) repair, modification or assembly involving the following is excluded, unless the licence holder is, or is employed by, the holder of a valid appropriate certificate of approval:\n    (i) bolted joints requiring special techniques;\n    (ii) riveted joints in primary structure;\n    (iii) glued joints in primary structure;\n    (iv) bonded joints in primary structure;\n    (v) fibre reinforced plastic composite primary structure;\n    (vi) fabric replacement of a complete fuselage or mainplane;\n    (vii) static balancing of flying control surfaces, main or tail rotor assemblies;\n    (viii) seat support braces and structures;\n    (ix) the use of jigs (excluding control rigging tools);\n    (x) repainting of aircraft involving any stripping by mechanical or chemical means or which may affect the balance of flying controls — other than localised res­toration of paintwork;\n    (xi) refurbishment of aircraft interiors where the work involved affects the structure of the aircraft;\n    (xii) the complete jacking of aircraft for the purposes of landing gear retraction tests;\n    (xiii) the disturbing of individual parts of units which are supplied as bench tested units where subsequent functioning must be proved using test equipment additional to that used for normal functional tests or troubleshooting checks on the aircraft;\n    (f) maintenance of electrical and instrument components which form part of an airframe system, limited to:\n    (i) on all aircraft:\n    (A) external mechanical adjustment to facilitate correct operation of airframe systems; and\n    (B) replacement of components connected by electrical plugs, terminal connections (other than soldered connections) or pipelines — but excluding those functional tests and adjustments requiring the use of external specialised test equipment; and\n    (ii) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations:\n    (A) daily or manufacturer’s equivalent inspection; and\n    (B) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components; and\n    (iii) on aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations — all maintenance.\n\n2.3 Airframe Category — Electrical Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the electrical category may be made by persons holding the appropriate airframe rating(s), as follows:\n\n    (a) electrical systems classified as Electrical Group I in aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations — all maintenance;\n    (b) electrical systems classified as Electrical Group I in aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations or electrical systems classified as Electrical Group 2 or Group 20 ­limited to;\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition of security of attachment of wiring and components.\n\n2.4 Airframe Category — Instrument Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the instrument category may be made by persons holding the appropriate airframe rating(s), as follows:\n\n    (a) on all aircraft:\n    (i) oxygen systems; and\n    (ii) compensation of direct reading magnetic compasses;\n    (b) on aircraft not classified Airframes Group 20 — approved only for V.F.R. operations:\n    (i) instrument systems classified as Instruments Group 1 and Group 3 — all maintenance; and\n    (ii) instrument systems classified as Instruments Group 5 to 10, limited to ­daily, or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection, and condition and security of attachment of wiring and components;\n    (c) on aircraft not classified Airframes Group 20 — approved for I.F.R. operations or instrument systems classified as Instruments Group 20, limited to:\n    (i) daily, or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components;\n\n(d) on aircraft classified as Airframes Group 20, limited to:\n\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components.\n\n2.5 Airframes Category — Radio Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance, excluding operational checks, within the radio category may be made by persons holding the appropriate airframe rating(s), as follows:\n\n(a) on aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operation, limited to:\n\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components; and\n    (iii) replacement of removable items of equipment of radio systems; and\n    (iv) periodic inspections;\n\n(b) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operation, limited to:\n\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components.\n\n2.6 Airframe Category — Engine Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the engine category on aircraft may be made by persons holding the appropriate airframe rating(s), as follows:\n\n(a) daily inspection or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection;\n\n(b) inspection, removal, fitting and rigging of stranded control cables;\n\n(c) independent inspections.\n\n3 CATEGORY ENGINES\n\n3.1 The following parts of an aircraft constitute Category Engines:\n\n(a) engines — including auxiliary power units;\n\n(b) propellers;\n\n(c) supercharging systems;\n\n(d) thrust reverser systems;\n\n(e) engine mounted gearboxes and attached/driven components;\n\n    (f) engine driven remotely mounted gearboxes, driveshafts and attached/driven components — excluding helicopter transmissions and drive shafts;\n\n(g) control systems for the engine;\n\n(h) airship vector thrust systems;\n\n(i) engine starters;\n\n(j) compressor bleed air systems;\n\n    (k) fuel systems — excluding the tanks and associated plumbing not forming part of the engine;\n\n(l) engine lubricating systems;\n\n(m) ignition systems;\n\n(n) engine fire extinguishing systems;\n\n(o) engine ice-protection systems;\n\n(p) propeller ice-protection systems;\n\n(q) engine foreign object protection systems;\n\n(r) water injection and water methanol injection systems — excluding the tanks and associated plumbing;\n\n(s) all engine systems controls.\n\n3.2 Engine Ground Running: The holder of an AME licence in the engine category with a rating for the engine type or series, or the group(s) applicable to the engine and the holder of an Extension 2 rating for the applicable airframe/engine combination, may perform and certify ground running for maintenance purposes of engines installed in aeroplanes and airships. This privilege is subject to the holder of the licence having sufficient knowledge of the aircraft to enable control of the aeroplane or airship in the event of inadvertent movement and to ensure correct and safe functioning of the aircraft and its systems.\n\n3.3 Engine Category Privileges: With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the engine category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s) with the following limitations:\n\n    (a) inspections using an NDT method — limited to liquid penetrant inspections utilising aerosol packed materials;\n    (b) completion of an inspection involving the use of an NDT method which has been performed and certified by the holder of a valid appropriate NDT authority;\n    (c) completion of a repair or modification that involved manual welding, including braze welding, that has been performed by the holder of a valid appropriate welding authority;\n    (d) maintenance of components which are supplied as bench tested units, installed in aircraft — limited to inspection, replacement and adjustment of parts normally adjustable or replaceable in service where the subsequent operation may be proved without the use of test equipment additional to that normally used for functional tests on the aircraft;\n    (e) maintenance involving the following is excluded unless the licence holder is, or is employed by, the holder of a valid appropriate certificate of approval:\n    (i) separation and assembly of a reciprocating engine crankcase;\n    (ii) disassembly or assembly of a crankshaft of a reciprocating engine — including removal and replacement of a connecting rod;\n    (iii) separation, disassembly and assembly of gas turbine engine main casings or rotating assemblies other than work the manufacturer specifies in the appropriate maintenance manual as line maintenance, field replacement or module unit change;\n    (iv) removal or disassembly and replacement or reassembly of reduction gears or accessory drive gears — other than those gears attached to an accessory;\n    (v) disassembly or assembly of propeller hubs;\n    (vi) straightening of propeller blades;\n    (vii) balancing of propellers;\n    (viii) balancing of fans of turbine engines;\n    (ix) machining — other than machining which is normally carried out with a top overhaul or which the manufacturer specifies as applicable in the appropriate maintenance manual;\n    (x) the disturbing of individual parts of units which are supplied as bench tested units, where subsequent functioning must be proved using test equipment additional to that used for normal functional tests or troubleshooting checks of the engine in the aircraft;\n    (f) maintenance of electrical and instrument components which form part of an engine system limited to:\n    (i) on all aircraft:\n    (A) external mechanical adjustment to facilitate correct operation of engine systems; and\n    (B) replacement of components connected by electrical plugs, terminal connections (other than soldered connections) or pipelines — but excluding those functional tests and adjustments requiring the use of external specialised test equipment; and\n    (ii) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations;\n    (A) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (B) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components; and\n    (iii) on aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations — all maintenance.\n\n3.4 Engine Category — Electrical Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the electrical category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s) as follows:\n\n    (a) electrical systems classified as Electrical Group 1 in aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations — all maintenance;\n    (b) electrical systems classified as Electrical Group I in aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations or electrical systems classified as Electrical Group 2 or Group 20 ­limited to:\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components.\n\n3.5 Engine Category — Instrument Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the instrument category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:\n\n    (a) on all aircraft — compensation of direct reading magnetic compasses;\n\n(b) on aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations:\n\n    (i) instrument systems classified as Instrument Group 1 and Group 3 — all maintenance, excluding oxygen systems; and\n    (ii) instrument systems classified as Instrument Groups 5 to 10, limited to daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection, condition and security of attachment wiring, plumbing and components;\n\n(c) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations, limited to:\n\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components.\n\n(d) on aircraft classified as Instrument Group 20, limited to:\n\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components.\n\n3.6 Engine Category — Radio Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance, excluding operational checks, within the radio category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:\n\n(a) on aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations, limited to:\n\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components; and\n    (iii) replacement of removable items of equipment of radio systems;\n\n(b) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations, limited to:\n\n    (i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and\n    (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components.\n\n3.7 Engine Category — Airframe Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the airframe category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:\n\n    (a) daily inspection or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection;\n    (b) inspection, removal and fitting of engine mountings, cowlings and firewalls;\n    (c) independent inspections.\n\n4 CATEGORY RADIO\n\n4.1 The following parts of an aircraft constitute Category Radio:\n\n    (a) radio communication systems;\n\n(b) radio navigation systems;\n\n(ba) satellite navigation systems;\n\n(c) composite indicators — excluding indicators containing gyroscopes;\n\n(d) audio distribution systems;\n\n(e) cockpit voice recorder systems;\n\n(f) emergency radio equipment;\n\n(g) multiplex systems and data busses associated with radio systems;\n\n(h) passenger entertainment systems;\n\n(i) radar systems, including weather radar, radio altimeter and transponder;\n\n    (j) the bonding of all components of the radio system to the aircraft structure;\n    (k) the fittings securing the radio unit within its case/rack;\n    (l) the interwiring of radio components.\n\n> Note 1: The radio wiring to the power supply of the electrical system terminates at the radio distribution bus, circuit breaker or fuse.\n\n> Note 2: The radio wiring to equipment used by other categories terminates at the input connection to that equipment — excluding composite indicators containing gyroscopes.\n\n4.2 Radio Category Privileges: With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the radio category may be made by persons holding a radio licence, with the following limitations:\n\n(a) for radio systems in aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations — all maintenance;\n\n    (b) for radio systems in aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations, where the appropriate rating is held — all maintenance;\n\n4.3 With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the radio category may be made by persons holding the appropriate radio rating(s) with the following limitations:\n\n    (a) maintenance of components which are supplied as bench tested units, installed in aircraft — limited to inspection, replacement and adjustment of parts normally adjustable or replaceable in service where the subsequent operation may be proved without the use of test equipment additional to that normally used for functional tests on the aircraft;\n\n(b) maintenance of a radio system which includes any of the following is excluded, unless the licence holder is, or is employed by, the holder of a valid appropriate certificate of approval:\n\n    (i) the disturbing of individual parts of units which are supplied as bench tested units, where subsequent functioning must be proved using test equipment additional to that used for normal functional test on the aircraft or troubleshooting;\n    (ii) maintenance of operational and automatic test equipment (ATE) software;\n    (iii) initial installation or subsequent modification of a radio system.\n\n5 CATEGORY ELECTRICAL\n\n5.1 The following parts of an aircraft constitute Category Electrical:\n\n(a) electrical power generation, storage, distribution and protection systems — including associated meters;\n\n(b) lighting systems;\n\n(c) fire/smoke detection systems;\n\n(d) combustion heaters;\n\n(e) aircraft electrical bonding;\n\n    (f) data busses and multiplexing systems associated with the functioning of electrical systems;\n\n(g) warning indicators/annunciator panels.\n\n5.2 Electrical Category Privileges: With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the electrical category may be made by persons holding the appropriate electrical rating with the following limitations:\n\n    (a) maintenance of components which are supplied as bench tested units, installed in aircraft — limited to inspection, replacement and adjustment of parts normally adjustable or replaceable in service where the subsequent operation may be proved without the use of test equipment additional to that normally used for functional tests on the aircraft;\n    (b) maintenance of an electrical system which includes any of the following is excluded unless the licence holder is, or is employed by, the holder of a valid appropriate certificate of approval:\n    (i) the disturbing of individual parts of units which are supplied as bench tested units, where subsequent functioning must be proved using test equipment additional to that used for normal functional tests on the aircraft or troubleshooting;\n    (ii) maintenance of operational and automatic test equipment (ATE) software;\n    (iii) initial installation or subsequent modification of an electrical system.\n\n5.3 Electrical Category — Instrument Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the instruments category may be made by persons holding the appropriate electrical rating — limited to maintenance of interwiring, excluding functional tests of instrument systems required after maintenance.\n\n5.4 Electrical Category — Airframe/Engine Categories Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the airframe or engine category may be made by persons holding the appropriate electrical rating, limited to electrical components and wiring.\n\n5.5 Electrical Category — Radio Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance, excluding operational checks, within the radio category may be made by persons holding the appropriate electrical rating as follows:\n\n(a) on aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations limited to:\n\n    (i) security of attachment of wiring and components; and\n    (ii) replacement of removeable items of equipment of radio systems;\n    (b) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations — limited to security of attachment of wiring and components.\n\n6 CATEGORY INSTRUMENTS\n\n6.1 The following parts of an aircraft constitute Category Instruments:\n\n    (a) all indicating system instruments, composite indicators, and plumbing — excluding radio system indicating equipment and electrical meters;\n\n(b) instrument wiring;\n\n(c) automatic flight control systems;\n\n(d) integrated flight systems;\n\n(e) flight performance management systems;\n\n(f) pitot static systems;\n\n    (g) air data systems;\n\n(h) oxygen systems;\n\n(i) inertial navigation/inertial reference systems;\n\n    (j) data busses and multiplexing systems associated with instrument systems;\n    (k) flight data recorder systems;\n\n(l) ground proximity warning systems — excluding radio inputs;\n\n(m) stall warning/indicating systems;\n\n(n) electronically displayed check lists — excluding radar displays.\n\n> Note 1: The instrument system wiring to the electrical power supply terminates at the distribution bus, circuit breaker or fuse.\n\n> Note 2: The instrument system wiring supplying data signals to the radio system terminates at the connection to the radio system equipment or junction box.\n\n6.2 Instrument Category Privileges: With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the instrument category may be made by persons holding the appropriate instrument rating(s) with the following limitations:\n\n    (a) maintenance of components which are supplied as bench tested units, installed in aircraft — limited to inspection, replacement and adjustment of parts normally adjustable or replaceable in service where the subsequent operation may be proved without the use of test equipment additional to that normally used for functional tests on the aircraft;\n    (b) maintenance of an instrument system which includes any of the following is excluded unless the licence holder is, or is employed by, the holder of a valid appropriate certificate of approval:\n    (i) the disturbing of individual parts of units which are supplied as bench tested units, where subsequent functioning must be proved using test equipment additional to that used for normal functional test on the aircraft or troubleshooting;\n    (ii) maintenance of operational and automatic test equipment (ATE) software;\n    (iii) initial installation or subsequent modification of an instrument system.\n\n6.3 Instrument Category — Electrical Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the electrical category may be made by persons holding the appropriate instrument rating(s) — limited to maintenance of interwiring, but excluding functional tests of electrical sys­tems required after maintenance.\n\n6.4 Instrument Category — Airframe Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the airframe category, may be made by persons holding the appropriate instrument rating(s), as follows:\n\n    (a) on all aircraft — limited to instrument components;\n    (b) on aircraft not classified Group 20, where a Group 10 rating is held — limited to pressurisation control systems;\n    (c) on aircraft classified Group 20 — limited to pressurisation control systems.\n\n6.5 Instrument Category — Engine Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the engine category, may be made by persons holding the appropriate instrument rating(s) — limited to instrument components.\n\n6.6 Instrument Category — Radio Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance, excluding operational checks, within the radio category may be made by persons holding the appropriate instrument rating(s) as follows:\n\n(a) on aircraft approved only for V.F.R. operations limited to:\n\n    (i) security of attachment of wiring and components; and\n    (ii) replacement of removeable items of equipment of radio systems;\n    (b) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations — limited to security of attachment of wiring and components.\n\n7 EXTENSIONS\n\n7.1 With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance on aircraft may be made by persons holding an Extension 1 rating as follows:\n\n    (a) Category Electrical: Certification of maintenance in Category Electrical in the aircraft/engine combination for which the extension is rated, is limited to:\n    (i) daily and in transit inspections, or manufacturers/operators equivalent inspections; and\n    (ii) inspections for condition and security of attachment of wiring and components; and\n    (iii) replacement, functional check and adjustment of components (but excluding maintenance of operational and automatic test equipment software) where the subsequent operation may be proved without the use of specialised test equipment which is in addition to that normally used for functional checks on the air­craft; and\n    (iv) minor repair and replacement of interwiring;\n\n(b) Category Instruments: Certification of maintenance in Category Instruments in the aircraft/engine combination for which the extension is rated, is limited to:\n\n    (i) daily and in transit inspections, or manufacturers/operators equivalent inspections; and\n    (ii) inspections for condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components; and\n    (iii) replacement, functional check and adjustment of components (but excluding maintenance of operational and automatic test equipment software) where the subsequent operation may be proved without the use of specialised test equipment which is in addition to that normally used for functional checks on the aircraft; and\n    (iv) minor repair and replacement of interwiring;\n\n(c) Category Radio: Certification of maintenance in Category Radio in the aircraft/ engine combination for which the extension is rated is limited to:\n\n    (i) daily and in transit inspections, or manufacturers/operators equivalent inspections; and\n    (ii) inspections for condition and security of attachment of wiring and components; and\n    (iii) minor repair and replacement of interwiring; and\n    (iv) the replacement of components (but excluding system testing other than ‘BITE’ tests, maintenance of operational and automatic test equipment software).\n\n7.2 With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance on aircraft may be made by persons holding an Extension 2 rating as follows:\n\n(a) Category Airframes: Certification of maintenance in Category Airframes in the aircraft/engine combination for which the extension is rated, is limited to:\n\n    (i) daily, in transit, conditional inspections, or manufacturers/ operators equivalent inspections; and\n    (ii) inspections for condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing, components and structure; and\n    (iii) replacement, functional check and adjustment of components, where the subsequent operation can be proved without the use of specialised test equipment which is in addition to that normally used for functional checks on the aircraft — excluding- replacement repairs and adjustment to all flight control systems and any rectification to landing gear that requires rigging; and\n    (iv) repair and replacement of interwiring; and\n    (v) minor repairs to non-primary structure; and\n    (vi) minor repairs to plumbing;\n\n(b) Category Engines: Certification of maintenance in Category Engines in the aircraft/engine combination for which the extension is rated, is limited to:\n\n    (i) daily, in transit, conditional inspections, or manufacturers/ operators equivalent inspections; and\n    (ii) inspections for condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components; and\n    (iii) replacement, functional check and adjustment of components, where the subsequent operation can be proved without the use of specialised test equipment which is in addition to that normally used for functional checks on the aircraft and engine — excluding engine change and engine adjustments that will effect the engine performance; and\n    (iv) repair and replacement of interwiring; and\n    (v) minor repairs to cowling, plumbing and fairings;\n\n(c) Category Radio: Certification of maintenance in Category Radio in the aircraft/engine combination for which the extension is rated, is limited to:\n\n    (i) daily and in transit, inspections, or manufacturers/operators equivalent inspections; and\n    (ii) inspections for condition and security of attachment of wiring and components; and\n    (iii) repair and replacement of interwiring; and\n    (iv) the replacement of components (but excluding system testing other than ‘BITE’ tests, maintenance of operational and automatic test equipment software).","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Order expressly omits the existing section 100.90 and substitutes a new version, so the operative scope of CAO 100.90 has changed. The new text codifies detailed definitions, licence categories, privileges, exclusions, and two Extension ratings, and reaffirms CASA's discretion and cross‑references to CAR 1988. Exact differences from the prior text cannot be determined from this instrument alone because the previous wording is not supplied here."},"complexity_factors":["Technical detail and domain-specific terminology (extensive definitions of systems, components, NDT, primary structure, composite indicators, etc.) (see s.2, Appendix I).","Multiple licence categories and nested sub‑privileges (airframes, engines, radio, electrical, instruments) with cross‑category interactions and overlapping certification rules (see s.3.1, Appendix I generally).","Numerous conditional exclusions and limited privileges that depend on aircraft approval status, group/classification and presence of certificates of approval (see Airframe exclusions at s.2.2(e), Engine exclusions at s.3.3(e), Radio/Electrical/Instrument exclusions).","Introduction of two bespoke limited ratings (Extension 1 and Extension 2) each with tightly defined, different limits (see s.2 definitions and s.7).","Frequent cross‑references to other CAO sections and to the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (e.g. regulation 31 and regulation 30), creating external dependencies for interpretation and application (see s.1, notes to s.6.1 and s.6.3).","Administrative discretion vested in CASA to grant licences or impose limitations, increasing interpretive and enforcement variability (see s.3.4 and s.6.3).","Recency and equivalence requirements for grant and renewal (exams, AA exam within 24 months, 6 months’ exercise in preceding 24 months, foreign‑licence conversion requirements) impose specific compliance burdens (see s.6.1(c)-(d), s.6.3, s.7.3).","Multiple exceptions tied to third‑party authorisations (NDT authority, welding authority, certificate of approval) that require additional certification or employer status to perform certain work (see s.2.2(b)-(c),(e), s.3.3(b)-(c),(e))."],"plain_english_summary":"This Order replaces CAO 100.90 and sets out who may be granted or renew aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) licences, the five licence categories (airframes, engines, radio, electrical, instruments), detailed limits on what each licence or rating may certify, two limited \"Extension\" ratings, and basic grant/renewal conditions. It gives CASA discretion to impose limitations and affects AMEs, their employers and holders of certificates of approval by defining who may legally certify particular maintenance tasks and what training, examinations and recency are required."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a substitution amendment (No. R86 of 2004) replacing section 100.90 of the Civil Aviation Orders. The scope remains consistent with the original purpose of regulating aircraft maintenance engineer licensing. While the document is lengthy and detailed, this reflects the inherent complexity of aviation safety regulation rather than scope creep. The amendment appears to be updating and consolidating existing licensing requirements rather than expanding into new regulatory areas."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to other CAO sections (100.91-100.95) for detailed rating specifications and examination requirements","Nested conditional logic throughout Appendix I, with privileges varying by: aircraft category (VFR vs IFR), aircraft group classifications (Group 1, 2, 10, 20), specific system groups, and whether the engineer holds a certificate of approval","Multiple overlapping privilege schemes: primary category privileges, cross-category privileges (e.g., airframe holders doing limited electrical work), and extension ratings (Extension 1 and 2) with their own sub-limited scopes","19 defined terms in section 2.1, plus incorporation by reference of CAR 1988 definitions","Numerous specific exclusions requiring external authorities (NDT authority, welding authority, certificate of approval) for certain tasks","Dense numbering structure with multiple hierarchical levels (sections, subsections, paragraphs, sub-paragraphs, items) creating navigation challenges","Technical aviation terminology throughout (e.g., 'composite indicators', 'BITE tests', 'airworthiness office') requiring domain knowledge"],"plain_english_summary":"This legislation sets out the rules for who can get a licence to repair and maintain aircraft in Australia, and what they're allowed to do with that licence.\n\n**What it does:**\n- Establishes five main categories of aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) licences: **airframes**, **engines**, **radio systems**, **electrical systems**, and **instruments**.\n- Defines exactly what parts of an aircraft fall under each category (for example, airframes covers structure, landing gear, and control surfaces; engines covers propellers, fuel systems, and ignition systems).\n- Sets out what maintenance work each licence holder is allowed to certify as complete—ranging from simple inspections and part replacements to complex repairs.\n- Creates two special \"extension\" ratings that allow engineers with certain combinations of existing licences to perform limited work in other categories on specific aircraft types.\n- Specifies who can get a licence (including people with overseas qualifications), how long licences last, and how to renew them.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Anyone wanting to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer in Australia.\n- Current licence holders needing to renew or expand their qualifications.\n- Aircraft maintenance organisations employing these engineers.\n- CASA (the Civil Aviation Safety Authority), which issues and oversees these licences.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nAircraft maintenance is safety-critical work. This Order ensures only properly qualified people can sign off on repairs, and it clearly defines the boundaries of what each engineer can legally certify. Without these rules, unqualified work could compromise air safety. The detailed limitations (like restrictions on welding, non-destructive testing, or software maintenance) ensure complex or high-risk tasks require additional specialist approvals."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-amendment-order-no-r86-2004-civil-aviation-order-100-90-administration-and-procedure-","history":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-amendment-order-no-r86-2004-civil-aviation-order-100-90-administration-and-procedure-/history","analysis":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-amendment-order-no-r86-2004-civil-aviation-order-100-90-administration-and-procedure-/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-amendment-order-no-r86-2004-civil-aviation-order-100-90-administration-and-procedure-/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-amendment-order-no-r86-2004-civil-aviation-order-100-90-administration-and-procedure-/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-amendment-order-no-r86-2004-civil-aviation-order-100-90-administration-and-procedure-/documents"}}