{"id":"F2015L00597","name":"Civil Aviation Order 100.27 (Non-destructive testing authorities) Instrument 2015","slug":"civil-aviation-order-100-27-non-destructive-testing-authorities-instrument-2015","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":93274,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2015L00597-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Civil Aviation Order 100.27 (Non-destructive testing authorities) Instrument 2015","content":"I, mark alan skidmore, Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, make this instrument under regulations 5 and 33B and subregulation 42ZC (6) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, subsection 98 (5A) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and subsection 33 (3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.\n\n\\[Signed M. Skidmore\\]\n\nMark Skidmore AM  \nDirector of Aviation Safety\n\n22 April 2015\n\nCivil Aviation Order 100.27 (Non-destructive testing authorities) Instrument 2015\n\n1 Name of instrument\n\nThis instrument is the Civil Aviation Order 100.27 (Non-destructive testing authorities) Instrument 2015.\n\n2 Repeal\n\nCivil Aviation Order 100.27 Instrument 2007 as amended from time to time (CAO 100.27) is repealed.\n\n3 Commencement\n\nThis Order commences on the day of registration.\n\n4 Transitional\n\n4.1The repeal of CAO 100.27 does not affect the validity of a non-destructive testing authority issued under that Order.\n\n4.2An application for renewal of a non-destructive testing authority issued under CAO 100.27 must be made in accordance with Civil Aviation Order 100.27 (Non‑destructive testing authorities) Instrument 2015.\n\n5 Definitions\n\nIn this Order:\n\n> AS means Australian Standard.\n\n> COA holder means a person who holds a certificate of approval under regulation 30 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988) for maintenance of aircraft, aircraft components or aircraft materials.\n\n> NANDTB means National Airworthiness Non-Destructive Testing Board.\n\n> NDT means non-destructive testing.\n\n> recognised foreign NANDTB means a NANDTB recognised in writing by CASA on the recommendation of the National Aerospace Non-Destructive Testing Board of Australia (NANDTB Aust.), being a foreign NANDTB whose standard for NDT is NAS 410, EN 4179 or another standard approved by CASA under subparagraph 6.1 (d).\n\n> recognised standard means a standard referred to in subparagraph 6.1 (b), (c) or (d).\n\n> relevant NDT method or relevant method includes, when applicable, the techniques within the method.\n\n> responsible level 3 person means a level 3 qualified person as described in paragraph 6.2 who has been designated by the COA holder with the responsibility and authority to ensure that the requirements of the standard are met and to certify qualified individuals.\n\n> visual acuity means a person’s near vision and colour perception, confirmed in accordance with paragraph 6.3.\n\n6 Requirements for issuing NDT authorities\n\n6.1For issuing an NDT authority under regulation 33B of CAR 1988, CASA recognises level 1 “limited”, level 1 and level 2 NDT qualifications contained in the following standards, as in force from time to time:\n\n(a) AS 3669, the Australian standard;\n\n(b) NAS 410, the U.S.A. standard;\n\n(c) EN 4179, the European standard;\n\n(d) any other standard that CASA, on the recommendation of NANDTB Aust., approves for that purpose.\n\n6.2Assessment of NDT qualifications must be managed by a responsible level 3 person who:\n\n(a) has been designated as such by the COA holder; and\n\n(b) has been recognised by NANDTB Aust. as meeting the requirements of AS 3669 or a recognised standard for level 3 qualification.\n\n6.3 An examination to confirm that an applicant’s visual acuity meets the requirements of AS 3669, or a recognised standard, must be conducted by a qualified optometrist or another person holding a qualification recognised by CASA for that purpose.\n\n7 Requirements for NDT authority\n\n7.1 In order to obtain an NDT authority, an applicant is required, in accordance with AS 3669 or a recognised standard:\n\n(a) to have gained practical experience, to an appropriate level of qualification, in the relevant NDT method, being a method referred to in AS 3669 or a recognised standard; and\n\n(b) to have passed any required written examination (as required under AS 3669 or a recognised standard) in the relevant method to an appropriate level of qualification; and\n\n(c) to have performed practical tests which demonstrate proficiency in the relevant method to an appropriate level of qualification; and\n\n(d) to have met the required standard of visual acuity as mentioned in AS 3669.\n\n> Note For colour perception, NDT personnel must be capable of adequately distinguishing and differentiating the colours used in the NDT process involved. Any limitation in colour perception must be evaluated and documented by the responsible level 3 person to determine its significance to the person’s work before issuing an approval.\n\n7.2 Assessments must be conducted in accordance with the requirements set out in AS 3669 and paragraph 7.3.\n\n7.3 Any written examination, and any practical test, required under paragraph 7.2 to satisfy the requirements of a standard must be managed by:\n\n(a) a responsible level 3 qualified person, as described in paragraph 6.2, who is recognised by NANDTB Aust. as qualified to do so; or\n\n(b) a recognised foreign NANDTB.\n\n8 Evidence of appropriate level of qualification\n\nCASA will accept as evidence that an applicant for an NDT authority has reached an appropriate level of qualification in an NDT method:\n\n(a) written certification that the applicant has done so, issued by an employer who has complied with paragraph 7.2; or\n\n(b) verification that an applicant’s NDT technical qualification is one that is:\n\n(i) published from time to time by the NANDTB as meeting the requirements of AS 3669 or a recognised standard; and\n\n(ii) recognised by CASA.\n\n9 Term and scope of NDT authority\n\n9.1 An NDT authority must be issued for a period not exceeding 5 years to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of paragraph 8.1. It must be endorsed for the relevant NDT method with such limitations as are appropriate, having regard to the applicant’s examination, training and experience.\n\n9.2 An NDT authority must be issued to the appropriate level of qualification, being level 1 “limited”, level 1, or level 2 as specified in AS 3669.\n\n10 Visual acuity requirements\n\nThe holder of an NDT authority must at all times when conducting NDT comply with the visual acuity requirements of AS 3669.\n\n11 Renewal of NDT authority\n\n11.1 An NDT authority may be renewed by application on the approved CASA form. In accordance with paragraphs 11.2 and 11.3, the holder must produce evidence to CASA that he or she has maintained proficiency for the relevant NDT method for which the authority was issued, continues to satisfy the applicable visual acuity requirements and has undergone the practical assessment requirements of AS 3669 for reapproval at the specific NDT qualification level.\n\n11.2 Evidence referred to in paragraph 11.1 must be issued in a statement by a responsible level 3 person nominated by the applicant’s employer and must include details of:\n\n(a) the applicant’s practical experience in the relevant NDT method for which the authority was issued; and\n\n(b) relevant NDT training received by the applicant; and\n\n(c) specific examinations (as required under AS 3669) passed by the applicant; and\n\n(d) practical assessments (as required under AS 3669) of the applicant’s work that were carried out.\n\n> Note To assist the responsible level 3 person’s assessment of proficiency for renewal of an NDT authority, an applicant should keep a record of evidence of their work experience.\n\n11.3 An application for renewal must also be accompanied by the results of the most recent near vision test conducted within the last 12 months, being a test conducted in accordance with AS 3669 and paragraph 6.3 to show that the applicant meets the required standard of visual acuity.\n\n12 Authority to carry out inspection using an NDT method\n\nFor subregulation 42ZC (5) of CAR 1988, the holder of a valid airworthiness authority (AA) issued under regulation 33B of CAR 1988 to conduct NDT of aircraft and aircraft components is authorised to carry out on an aircraft component or aircraft material, that is covered by the AA, maintenance in the form of an inspection using an NDT method.\n\n> Note For the exercise of his or her privilege under section 12, the holder of an AA must comply with paragraph 42ZC (5) (a) of CAR 1988 and do so only when he or she is employed by, or working under an arrangement with, the holder of a certificate of approval that covers maintenance in the form of an inspection using an NDT method.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument repeals and replaces the 2007 CAO but stays within the original subject‑matter: it prescribes how NDT authorities are issued, the qualifications and standards required, assessment and renewal processes, and visual acuity requirements. The main changes are procedural and clarifying (explicit acceptance of named international standards, formal role for a responsible level 3 person recognised by NANDTB Aust., and clearer documentation/renewal requirements). It does not materially broaden the legal scope of who may be authorised to perform NDT or create new categories of regulated activity beyond those covered by the earlier Order; rather it updates recognition pathways and administrative detail (see sections 4, 6–11)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross‑references to external standards (AS 3669, NAS 410, EN 4179) and to Civil Aviation Regulations (regulations 33B, 42ZC and 30) requiring readers to consult other documents (sections 1, 6.1, 12).","About 9 defined terms in the interpretation section that control eligibility and roles (definitions: AS, COA holder, NANDTB, NDT, recognised foreign NANDTB, recognised standard, relevant NDT method, responsible level 3 person, visual acuity).","Conditional recognition powers for CASA (CASA may approve additional standards on recommendation of NANDTB Aust.) creates discretion and an external dependency (6.1(d)).","Dual pathways for assessment management and verification (either a responsible level 3 person recognised by NANDTB Aust. or a recognised foreign NANDTB) introduce branching logic (7.3(a)–(b), 6.1).","Renewal regime with multiple documentary requirements, an annual near vision test requirement and employer statements (11.1–11.3).","Transitional provision preserving earlier authorities while imposing new renewal standards (4.1–4.2) — requires administrators to track legacy versus new compliance obligations.","Notes that impose practical constraints (employment/arrangement requirement to exercise AA privilege) that sit outside the main rule text but are operationally important (section 12 note)."],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanically)\n\n- Replaces the earlier Civil Aviation Order (CAO 100.27) with a new CAO that sets the rules for issuing, renewing and using \"NDT authorities\" — the authorisations that let people carry out non‑destructive testing (NDT) inspections on aircraft parts (see sections 1–3, 4, 12).\n\n- Specifies which qualification standards CASA will accept for NDT authorisations (AS 3669, NAS 410, EN 4179, or other CASA‑approved standards) and which qualification levels are recognised (level 1 “limited”, level 1, level 2) (section 6.1).\n\n- Requires assessments, examinations and practical tests to be managed or overseen by a designated \"responsible level 3 person\" who is recognised by the national NANDTB (National Airworthiness Non‑Destructive Testing Board) as meeting level 3 requirements (sections 6.2, 7.3).\n\n- Requires a near vision and colour perception check by a qualified optometrist (or another CASA‑recognised person) before an authority is issued and annually for renewal (sections 6.3, 11.3, 10).\n\n- Sets documentary evidence that CASA will accept (employer certification or NANDTB‑published verification) and limits an authority’s term to no more than 5 years; authorities must be endorsed for the specific NDT method and level (sections 8, 9.1–9.2).\n\n- Preserves existing NDT authorities issued under the previous CAO and requires renewals to follow the new requirements (section 4).\n\n- Clarifies that holding an airworthiness authority (AA) to carry out NDT inspection is an authorisation to perform inspection maintenance on components covered by the AA, but the person must be employed by (or working under arrangement with) a COA holder that covers that maintenance (section 12 and accompanying note).\n\nWho is affected\n\n- Individual NDT technicians seeking an NDT authority (applicants). They must meet training, examination, practical test and visual acuity requirements and produce documentation for renewal (sections 7, 10, 11).\n- Employers/COA holders (organisations that hold a certificate of approval): they must designate a responsible level 3 person, provide assessments or employer certification, and supervise staff competence and record‑keeping (definitions, sections 6.2, 8, 11.2).\n- Responsible level 3 persons and NANDTB Aust.: they manage and verify assessments, and NANDTB Aust. participates in recognition and qualification publication (sections 6.2, 6.1(d), 8(b)).\n- CASA (the regulator): decides which foreign NANDTBs and other standards are recognised, registers approvals and enforces compliance (sections 6.1(d), definitions).\n- Optometrists or other CASA‑recognised vision testers: conduct the required visual acuity checks (section 6.3).\n\nWhy it matters (stated purpose and practical effects)\n\n- The instrument operationalises how CASA ensures that people doing NDT on Australian aircraft meet internationally accepted technical and fitness standards (it explicitly accepts several international standards and lets CASA approve others) (section 6.1).\n\n- Mechanically, it centralises assessment control in a designated level 3 person recognised by the NANDTB and requires employer documentation for initial issue and renewal — so responsibility for ongoing competence assessment sits with employers and their level 3 appointee (sections 6.2, 7.3, 11.2).\n\n- It creates recurring compliance tasks: practical exams and tests, written exams, vision testing (initial and every 12 months for renewal), record‑keeping and a renewal application process every up to 5 years (sections 7, 10, 11).\n\nCosts, incentives and trade‑offs (mechanics, not political claims)\n\n- Who pays: individual technicians and their employers will bear the direct costs of training, examinations, practical assessments, vision testing and record‑keeping required for initial authorisation and renewal (sections 7, 11).\n\n- Who decides: CASA retains decision authority over which foreign NANDTBs and non‑listed standards are acceptable; NANDTB Aust. plays a gatekeeping/advisory role in recognition and in publishing acceptable qualifications (sections 6.1(d), definitions, 8(b)). This concentrates discretion in regulator and national board.\n\n- Behaviour change the instrument encourages: employers must nominate and rely on a responsible level 3 person to manage assessments and to produce renewal statements; applicants will either seek employment/arrangements with a COA holder or ensure their employer provides the required assessments and documentation (sections 6.2, 11.2, 12 note).\n\n- Effects on private enterprise and competition: the requirement that NDT work be carried out while employed by or under arrangement with a COA holder (section 12 note) means independent technicians must have a contractual relationship with a COA holder to lawfully exercise an AA privilege. The designation/recognition requirements may raise entry costs that favour larger maintenance organisations able to host a recognised level 3 person and maintain administrative systems (sections 6.2, 8, 11.2).\n\n- Compliance burden and implementation risk: the rules rely on availability and capacity of recognised level 3 persons and NANDTB Aust. (and on CASA’s approvals for foreign standards). If those resources are scarce, assessments and renewals could be delayed; employers must keep records and provide documented evidence for renewals (sections 6.2, 7.3, 11.2, 8).\n\n- Opportunity and substitution effects: by recognising several international standards and allowing CASA‑approved alternatives, the instrument permits reliance on different qualification systems. That creates flexibility but also requires CASA/NANDTB processes to evaluate and approve equivalence (section 6.1).\n\nKey implementation mechanics to note (with sections)\n\n- Accepted standards and levels: AS 3669, NAS 410, EN 4179, or other CASA‑approved standards; recognised levels are level 1 “limited”, level 1, level 2 (6.1).\n- Assessment oversight: must be managed by a designated, NANDTB‑recognised responsible level 3 person (6.2, 7.3).\n- Visual requirements: initial and renewal near vision and colour checks by a qualified optometrist or CASA‑recognised person; continuous compliance with AS 3669 visual acuity while conducting NDT (6.3, 10, 11.3).\n- Evidence for issue/renewal: employer certification meeting AS 3669, or NANDTB‑published verification recognised by CASA (8, 11.2).\n- Term: authorisations issued for up to 5 years and endorsed to the relevant method and level (9.1–9.2).\n\nTransitional point\n\n- Existing NDT authorities issued under the old CAO remain valid; renewals must follow the new Order (4.1–4.2).\n\nSource‑backed summary: the instrument is a technical, procedural rule‑set that ties NDT authorisation to specified international standards, places practical assessment responsibility with an employer‑designated level 3 person recognised by the national NANDTB, requires ongoing visual checks and employer documentation for renewals, and leaves CASA with discretion to recognise foreign NANDTBs and alternative standards (see sections 6–12)."},"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"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument appears to maintain the same scope as its predecessor (CAO 100.27 Instrument 2007). It is a straightforward remake/update of the previous order with transitional provisions to ensure continuity of existing authorities. The substance—regulating who can perform non-destructive testing on aircraft—remains unchanged from the original intent."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping standards referenced (AS 3669, NAS 410, EN 4179, plus 'any other standard' approved by CASA)","Nested qualification hierarchy (Level 1 'limited', Level 1, Level 2, Level 3) with different requirements for each","External document incorporation ('as in force from time to time') requiring readers to consult separate standards not included in the instrument","Multiple defined terms (8 definitions) including cross-references between definitions (e.g., 'recognised foreign NANDTB' refers to 'recognised standard')","Dual pathways for evidence of qualification (employer certification vs NANDTB verification)","Conditional renewal requirements requiring evidence from multiple sources (employer statement + vision test within 12 months)","Reference to multiple pieces of parent legislation (Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, Civil Aviation Act 1988, Acts Interpretation Act 1901)"],"plain_english_summary":"This Order defines who may perform non‑destructive testing (NDT) on Australian aircraft and parts, who must be approved by CASA, and how qualifications are recognised and maintained. It aligns Australian, US and European standards, requires oversight by a responsible Level‑3 expert, mandates vision testing, limits NDT authorities to five years with renewal based on competence, and allows recognition of equivalent foreign NDT boards.\n\nIt matters because it ensures only properly qualified, assessed and medically fit technicians carry out critical safety inspections."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-100-27-non-destructive-testing-authorities-instrument-2015","history":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-100-27-non-destructive-testing-authorities-instrument-2015/history","analysis":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-100-27-non-destructive-testing-authorities-instrument-2015/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-100-27-non-destructive-testing-authorities-instrument-2015/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-100-27-non-destructive-testing-authorities-instrument-2015/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-100-27-non-destructive-testing-authorities-instrument-2015/documents"}}