Advisory circulars open for consultation

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.

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:

provide advice to New Zealand Civil Aviation Rule Part 145-certificated organisations, or Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs), on how to meet the requirements of rule 43.1(b) for doing work on aircraft registered in another State that is party to a technical agreement with CAANZ, and
outline the steps AMOs need to take to utilise this arrangement, to be able to perform maintenance on CAAS-certificated aeronautical products in accordance with rule 43.1(b).

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.

Advisory circulars closed for comment

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:

APPENDIX A: RCRs – Assessment and Report Format
APPENDIX B: Practical guide for the assessment, collection and issue of a runway condition report at a CONTROLLED aerodrome
APPENDIX C: Practical guide for the assessment, collection and issue of a runway condition report at an UNCONTROLLED aerodrome
a Version History, and
an Abbreviations and a Definitions section

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.

AC61-17, Revision 14, Pilot Licences and Rating - Instrument Rating - open for consultation [PDF 824 KB]

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:

Updates content to reflect related ACs, AC12-1 and AC100-1, which have had new revisions since the previous revision of this AC.
Revises Appendix A to reflect the form CAA005i, Occurrence Investigation Report.
Adds references to an AC from Transport Canada which contains a lot of relevant tips and guidance, and
Adds a Version History to make changes easier to track.

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:

11(a) Carriage of DG by Police
11(b) Carriage of Class 1 DG
11(c) Carriage of DG for recreational use of passengers
Carriage of DG for medical aid in flight
13 Carriage of DG by passengers and crew
Carriage of DG by helicopters operating in remote areas
Carriage of DG by underslung load
List of commonly carried items of DG
Segregation requirements
Aircraft emergency response drills
Carriage of DG in general

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.

AC66-1, Revision 4, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence - General – out for further consultation [PDF 736 KB]

Following an earlier consultation period and substantive input from operators, this AC has been further revised. The new Revision 4:

Updates the applicable email address for CAA Licensing team and online payment methods.
In Subpart B, updates competency standards for maintenance on aircraft principally constructed of FRP and ratings for engineers in Electrical, Instrument and Radio (E,I&R) categories.
In Subpart C, relating to type ratings courses, adds notes on appropriate training and type ratings course for avionics related work, depending on the complexity of the E,I&R system.
In Subpart D, clarifies eligibility requirements for a Certificate of Maintenance Approval (MA) and MA renewal applications.
In Subpart E, clarifies eligibility requirements for a Certificate of Inspection Authority (IA) and IA applications.
In Appendix 1, adds FRP to Group 1 and 2, updates competency standards for doing maintenance on aircraft principally constructed of FRP, and adds notes on appropriate training and type ratings course for E,I&R related work, depending on the complexity of the E,I&R system.
In Appendix 2, adds a detailed description of category demarcation.

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.

AC61-12, Revision 4, Pilot Licences and Ratings - Aerobatic Flight Rating – marked up copy of new Revision up for information [PDF 253 KB]

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:

Update section 1.4 to introduce new PSCP templates.
Create a new Appendix B.
Update the compliance matrix in Appendix A.
Make minor grammatical and stylistic updates.

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.

AC66-2.30, Revision 1, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence - Mechanical Group Ratings, open for consultation [PDF 630 KB]

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:

FRP and composite material.
General maintenance.
Radio systems.
Electrical systems.
Instrument systems.

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.

AC139-6, Revision 6, Aerodrome Design Requirements (All Aeroplanes Conducting Air Transport Operations, All Aeroplanes above 5700 kg MCTOW) [PDF 4.3 MB]

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:

Introduces the ICAO competency-based model for DG training.
Aligns the categories of personnel to be trained with the ICAO Technical Instructions.
Expands the acceptable methods of training.
Outlines:
- The expectations for assessment
- CAA approval of DG training programmes, and
- CAA inspection and monitoring of DG training providers.

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

Advisory Circular AC021-2, Revision 4, Aircraft certification - airworthiness certificates in the Standard and Restricted categories [PDF 361 KB]

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:

Appendix 15: Antenna installations
Appendix 16: Installation of replacement LED lights
Appendix 17: Installation of supplemental electronic carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
Appendix 18: Installation of Angle of Attack systems for awareness only
Appendix 19: Installation of ADS-B devices for awareness only

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:

Updates email and other addresses.
Updates advice on how to find information on the CAA website.
Makes minor clarifications and standardises the style, and
Takes the opportunity to add a Version History.

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:

Adds definitions of Avionics and Integrated Cockpit/ Flightdeck.
Updates competency standards for maintenance on aircraft principally constructed of fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and ratings for engineers in avionics categories.
Adds notes on appropriate training and type ratings course for avionics related work, and updates training requirements for retrofitted complex avionics systems.
Clarifies eligibility requirements for a Certificate of Maintenance Approval (MA) and MA renewal applications.

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

AC66-2.32 Revision 2 - Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence—Certificate of Inspection Authorisation (Subject 025) [PDF 234 KB]

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

AC91-20, Revision 1 - Guidelines for the Approval and Use of Electronic Flight Bag Devices [PDF 618 KB]

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

AC171-1 (draft) Revision 2 - Aeronautical Telecommunication Services - Operation and Certification [PDF 472 KB]

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]