Advisory circulars provide an acceptable means of compliance with Civil Aviation Rules.
To see a list of ACs we are working on and new ACs, please check here:
Advisory circulars monthly report [PDF 281 KB]
To provide feedback on ACs, please see the list open for consultation below.
See draft ACs closed for comment
AC145-2, Rev 0, Advice for AMOs on Tech Agreement Maintenance between CAAS and CAANZ [PDF 437 KB]
On 30 September 2022, the CAA of NZ signed a Technical Arrangement – Maintenance (TA-M) with CAA Singapore. The text of the TA-M can be found on the CAA website here. We have drafted a new AC, AC145-2, Technical Arrangement – Maintenance (TA-M) between New Zealand and Singapore – Advice for Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMO) to:
Feedback is invited from participants. If you would like to provide feedback on this draft, please click here to submit your response by Thursday 16th March 2023.
AC91-9 & 172-1, Revision 15, Radiotelephony Manual [PDF 1.1 MB]
This proposed revision reintroduces term “Essential Traffic” to sections 4.14.1 to 4.14.3 to reflect the definition in rule 172.3, and in the New Zealand Aeronautical Information Publication (AIPNZ) ENR sections on Essential Traffic. It also corrects some formatting errors and changes page breaks to keep tables on one page wherever feasible.
While this is a minor change, CAA is also aiming to do a more substantive revision of this AC next year, subject to resourcing. If we get any feedback beyond the scope of the current revision we will collate for future work on this AC.
Comments closed Thursday 22 Dec 2022
AC139-3, Revision 5, Aerodrome Inspection Programme and Condition Reporting [PDF 979 KB]
This AC has been revised to reflect proposed changes to Civil Aviation Rule Part 139, Aerodromes Certification, Operation and Use, which have been posted for comment here. This is a comprehensive review, to align with Part 139, Amendment 15, and ICAO’s introduction of the Global reporting Format (GRF) for runway condition reporting, as set out in ICAO Circular 355, adapted for New Zealand conditions. We have also added:
and deleted Section 4, Special Inspection, and incorporated relevant material into Section 3, Regular Inspections.
Comments closed Wednesday 30 Nov 2022.
AC91-2, Revision 2, Assignment of Mode S Address – draft for consultation [PDF 178 KB]
This AC has been revised for this first time since 2008, as part of a systematic review of ACs.
Revision 2 updates address information for the Aircraft Register and provides updates throughout to reflect changes to how Mode S addresses are assigned. We have also added a Version History.
Comments closed Tuesday 25 Oct 2022.
Revision 14 is a comprehensive update to reflect the primary role of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) in a pilot’s training and operations. It introduces a range of new syllabi and other changes to outline the knowledge needed to meet PBN requirements. For more detail on specific changes, readers can check the Version History at the front of the marked-up copy of AC61-17.
Comments closed Monday 02 Sep 2022.
AC43-9, Modifications, Repairs, and the CAA337 [PDF 380 KB]
Following extensive consultation, CAA have made changes based on the feedback and put this revised draft out for a short further period of consultation to allow final constructive feedback.
CAA would like to thank all the participants who provided considered and valuable feedback on the draft to date.
Comments closed Thursday 11 Aug 2022.
AC12-2, Revision 2, Occurrence Investigation – open for consultation [PDF 362 KB]
This is the first time this AC has been reviewed since March 2016. Revision 2 is a substantive rewrite, which among other things:
CAA was prompted to review this AC following a suggestion from a participant in the AC feedback survey. We would like to thank the participant who brought this to our attention.
Comments closed Monday 01 Aug 2022.
AC92-4, Revision 0, Dangerous Goods Manuals – draft for consultation [PDF 566 KB]
The initial draft of this AC has been completed and is ready for consultation.
This AC describes an acceptable means of compliance with requirements to have a Dangerous Goods (DG) manual in an operator’s exposition, particularly for smaller operators. It also provides operators who are not certificated with a sample DG manual.
As part of this AC, we have drafted sample manuals for “will carry” and “will-not-carry” operators. While operators still have to work through their own circumstances in drafting their manuals, we hope that these will prompt operators to create robust and detailed manuals that will help them manage DG safely in their day-to-day operations. Ideally this AC would be read in conjunction with other ACs in the 92 series.
In the current draft we have included the manuals in the AC itself – we would welcome feedback from participants as to whether this format is useful, if published as a Word document, or whether it would be easier for them to be published as separate documents.
Comments closed Friday 29 Jul 2022.
AC92-2, Revision 2, Carriage of Dangerous Goods – open for consultation [PDF 1.3 MB]
This AC has been updated. This is the first time it has been revised since 27 April 2007. Revision 2 is a substantive update with guidance on:
Because of the scope of the changes, we have not done the normal tracked change version, as it makes more sense to read the AC as a whole document.
Comments closed Friday 06 May 2022.
Following an earlier consultation period and substantive input from operators, this AC has been further revised. The new Revision 4:
Please note that text highlighted in yellow indicates it has been inserted. We have taken out deleted segments to more clearly focus on the new material proposed for this AC. CAA would like to thank participants who took the time to provide feedback on the previous draft.
Comments closed Wednesday 04 May 2022.
This AC has been revised for the first time since 9 May 2007. Revision 4 does not change any content, but has updated the format to align with other ACs in this series, and corrects typos and other minor errors. The opportunity has also been taken to add a Version History.
Comments closed Wednesday 20 April 2022.
AC21-8, Revision 2, Design Changes—Supplemental Type Certificate, open for consultation [PDF 1 MB]
This AC has been updated. Revision 2 is the first time this AC has been revised since 2016. Revision 2 of AC21-8 reflects the new AC21-7, Product Certification – Type Certificates, which was issued on 14 May 2021. The main changes of AC21-8 are to:
As with previous ACs, sections highlighted in yellow denote insertions, and those in strikethrough denote deletions.
Comments closed Monday 17 January 2022.
AC43-9, Revision 5, Modifications, Repairs, and the CAA337 [PDF 380 KB]
Following a further request from an industry organisation, the deadline for providing feedback on this AC has been extended.
Revision 5 of this AC updates terminology and advice on acceptable technical data (ATD) throughout. Because of the scope of the changes, this draft AC has not been marked up, as it makes more sense to read the AC as a whole.
Comments closed Saturday 1 January 2022.
AC61-7, Revision 23, Pilot Licences and Ratings—Airline Transport Pilot Licence [PDF 1.7 MB]
This AC has been updated, and is on the website for information. Revision 23 introduces an amended syllabus for Subject 42 ATPL Meteorology, including a new sub-section 42.42.10 and a deleted item (a) in sub-section 48.42.12 (with the result that the other items have changed from (b) to (a) and so on). It also makes minor stylistic changes to standardise the format.
Comments closed 20 December 2021.
This AC has been revised, the first Revision of this AC since 1 December 2008. This is a comprehensive revision that contains all the information (resource study material, scope and outline syllabus) for Mechanical Group Ratings.
In particular, resource materials have been updated, and there is extra information about:
As a result of the updates, some numbering has changed from the initial Revision, and all of the Oral subjects have been deleted. The previous Aeroplane Group 4, Subject 66 (Written) & 67 (Oral) has been deleted and amalgamated into the Aeroplane and Rotorcraft Group 1 and 2 syllabi.
We have also taken the opportunity to add a Version History.
Comments closed 15 December 2021.
AC21-4, Revision 3, Special Category Amateur Built Aircraft Airworthiness Certificates [PDF 286 KB]
Revision 3 of this AC is a complete re-issue with many updated sections to reflect the latest CAA and FAA interpretations and guidelines. Because of the extent of the changes, the usual marked up system hasn’t been used, as it makes more sense to read the AC as a whole.
Comments closed 6 December 2021.
AC43-1, Revision 6, Aircraft Maintenance [PDF 376 KB]
Revision 6 simplifies the requirements for maintenance records and the use of Acceptable Technical Data (ATD), particularly in sections 2.7 and 2.14. It also standardises the use of abbreviations and terminology.
Comments closed 1 December 2021.
CAA has made a minor Revision to this AC. Revision 6 amends a discrepancy with standards in ICAO Annex 14 regarding stated pressures of an aircraft medium and high tyre pressure values. This is referred to in the third table under section 2.5.6, Maximum allowable tire pressure category, on page 20. CAA would like to thank the participant who brought this to our attention. We have also taken the opportunity to add a Version History.
As with previous ACs, sections highlighted in yellow denote insertions, and those in strikethrough denote deletions.
Comments closed 23 November 2021
AC92-1, Revision 2, Dangerous Goods Training Programmes [PDF 301 KB]
This AC has been revised and is on the web for consultation, the first revision since April 2007. Revision 2 of this AC:
Because of the scope of the changes, this draft AC has not been marked up, as it makes more sense to read it as a whole.
Comments closed 11 November 2021
This AC has been revised and is attached for consultation. This is Revision 4 of this AC, the first time it has been revised since 2007.
In Revision 4, we update the policy regarding statements of conformity and the conduct of an eligibility investigation in the absence of one. We have also made minor changes to standardise the style and format.
Comments closed 20 October 2021
AC43-14, Revision 6, Standard Design Changes: Acceptable Technical Data [PDF 784 KB]
AC43-14, Revision 6, Standard Design Changes: Acceptable Technical Data has been revised and is attached for feedback. This is Revision 6 of this AC. Among other minor changes to standardise the format and terminology, Revision 6 amends Appendix 6 to include dual NAV/COM devices, and adds the following new appendices:
Comments closed 20 October 2021
AC109-1, Revision 4, Regulated Air Cargo Agent – Certification [PDF 408 KB]
A new revision of this AC has been completed, and is on the website for information. This is the first time this AC has been updated since 2013, so changes to team names, email addresses, and website links were needed. This Revision:
Comments closed 1st October 2021
AC103-1 Revision 4 - Microlight Aircraft Operating Rules [PDF 335 KB]
AC103-1, Microlight Aircraft Operating Rules, has been revised, for the first time since November 2012. Revision 4 adds additional information relating to the delegation of microlight inspection and assessments after incorporation of a major modification, and reference to the process of operating engines beyond the manufacturer’s time between overhauls (TBO). We have also taken the opportunity to add a Version History.
Comments closed 30 September 2021
AC66-1 Revision 4 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence – General [PDF 585 KB]
Part 66L Website simplified Rating Designations to go with AC66-1 Rev 4 consult [PDF 497 KB]
Revision 4 of this AC has been drafted and is here for feedback. Revision 4:
Comments closed 21 September 2021
AC43-1, Revision 5.1, Aircraft Maintenance [PDF 410 KB]
There has been a minor amendment to this AC. Incorrect references were discovered at para 2.6 to Appendix G of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), not Appendices A and H: these have been corrected in Revision 5.1. CAA thanks the participant who brought this material to our attention.
Comments closed 1 September 2021
This is the second Revision of this AC. It was last updated in February 2014. Revision 2 amends the source material references and provides greater detail on subject matter requirements for the Certificate of Inspection Authorisation (IA).
Comments closed 30 August 2021
AC61-17 Revision 13 - Pilot Licences and Ratings—Instrument Rating [PDF 721 KB]
There has been a minor amendment to this AC. The marked-up version of Revision 13 is attached. Revision 13 deletes an item in the syllabus for IR Navigation which is no longer relevant, under section 54.22.24 With regard to uncharted routes (found on page 28), and adds a Version History.
CAA thanks the participants who brought this material to our attention. CAA expects to publish the new Revision in a few weeks. If you have any questions, please contact us here by Friday 20th August.
The next Revision of this AC will be a full revision of the theory and flight test syllabi, expected towards the beginning of 2022.
Comments closed 20 August 2021
This AC describes an acceptable means of compliance with standards for the approval and use of portable and installed Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) devices in aircraft, as related to relevant parts of rules 121, 125 and 135 as listed in Section 4.
This is the first revision of AC91-20, since it was published on 30 January 2012. It updates section 7, Background, and section 8, Evaluation of Portable Hardware Components. It also updates section 9.2, Type B Software Applications, and updates section 12.13, Training. Lastly, it renumbers and deletes duplicate sections, with the effect that section 10 in the first version is now much of section 8, section 11 has been largely deleted and what was section 13 in the previous version is now section 12. Section 12 to 12.12 is largely unchanged – while this revision focuses on technological change, a review of operational approval processes may be the focus of the next revision.
Comments closed 9 August 2021
AC121-1 (draft) Revision 1 – Extended Diversion Time Operations and Polar Area Operations [PDF 1 MB]
AC121-1, Extended Diversion Time Operations and Polar Area Operations, is attached for feedback. This is Revision 1 of this AC. The update supports revised rules governing aeroplane diversions greater than 60 minutes flight time from an adequate aerodrome. The revised standard encompasses the operations of all turbine powered multi engine Part 121 aeroplanes and replaces the previous extended-range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) rules which applied only to extended range operations in twin turbine engine aeroplanes.
Because this AC was last updated in 2000, it has been substantially rewritten to account for technical changes. Therefore it was felt a marked-up version which compared changes against the initial Revision would not be helpful. It is recommended that readers go through this draft as a stand-alone document.
Comments closed 27 July 2021
Comments closed 28 June 2021
AC61-10 (draft) Revision 11 – Pilot Licence and Ratings – Type Ratings [PDF 450 KB]
Comments closed 18 June 2021
AC21-7 (draft) Revision 0 – Product Certification – Type Certificates [PDF 1.1 MB]
AC21-7 (draft) Revision 0 - Appendix A - CCL Template draft [PDF 95 KB]
AC21-7 (draft) Revision 0 - Appendix B - PSCP Template draft [PDF 266 KB]
Comments closed 13 May 2021
AC43-1 (draft) Revision 5 – Aircraft Maintenance [PDF 360 KB]
Comments closed 10 May 2021
AC12-1 (draft) Revision 5 - Mandatory Occurrence Notification and Information [PDF 460 KB]
Comments closed 10 May 2021
Comments closed 27 April 2021
AC91-1 & AC172-1 – Radiotelephony Manual [PDF 1.1 MB]
Comments closed 23 April 2021
AC61-13 (draft) Revision 3 - Pilot license and ratings - Glider Tow Rating [PDF 164 KB]
Comments closed 22 April 2021
AC175-1 (draft) Revision 3 - Aeronautical Information Services Organisations [PDF 460 KB]
Comments closed 15 April 2021