What's new

EASA AD 2023-0116 ATA 32 – Landing Gear – Electrical Landing Gear Control – Inspection / Modification

Effective: 14 June 2023

Applicability: Arcus M powered sailplanes, serial numbers (s/n) 215 to 269 inclusive; and
Arcus T powered sailplanes, s/n 89 to 106 inclusive.

Aircraft register - updated

Media release: CAA and Industry launch new emerging aviation technologies forum

Heliski safety and risk management guidance [PDF 2.6 MB]

Flight test standards guide - Instrument rating - Aeroplane/helicopter revision 9

Form 24061-07 also updated

AC61-17, Revision 14, Pilot Licences and Ratings—Instrument Rating

This AC has been updated, superseding Revision 13, which dated from 24 August 2021. Revision 14 is a substantive revision which:

• Inserts a revised Subject 52-IR Air Law, Subject 54-Flight Navigation IFR and Subject 56-Instruments and Navigation Aids syllabi.
• Inserts a new syllabus Subject 53-IR Operational Knowledge specifically for PPL holders only.
• Removes references to technically enhanced (TEA) and replaces with electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS) and defines competency requirements.
• Defines the requirements for single-pilot and multi-pilot privileges.
• Introduces training requirements for navigation specifications including a new training syllabus in Appendix III.
• Introduces 2D and 3D approach terminology and clarifies the approach procedures required for initial issue and competency demonstrations.
• Outlines the conditions in which FMS ratings can be recognised as GNSS endorsements for licence issue.
• Updates the requirements for GNSS receiver competency demonstration.
• Clarifies what is determined as similar navigation systems.
• Updates Appendix II, Instrument Rating Flight Test Syllabus – Incorporates ‘accuracy for all aircraft’ section into the ‘In flight’ section.
• Adds new Appendix III, PBN Pilot Knowledge and Training Syllabus.
• Adds Appendix IV, ADF/NDB Theory Course Syllabus.
• Moves Appendix III, GNSS Theory Course Syllabus to Appendix V for transitional requirements.

Safety education poster: Where did you pack your devices?

Available in A4 and A3 sizes.

Advisory Circulars monthly report - May 2023

Our Kia Toipoto commitment

Part 157 proposal

Proposal for construction of heliport - Cascade Cove Barge
Submissions close 19 Jun 2023

Continuing Airworthiness Notice - 57-004 - Pacific Aerospace Cresco 08-600 Aircraft - Excessive wear found in wing rear spar to fuselage attach fittings

Continuing Airworthiness Notice - 52-001 - Airbus Helicopters AS 350 Series Aft Cargo Hold Door - Opened in flight

Aircraft register - updated

Part 77 determinations

Crane adjacent to State Highway 1, Drury Interchange - determination of no hazard
Crane at 10 Te Kapua Drive, Mangere, Auckland - determination of hazard
Cranes at Stewart Duff Drive, Wellington Airport - determination of no hazard

New revision available: Winter flying GAP [PDF 2.2 MB]

This is a general update of the Winter flying Good Aviation Practice booklet, previously updated in 2014, and also includes new rotary content.

Download a digital copy or order a printed copy

Part 77 proposal

Dairy plant facility at corner of Browning Street and Campbell Road, Tokoroa
Submissions close 23 Jun 2023

New bird incident rate report - January to March 2023

Airworthiness Directive Schedule Amendment Nr 23-05 - effective 25 May 2023

2023 revision of the Flight Instructor Guide

We have produced a full version of the Flight Instructor Guide in a downloadable and printable web book version.

Part 77 proposal

Mast at Pahiatua
Submissions close 23 Jun 2023

Inspection Authorisation (IA) certificate initial course

Commodore Airport Hotel Christchurch
31 Oct 2023 - 02 Nov 2023

Inspection Authorisation (IA) certificate refresher course

Commodore Airport Hotel Christchurch
22 Nov 2023 - 23 Nov 2023

Part 77 proposal

Crane at 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch
Submissions close 20 Jun 2023

Aircraft register - updated

Type Acceptance Report: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-67XP [PDF 667 KB]

Part 77 determination

Crane at 2 Devonport Road, Tauranga - determination of hazard

Part 77 proposals

Crane at 14 Laurence Stevens Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland
Submissions close 15 Jun 2023

Crane at 200 High Street, Christchurch
Submissions close 16 Jun 2023

Dangerous Goods staff shortage
From 20 May till late June the Dangerous Goods team will have very limited capacity to process dangerous goods requests due to staff being on leave. Requests and applications can still be submitted but will not be processed until late June.

Type Acceptance Report: Embraer ERJ 190 Series – Revision 2 [PDF 863 KB]

AC145-1, Revision 8, Aircraft Maintenance Organisations

This AC has been revised, following a request for CAA to clarify the necessary requirements for training of staff to certify components for release to service. Every Part 145-Certificated organisation will have established authorisation procedures, including the assessment of staff prior to the issuance of an authorisation. In the case of organisations maintaining components, authorisation procedures will identify the relevant component technical training course which must be undertaken prior to an authorisation being issued.

AC145-1 provides guidance to organisations who choose to establish an internal training function to address this requirement. In Section 6, Training and assessment (E1 rating or internal training) this AC identifies ATA Specification 104, Guidelines for Aircraft Maintenance Training, as guidance material for organisations choosing to conduct internal training. ATA Specification 104 expands on the guidance in this AC and provides a framework for organisations conducting technical training. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that ATA Specification 104 and AC145-1 are read in combination when establishing the relevant training.

Feedback on this AC will be open until Thursday 22 June 2023.

(Note the extended time frame to give feedback on this AC, following the request of a participant.)

CAA response to TAIC accident investigation report ‘Balloon Restraints’

Type acceptance report: Schempp-Hirth Discus-2T [PDF 504 KB]

Revision 2 has the addition of the latest Discus-2c FES electric powered version. There is now one in the country flying. ZK-GFE.

Part 77 proposal

Tower crane at Waterloo Road, Silverdale, Auckland
Submissions close 13 Jun 2023

AC100-1, Revision 3, Safety Management

This AC has been revised, to fix typos and other minor errors, and remove out of date rules references and transitional provisions.

Feedback on this AC will be open until Tuesday 13 June 2023.

AC139-3, Revision 5, Aerodrome Inspection Programme and Condition Reporting – for information

To support the publication of the pending rules on Runway Condition Reporting, which will come into force on 30 November 2023, we have also published plain and marked up versions of Revision 5 of AC139-3 for information, at the bottom of the AC139-3 landing page. While this Revision will not come into force until 30 November 2023, we hope that participants will find it helpful to use it in their preparation.

Please note, we are still working with the sector to agree how the necessary software will work in practice. When we have reached decisions on this, we are likely to add sections to this AC and put up an enhanced version of this AC.

Brazil ANAC Special Airworthiness Bulletin BEA 2023-03 EMB-500 Aircraft - Operation in Icing Conditions - issued 12 May 2023

Aircraft register - updated

Type Acceptance Report: Pilatus PC-12 [PDF 823 KB]

Revision 2 added the PC-12 NGX latest version of the aircraft.

Part 77 proposals

Crane at 1 Sir Keith Park Avenue, Mangere
Submissions close 09 Jun 2023

Crane at 11 Odlins Place, Mosgiel
Submissions close 12 Jun 2023

Part 77 determinations

Crane at 65 Victoria Street, Wellington - determination of no hazard
Crane at 61 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington - determination of no hazard

Vector Online: Sharing the lessons

AC115-7, Revision 1, Adventure Aviation — Special Aircraft Operations

This AC has been updated as part of a systematic revision of ACs. Revision 1 is the first update since 2016. It updates format and style to align with current ACs, moves a table to Appendix A, to make it easier to read, and adds a Version History.

Feedback on this and four related ACs in the 115 series will be open until Monday 12 June 2023.

AC115-3, Revision 1, Adventure Aviation — Parachute Drop-Aircraft Operations

This AC has been updated as part of a systematic revision of ACs. Revision 1 is the first update since 2016. It updates rule 91.513, adds a reference to Part 105, Subpart A, General, adds an Appendix A for easy reference and updates the style to align with current ACs. We have also added a Version History.

Feedback on this and four related ACs in the 115 series will be open until Monday 12 June 2023.

AC115-4, Revision 1, Adventure Aviation — Tandem Parachute Operations

This AC has been updated as part of a systematic revision of ACs. Revision 1 is the first update since 2016. It adds a section on Rule 115.573, Maintenance of tandem parachutes, updates format and style to align with current ACs and adds a Version History.

Feedback on this and four related ACs in the 115 series will be open until Monday 12 June 2023.

CAA media statement – Safety investigation report into fatal parachute accident in Tauranga on 20 March 2021

AC115-8, Revision 1, Adventure Aviation — Microlight Aircraft Operations

This AC has been updated as part of a systematic revision of ACs. Revision 1 is the first update since 2016. It clarifies rule 115.811, Minimum heights, updates format and style to align with current ACs, and adds a Version History.

Feedback on this and four related ACs in the 115 series will be open until Monday 12 June 2023.

AC115-1, Revision 4, Adventure Aviation — Operator Certification

This AC has been updated as part of a systematic revision of ACs. Revision 4 is the first update since 2016 and:

• moves general information on fatigue risk management to a new appendix, Appendix VI
• updates guidance on 115.15, Maximum period, 115.5, Personnel competency requirements, 115.215, Manipulation of controls
• updates guidance to reflect the transition from a Quality Management System (QMS) to a system of safety management (Safety Management System or SMS) focus, as reflected in rule 115.77
• adds guidance on 115.229, Carriage of dangerous goods
• deletes obsolete sections, notably Subpart CA – Transitional Provisions
• deletes Appendix I, Qualifications and Competencies of Senior Persons, as this information duplicates Part 115, Appendix A
• changes numbering of appendices to remove confusion with appendices in Part 115
• standardises the format and style to align with current ACs, and
• adds a Version History.

Feedback on this and four related ACs in the 115 series will be open until Monday 12 June 2023.

EASA AD 2023-0089 Airbus Helicopters AS350 and AS355 Series - Vertical Fin Inspection, Interior Placards, VNe Limitations and AFM Amendment - effective 18 May 2023

Summary of public submissions: Part 139 Runway condition reporting [PDF 290 KB]

Airworthiness and Maintenance Workshop - register now!

• Hamilton: 16-17 August 2023
• Christchurch: 19-20 September 2023

These will be the final two AMWs for 2023.

EASA SIB 2021-01R1 - Collins Aerospace VHF Data Radios – Data Link over VHF Data Link Mode 2 Operations - issued 27 Apr 2023

Vector Online: Beating the isolation

Part 77 proposal

Crane adjacent to SH1, Drury Interchange, southbound on-ramp
Submissions close 30 May 2023

Type acceptance report: SAAB 340 Series [PDF 755 KB]

Revision 4 covers the discontinuation of the Australian Flight Manuals and replacement with the EASA-standard Flight Manual for the SAAB 340 Series.

New pending rules

• Part 1 Amendment 58 Definitions and Abbreviations
• Part 121 Amendment 33 Air Operations Large Aeroplanes
• Part 125 Amendment 25 Air Operations Medium Aeroplanes
• Part 135 Amendment 25 Air Operations Helicopters and Small Aeroplanes
• Part 139 Amendment 15 Aerodromes Certification, Operation and Use
• Part 172 Amendment 16 Air Traffic Service Organisations Certification

These rules will come into force on 30 November 2023.

Keep an eye out for the Vector article which will come out in September.

Advisory Circulars monthly report - Apr 2023

Part 157 proposal

Proposal for alteration of a heliport - Bulls Gorge Heliport, Kerikeri
Submissions close 29 May 2023

Aircraft register - updated

Fatigue risk management

Part 135_125 Alternative IFR FDT scheme example

Severe space weather ramping up

Airworthiness Directive Schedule Amendment Nr 23-04 - effective 27 Apr 2023

Vector Online: I learned about distraction from this. And stress. And workload.

Wake turbulence - The invisible threat

Invercargill added to locations where airport identity cards are issued on pages for permanent AICs and temporary AICs.

Aircraft register - updated

Part 77 determinations

Crane at 99 Portage Road, Otahuhu, Mt Wellington, Auckland - determination of no hazard
Crane at 35 Tuam Street, Christchurch - determination of no hazard
Crane at 9 Inanga Street, Hobsonville, Auckland - determination of hazard

Part 77 proposal

Crane at 10 Te Kapua Drive, Mangere
Submissions close 12 May 2023

Part 109 Regulated air cargo agents list (v146) - updated 20 Apr 2023

Statement from David Harrison, Deputy Chief Executive Aviation Safety on the TAIC report into the Auckland Islands helicopter crash on 22 April 2019

Vector Online: The senior pilot

AC00-5, Revision 2, Parts Documentation CAA Form One - Authorised Release Certificate

This AC has been revised for the first time since 2010. In Revision 2 it has been updated to reflect the new AC145-2, Technical Arrangement – Maintenance (TA-M) between New Zealand and Singapore – Advice for Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs), which provides guidance for approved New Zealand-based Part 145-certificated AMOs to perform maintenance on CAAS civil aeronautical products in accordance with the requirements of NZ Part 145.

We have also taken the opportunity to correct formatting and other minor errors and add a Version History.

Request for permanent military operating area – NZM307, NZM308 – Manawatu – airspace user consultation

Submissions close 08 May 2023

Napier airspace review 2022 – Addendum to Airways petition

Aircraft register - updated

Request for restricted area – Mahia Peninsula, Hawke's Bay - airspace user consultation

Submissions close 05 May 2023

New revision of minimum equipment list - single-engine aircraft template

Part 109 Regulated air cargo agents list (v145) - updated 13 Apr 2023

Request amend NZR401 Mahia, Hawke's Bay - Activity or Purpose - airspace user consultation

Submissions close 27 Apr 2023

Vector Online: Competence or just confidence?

Request for permanent danger area - Takapau, Hawke's Bay - airspace user consultation

Submissions close 05 May 2023

Good Aviation Practice (GAP) booklet revision: In, out and around Auckland

Auckland has some of the most complex airspace in the country. This revised booklet features 10 aerodromes, from Waiheke Island to Mercer.

This is a general update of the booklet, previously updated in 2018.

Download a digital copy [PDF 2.3 MB] or request a printed copy using our order form.

Emergency EASA AD 2023-0075 Airbus Helicopters AS350 and AS355 Series - Vertical Fin Inspection, Interior Placards, VNe Limitations and AFM Amendment - effective 14 Apr 2023

Aircraft register - updated

AC66-1, Revision 5, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence - General

Revision 5 adds a section in Subpart C, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Ratings Rule 66.103(3), Foreign B1 Training Courses (Limited powerplant platform ratings). This explains the process which enables acceptance of foreign B1 courses to allow for a limited powerplant rating to be awarded when fitted to the specified airframe platform. It deletes the section Transitional Arrangements, makes stylistic changes to align with current AC format and fixes minor errors.

Vector Online: A beacon can save your life

Dangerous Goods courses in Auckland - register now!

Part 77 determination

Crane at 90 Devonport Road, Tauranga - determination of hazard

CASA Airworthiness Bulletin AWB 02-064 Issue 4 - Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Piston Engine Aircraft - issued 30 Mar 2023

CAA Annual Report 2022

AC00-5, Revision 2, Parts Documentation-CAA Form One-Authorised Release Certificate

This AC has been updated to reflect the new AC145-2, Technical Arrangement – Maintenance (TA-M) between New Zealand and Singapore – Advice for Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs), which provides guidance for approved New Zealand-based Part 145-certificated AMOs to perform maintenance on CAAS civil aeronautical products in accordance with the requirements of NZ Part 145.

AC145-2, Revision 0, Technical Arrangement – Maintenance (TA-M) between New Zealand and Singapore – Advice for Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs)

A new AC, following on from the Technical Arrangement – Maintenance (TA-M) signed between the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ), has been published. This AC provides guidance for approved New Zealand-based Part 145-certificated AMOs to perform maintenance on CAAS civil aeronautical products in accordance with the requirements of NZ Part 145.

Aircraft register - updated