AIRCRAFT AIRWORTHINESS

Definitions
“aircraft type” means all aircraft of the same basic design;
“approved maintenance organization (AMO)” organization approved to perform specific aircraft maintenance activities
by the Authority;
“certificate of release to service” a document confirming that inspection and maintenance work has been performed
satisfactorily in accordance with the methods prescribed.
“Continued airworthiness”: all the actions associated with the upkeep of a type design and the associated approved data
through life.
“Continuing airworthiness” a processes by which an aircraft, or component complies with the airworthiness state and in a
condition for safe operation throughout its operating life;
“maintenance programme” document describing specific scheduled maintenance tasks and their frequency of completion and
related procedures.
“modification” a change to the type design of an aircraft or aeronautical product which is not a repair;
“Operator” a person, organization or enterprise, engaged in or offering to engage in an aircraft organization;
Recognized airworthiness code – standards relating to the design, materials, construction, equipment, performance and
maintenance planning of aircraft/ component issued by the state of design that are acceptable to the Authority.
“overhaul” the restoration of an aircraft or aircraft component using methods, techniques and practices acceptable to the
Authority
“preventive maintenance” - minor preservation operations and the replacement of small standard parts
“rating” an authorization entered on or associated with a license/certificate stating special conditions, privileges or limitations
pertaining to such license or certificate;
“Validation” confirmation by a contracting state on the basis of satisfactory evidence that the specific intended use or
application complies with the requirements or standards of the state.
“Type Certificate”: a document issued by KCAA to an applicant who has proven that their aircraft, engine, or propeller meets
all applicable airworthiness standards pertaining to that product.
• Normal, utility, and acrobatic category Airplanes
• Transport category airplanes
• Aircraft engines
• Propellers
Aircraft Airworthiness
An aircraft shall not be flown in Kenya unless there is in force in respect thereof a certificate of airworthiness duly issued or
rendered valid under the law of the state in which the aircraft is registered and any conditions subject to which the certificate
was issued or rendered valid are complied with.
Note:
This regulation shall not apply to flights beginning and ending in Kenya without passing over any other state of:
i) A glider, if its not being used for the public transport of passengers or aeril work.
ii) A balloon, if its not being used for the public transport of passengers
iii) Kite
iv) An aircraft flying in accordance with the “A Condition” or “B Condition”
v) An aircraft flying in accordance with the conditions of a permit to fly issued by the Director General in respect of that
aircraft.
The Director General may issue a certificate of airworthiness if he/she is satisfied that the aircraft is fit to fly having regard to:
a) The design, construction, workmanship and materials of the aircraft (including engines fitted therein) and of any
equipment carried in the aircraft), considered necessary for the airworthiness of the aircraft.
b) The results of flying trials and such other tests of the aircraft, as it may require.
“A Condition”
The aircraft under “A” condition flies:
i) Only for the issue or renewal of a certificate of airworthiness or validation
ii) Approval of a modification of the aircraft after servicing
iii) Proceeding to or from a place a which the aircraft is to be or has been stored.
“B Condition”
Applies to:
i) Aircraft where C of A or C of V is not issued
ii) Prototype aircraft
iii) The aircraft flies for purposes of:
iv) Experiment or testing the aircraft, engine or equipment
v) Enabling the aircraft to qualify for issue of C of A, or C of
vi) Proceeding to or from a place of experiment, tests, inspection or installation
Categories & Purpose of Aircraft
Aircraft Types Definition:
 As used with respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, means a specific make and
basic model of aircraft, Including modifications thereto that do not change its handling or flight characteristics.
Examples include: 737-700, G-IV, and 1900; and
 As used with respect to the certification of aircraft, means those aircraft which are similar in design. Examples
include: 737-700 and 737700C; G-IV and G-IV-X; and 1900 and 1900C
Airworthiness is the certification that an air carrier has met the required standard for safety and operation and is authorized to
provide aviation service.
An aircraft airworthiness category is essentially a homogeneous grouping of aircraft types and models of generally similar
characteristics, based on the proposed or intended use of the aircraft, and their operating limitations:
– Transport category (Passenger);any purpose
– Transport category (Cargo); any purpose other than public transport of passengers
– Aerial work category; aerial work only
– Private category; any purpose other than public transport or aerial work
Aircraft categories
Transport
- transport category applies to multi-engined aircraft for the regular public transport of passengers and/or cargo for
hire or reward
-generally applies to aircraft with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) in excess of 5700 kg.
Exceptions: to the requirements outlined above:
(i) nothing precludes a multi-engined aircraft of less than 5700kg MTOW being certificated in the transport category,
if that is the election of a manufacturer. However, the aircraft type must still meet KCARs Part 25 or
(ii) commuter category aircraft may be in excess of 5700 kg MTOW;
(iii) some normal category types may be in excess of 5700 kg MTOW e.g. aircraft certificated under Special FAR
Commuter
- applies to aircraft which are intended for non-acrobatic operation, and which are multi-engined,
- propeller-driven aeroplanes having a seating configuration (excluding pilot seats) of 19 seats or less.
Normal
- normal category applies to aircraft which are intended for non-acrobatic operation, having a seating configuration
(excluding pilot seats) of nine seats or less, and a MTOW of 5700 kg or less, or 2750 kg or less for rotorcraft
- must meet the airworthiness standards of CASR
Utility
-Aeroplanes, gliders and powered sailplanes which can be used for limited acrobatic operations, having a seating configuration
(excluding pilot seats) of nine seats or less, and an MTOW of 5700 kg or less.
-utility category aircraft must meet the design requirements of KCARs
-limited acrobatic operation includes:
- spins (if approved for the particular type);
- lazy eights, chandelles, and steep turns, or similar manoeuvres, in which the angle of bank is more than 60°, but not
more than 90°.
Acrobatic
- applies to aeroplanes, gliders and powered sailplanes which can be used for acrobatic operations, having a seating
configuration (excluding pilot seats) of nine seats or less, and a MTOW of 5700 kg or less.
- must meet the design requirements of KCARs
- Manned free balloons
- applies to non-power-driven, lighter-than-air aircraft, where lift may be derived by systems such as hot air or trapped
light gas
Special classes
An airship is defined as an engine-driven, lighter-than-Air aircraft that can be steered; it may be of rigid or flexible hull
construction.
(i) agricultural operations for example, spraying, dusting, and seeding, and livestock and feral animal control;
(ii) forest and wildlife conservation; or
(iii) firefighting; or
(iv) aerial surveying and scientific research-photography, mapping, and oil and mineral exploration; or
(v) patrolling - pipelines, power lines, or canals; or
(vi) weather control and atmospheric research for example, cloud seeding; or
(vii) aerial advertising for example, skywriting, banner towing, airborne signs and public address systems; or
 (viii) glider towing; or
(ix) target towing; or
(x) target designation; or
(xi) any other similar operation
A certificate of airworthiness shall be issued subject to the condition that the aircraft shall be flown only for the following
purposes-
(a) commercial air transport (passenger): any purpose;
(b) commercial air transport (cargo): any purpose other than commercial air transport of passengers;
(c) aerial work: any purpose other than commercial air transport or general aviation;
(d) general aviation: any purpose other than commercial air transport or aerial work;
A certificate of airworthiness is issued on the basis of an EXPORT CERTIFICATE OF AIRWORTHINESSM, issued by the
country of export.
Possession of Export Certificate of Airworthiness is not an indication of automatic issue of Kenyan certificate of
airworthiness.
What is Airworthiness?
Def: Airworthiness: the measure of an aircraft’s suitability for safe flight.
When is an aircraft Airworthy?
Two things:
 When the aircraft conforms to its type certificate (TC):
o aircraft configuration and the components installed are consistent with the drawing, specifications, and other
data that are part of the TC.
 When the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation (relative to wear and deterioration).
• An aircraft must be operated within the limits laid down in the Flight Manual
• An aircraft which exceeds any limit may compromise its airworthiness.
• Deficiencies in airworthiness may be indicated following an in-service incident or from an accident investigation report
(may relate to unknown failures, errors or limitations of the Type design and/or failure to meet the conditions for safe
operation).
• An aircraft must be maintained according to its Approved Maintenance Schedule for it to remain airworthy.
• Through-life maintenance would be included in the term Continuing Airworthiness
• When an aircraft type is first judged to meet all the certification requirements it will be issued with a Type Certificate (TC)
Type Certificate is a document issued by KCAA to an applicant who has proven that their aircraft, engine, or propeller meets
all applicable airworthiness standards pertaining to that product.
Airworthiness Regulations apply to all persons operating or maintaining the following-
(a) Kenyan registered aircraft, wherever operated;
(b) aircraft registered in another Contracting State that are operated by a person licensed in Kenya.
(c) aircraft of other Contracting States operating in Kenya.

Aircraft Type Certificate Compliance Requirements

Type Certificate: a document issued by KCAA to an applicant who has proven that their aircraft, engine, or propeller meets
all applicable airworthiness standards pertaining to that product.
• Normal, utility, and acrobatic category Airplanes
• Transport category airplanes
• Aircraft engines
• Propellers
KCAA may accept an aircraft type certificate issued by a state of design in respect of an aircraft or component provided that:
a) The type certificate was issued based on an airworthiness code recognized by the authority.
b) The design, materials, construction, equipment, evaluation against a recognized airworthiness code has been carried out by
the authority and has been found to:
(i) meet the required standards of the recognized airworthiness code;
(ii) have complied with any recommendations required by the Authority.
• Who is responsible for Aircraft Airworthiness?
• This is a shared responsibility.
• The pilot is ultimately responsible whenever an aircraft intends to fly.
• Operating rules prohibit the operation of an aircraft that is not airworthy.
• The owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy condition,
including compliance with the maintenance Regulations.

Operator’s / Owner’s Maintenance requirements.

Each owner or operator of an aircraft—
(a) Shall ensure the aircraft is inspected and discrepancies repaired as prescribed in the maintenance regulations;
(b) Shall ensure that maintenance personnel make appropriate entries in the aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft
has been approved for return to service;
(c) Shall have any inoperative instrument/equipment repaired, replaced, removed, or inspected at the next required inspection;
and
(d) When listed discrepancies include inoperative instruments or equipment, shall ensure that a placard has been installed as
required.

Operation after maintenance regulations

(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration
unless—
(1) It has been approved for return to service by a person authorized
(2) The maintenance record entry has been made.
(b) No person may carry any person (other than crewmembers) in an aircraft until the pilot makes an operational check of the
maintenance performed or alteration made, and logs the flight in the aircraft records.
(c) The aircraft does not have to be flown for checks if ground tests and inspection show conclusively that no change in the
flight characteristics or flight operation of the aircraft.
Approval for return to service after maintenance
• No person may approve for return to service any aircraft, airframe, engine, propeller, or appliance, that has undergone
maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless—
(a) The maintenance record entry required has been made;
(b) The repair or alteration form authorized by the Administrator has been executed in a manner prescribed, and
(c) If a repair or alteration results in any change in the aircraft, the operating limitations or flight data are appropriately
revised and set forth as prescribed in the regulations.

Suitability of the Aircraft.

The aircraft to be operated must meet the following requirements:
(a) Each aircraft must be registered as a civil aircraft in Kenya;
(b) Each aircraft must be certificated with a standard airworthiness certificate or a primary airworthiness certificate,
unless the Administrator determines that an aircraft not having a standard airworthiness certificate or primary airworthiness
certificate may be used;
(c) Each aircraft must be maintained and inspected in accordance with the requirements as in the maintenance manual.

Types of Airworthiness Certificates

The certificates of airworthiness issued under the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations are classified as:
a) Standard Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A);
b) Special Airworthiness Certificates:
i) Restricted Certificate of Airworthiness;
ii) Special Flight Permit; and
iii) Export Certificate of Airworthiness
iv) Experimental Certificate
1. Certificate of Airworthiness
• Sometimes referred to as Standard Airworthiness Certificate
• C of A attests that the aircraft is airworthy in so far as the its conformity to the type design.
• A Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) is issued by KCAA.
• A C of A must be carried on board the aircraft and must be presented to a KCAA representative upon request.
• A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design and is in a
condition for safe operation.
A C of A is an official authorization allowing for the operation of type certificated aircraft in the following categories:
– Normal
– Utility
– Acrobatic
– Commuter
– Transport
– Manned free balloons
– Special classes
Explanation of each item in the certificate follows
 • Item 1 Nationality—The “5Y” indicates the air- craft is registered in the United States. Registration marks consist of a
series of up to five numbers or numbers and letters. In this case, 5Y-ANB is the registration number assigned to this
airplane.
• Item 2—Indicates the manufacturer, make, and model of the aircraft.
• Item 3—Indicates the manufacturer’s serial number assigned to the aircraft, as noted on the aircraft data plate.
• Item 4—Indicates the category in which the air- craft must be operated. In this case, it must be operated in accordance
with the limitations specified for the “NORMAL” category.
• Also included are the date the certificate was issued and the signature and office identification of the FAA
representative.
• Item 5—Indicates the aircraft conforms to its type certificate and is considered in condition for safe operation at the
time of inspection and issuance of the certificate. Any exemptions from the applicable airworthiness standards are
briefly noted here and the exemption number given. The word “NONE” is entered if no exemption exists.
• Item 6—Indicates the Airworthiness Certificate is in effect indefinitely if the aircraft is maintained in accordance with
the maintenance schedule, and the aircraft is registered in Kenya.
• A Standard Airworthiness Certificate remains in effect as long as the aircraft receives the required maintenance and is
properly registered in Kenya.
• Flight safety relies, in part, on the condition of the aircraft, which is determined by inspections performed by
mechanics, approved repair stations, or manufacturers who meet specific requirements.

Requirements for a Certificate of Airworthiness

a) Copy of the aircraft Certificate of Registration
b) Copy of the previous C of A or of the Export C of A.
c) Aircraft Flight Manual or Pilot Hand-Book.
a) The aircraft Airworthiness Directives status report.
b) A copy of compliance with the authority requirements and manufactures service bulletins.
c) Aircraft previous twelve (12) months maintenance review report.
d) Lived components status report.
e) Current Weight and Balance schedule report.
f) Copy of Latest major scheduled maintenance certificate release to service, and inspection summary.
g) Copy of the current certificate of release to service if different from (i) above.
h) Record of the aircraft equipment and systems installations. Form: AC-AWS002C
i) Copy of the current aircraft Radio Station licence.
j) Copy of the current stand-by compass swing schedule report.
k) Aircraft certificate of insurance.
l) Copy of the C of A test flight schedule report (as may be required).
m) Approved aircraft maintenance program
n) Maintenance agreement with AMO that will maintain the aircraft (if applicable).
o) Proof of payment of the C of A issue prescribed fee.
Other Documents that may be Required:
– A copy of the Type Certificate/Type Certificate data sheets or acceptable equivalent documents;
– The manufacturer’s maintenance, overhaul, wiring, repair manuals and illustrated parts catalogues;
– A complete set of all manufacturer’s service bulletins or equivalent documents in respect of the a/c;
– A complete set of wiring diagrams covering all electrical and radio installations;
– A copy of the minimum equipment list (MEL) and the current master minimum equipment list (MMEL) as applicable;
– A copy of the aircraft approved maintenance schedule or program; and
– Log-Books for the aircraft, engines, propellers and the technical-log as are applicable for the relevant aircraft.

Conditions for Issue of C of A

The Authority shall issue a certificate of airworthiness if-
(a) the aircraft conforms to a type design approved under a type certificate and to the applicable airworthiness directives of the
state of manufacture or design;
(b) an Export Certificate of Airworthiness or satisfactory evidence of airworthiness status of the aircraft is submitted.
(c) the aircraft has been inspected for inspections and found airworthy by persons authorised by the Authority to make such
determinations within the last thirty days
(d) the aircraft conforms to type design and is in condition for safe operation,
(e) the aircraft is operated in accordance with the requirements specified in the flight manual.
(f) the maintenance has been carried out and certified by a person acceptable to the Authority in accordance with these
Regulations;
(g) the results of flying trials, and such other tests of the aircraft as the Authority may require, are complied with;
(h) the applicant submits an Export Certificate of Airworthiness or satisfactory evidence of airworthiness status of the aircraft
issued by the state of manufacture or previous state of registry.
– A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design and is in a
condition for safe operation.
– In Kenya, a standard airworthiness certificate remains effective providing the maintenance, preventive maintenance
and alterations are performed in accordance with relevant requirements and the aircraft remains registered in Kenya.
Validity (Renewable)
• Standard airworthiness certificates are effective provided:
– The aircraft meets its approved type design
– It is in a condition for safe operation and maintenance
– Preventative Maintenance and alterations are performed in accordance with the maintenance regulations
– Required inspections are completed as necessary
– Airworthiness directives (ADs) are complied with
– Required Service Bulletins are complied with
– Aircraft contains the instruments and equipment necessary for operations being practices
• Nominally, validity is twelve months (for a/c with weight 2730kg )since previous issue unless:-
(a) a shorter period is specified by the Authority;
(b) the Authority amends, extends, suspends, revokes or otherwise terminates the certificate; or
(a) the aircraft owner or operator surrenders the certificate to the Authority;
Note: Validity is3 years for aircraft whose weight is lass than 2730kg
• Owners or operators of aircraft should initiate renewal action preferably 14 days prior to date of expiry.
Cessation
When does a C of A ceases to be in force?
A certificate of airworthiness shall cease to be in force at the expiry date – 12 months as indicated, or when:
a) The aircraft or its equipment is not maintained as required by the maintenance schedule approved by the Authority.
b) An mandatory inspection or modification applicable to the aircraft or of any such equipment has not been completed as
required.
c) The aircraft/equipment as required for safe operation has sustained damage.
(d) The aircraft or its equipment is maintained, overhauled, repaired or modified or if any part of the aircraft or such equipment
is removed, replaced, otherwise than in a manner and with material of a type approved by the Authority.
Surrender of certificate of airworthiness
An owner of an aircraft who sells the aircraft shall surrender the certificate of airworthiness, restricted certificate of
airworthiness or special flight permit:-
(a) to the buyer upon sale of the aircraft within Kenya; or
(b) to the Authority in the case of an aircraft sold outside Kenya.
Certificate of Validation
• Issued to render valid a certificate of airworthiness issued under the law of any other state.
• A certificate of validation or airworthiness shall cease to be in force:
– An aircraft and its equipments overhauled, repaired, modified, or if any part of the aircraft or equipment is
removed or replaced in a manner and with a material of a type not approved by KCAA.
– Until the completion of the aircraft or equipment inspection required ascertaining that the aircraft remains
airworthy.
– Until the completion of any modification required by KCAA.
Mandatory Equipment of Aircraft
Mandatory equipment: the equipment which must be fitted to an aircraft before a certificate of Airworthiness can be issued.
The equipment must be serviceable at all times.
Mandatory equipment
– Air speed indicator
– Altimeter
– Direct reading magnetic compass
– Engine speed indicator
– Oil temperature and pressure indicator
– Spare electrical fuses 10% or 3 of each
– Safety harness for pilots seats
– Navigation lights

2. Special Airworthiness Certificates

Special airworthiness certificates are:
– Restricted – aerial survey, agricultural, weather control, patrolling etc
– special flight permits- aircraft capable of safe flight, short of C of A issue.
 – experimental certificate-compliance, trg, research, exhibition, air racing etc
– Primary- aircraft flown for pleasure or personal use
– Limited – aircraft with limited category type certificate
– light-sport – light sport aircraft
– provisional airworthiness certificates-special operations and limitations
2.1 Restricted airworthiness certificate
A certificate issued to aircraft that don’t qualify for a certificate of airworthiness:-
– microlight,
– aircraft for spraying
– experimental amateur and kit built aircraft,
– an aircraft used for air races,
– aircraft flying for exhibition purpose and
– a kite.
– special purpose operations for restricted category aircraft include the following:
– Agricultural (spraying, dusting, seeding, and livestock and predatory animal control).
– Forest and wildlife conservation.
– Aerial surveying (photography, mapping, and oil and mineral exploration).
– Patrolling (pipelines, power lines, and canals).
– Weather control (cloud seeding).
– Aerial advertising (skywriting, banner towing, airborne signs, and public address systems).
– Any other operation specified by the Administrator.
• An aircraft with a restricted certificate of airworthiness shall not make international flights.
2.2 Special Flight Permit
• Issued for an aircraft that is capable of safe flight but unable to meet airworthiness requirements for the
purpose of:—
(a) flying to a base where weighing, painting, repairs, modifications, maintenance, or inspections are to
be performed or to a point of storage;
(b) flying for the purpose of experimenting with or testing the aircraft including its engines and equipment;
(c) flying for the purpose of qualifying for the issue, renewal or validation of certificate of airworthiness or
restricted certificate of airworthiness and the approval of a modification of the aircraft;
(d) delivering or exporting the aircraft;
(e) evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger; or
(f) operating at mass in excess of the aircraft's maximum certified takeoff mass for flight beyond normal range
over water or land.
(g) flying for the purpose of qualifying for the issue, renewal or validation of certificate of airworthiness or restricted
certificate of airworthiness and the approval of a modification of the aircraft;
(h) delivering or exporting the aircraft;
(i) evacuating aircraft from areas of impending danger
• A special flight permit referred to under regulation 17 shall ensure that:-
(a) the flight is made under the supervision of a person approved by the Authority for such flight.
(b) a copy of the permit is carried on board the aircraft at all times when the aircraft is operated under
the conditions of the permit
(c) the registration markings assigned to the aircraft are displayed,
(d) no persons or property are carried on board for hire or reward:
(only persons essential for the safe operation of the aircraft are carried on the aircraft).
(e) the aircraft is operated only by flight crew holding appropriate licence with sufficient experience:
(f) the flight is conducted in accordance with applicable flight operating rules and procedures of the states of intended
routing;
• A special flight permit is effective for the period of time specified in the permit
Special Flight Certification Procedures
Items that apply to all categories of special airworthiness certification:
1. Aircraft registration certificate
2. Aircraft properly marked in accordance with KCAA
3. A completed KCAA Form 8130-6 and any other documents that might be required for a specific category.
4. Aircraft records, including summary information and documents that prove the required maintenance and
inspections have been accomplished;
5. A current weight and balance report and equipment list available;
6. Aircraft must have been flight tested, if required;
7. All applicable Airworthiness Directives, accomplished and properly documented;
8. Up to date aircraft flight manual aircraft maintenance manuals
 9. Aircraft must be made available for KCAA designee to inspect.
• Sample – Special Flight Permit
2.3. Experimental
• A special airworthiness certificate issued to operate an aircraft that does not have a type certificate or does not
conform to its type certificate and is in a condition for safe operation
• Issued for the following purposes:-
– Research and development
– Showing compliance with regulations
– Crew training
– Exhibition
– Air racing
– Market surveys
– Operating amateur-built, kit-built, or light-sport aircraft
• The duration of an experimental certificate is unlimited, unless the KCAA establishes a specific period for good
cause

4. Export Certificate of Airworthiness(ExCA)

To facilitate the transfer of aircraft from the previous state of registry to the territory of the present register, an Export
Certificate of Airworthiness issued by the exporting country is required prior to the issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness.
Not valid for the purpose of flight, the Export Certificate of Airworthiness provides confirmation by the exporting State of a
recent satisfactory review of the airworthiness status of the aircraft.
• Export Certificate of Airworthiness is issued for aircraft, and
• Export Airworthiness Approval, is issued for engines, propellers, and other aviation articles.
The Authority shall issue an export certificate of airworthiness if-
(a) the applicant submits a statement of compliance with the full intent of the approved maintenance programme or schedule;
(b) the applicant submits a statement of compliance with the mandatory airworthiness directives and service bulletins
applicable to the aircraft.
(c) the aircraft has been inspected and found airworthy by the Authority to make a flight within the last 14 days;
(d) the maintenance determining issue of the export certificate of airworthiness has been carried out.
(e) the result of test flight , and such other tests as the Authority may determine are complied with;
(f) historical records establish the production, modification and maintenance standard of the aircraft; or
(g) a weight and balance report with a loading schedule, where applicable, for each aircraft in accordance with the
applicable regulations is furnished to the Authority.
Export certificate of airworthiness shall not be used for the purpose of flight but for confirmation of recent satisfactory review
of the airworthiness status of the aircraft.

Supplemental certificate
A person who alters a product by introducing a major modification in type design, not great enough to require a new
application for a type certificate shall apply for a supplemental type certificate to the regulatory agency of the State of Design
that approved the type' certificate for that product, or to the State of Registry of the aircraft.

Airworthiness Publications
Introduction
• KCAA is responsible for the promotion of aviation safety. One of the ways they do this is through the airworthiness
directives (AD) system.
• Regulations mandate the compliance with airworthiness directives.
• KCAA issues AD's when an unsafe condition is found to exist in a product (aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or
appliance.
• These AD's notify aircraft owners and operators of potential unsafe conditions and require special inspections, repairs, or
alterations to correct the unsafe condition.
• The registered owner or operator of an aircraft is responsible for compliance with AD's applicable to the airframe, engine,
propeller, appliances, parts and components for all aircraft it owns or operates.
• Maintenance personnel are responsible for determining that all applicable airworthiness requirements are met when they
accomplish an inspection in accordance with aircraft maintenance regulations.

Airworthiness Directive
• Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are legally enforceable regulations issued by the KCAA in accordance with the
maintenance regulations to correct an unsafe condition in a product
• An airworthiness directive (commonly abbreviated as AD) is a notification to owners and operators of certified aircraft
that a known safety deficiency with a particular model of aircraft, engine, avionics or other system exists and must be
corrected.
• If a certified aircraft has outstanding airworthiness directives that have not been complied with, the aircraft is not
considered airworthy.
• It is mandatory for an aircraft operator to comply with an AD
Emergency ADs:
– An Emergency AD is issued when an unsafe condition exists that requires immediate action by an owner/operator.
– The intent of an Emergency AD is to rapidly correct an urgent safety of flight situation.
Purpose:
The purpose of an AD is to notify aircraft owners:
– that the aircraft may have an unsafe condition, or
– that the aircraft may not be in conformity with its basis of certification or of other conditions that affect the aircraft's
airworthiness, or
– that there are mandatory actions that must be carried out to ensure continued safe operation,
– that, in some urgent cases, the aircraft must not be flown until a corrective action plan is designed and carried out.
– ADs usually result from service difficulty reporting by operators or from the results of aircraft accident investigations.
– Ads are issued either by the national civil aviation authority of the country of aircraft manufacture or of aircraft
registration.
Issuance of Airworthiness Directives:
• The KCAA will issue airworthiness directives when they've determined a product meets two criteria:
– An unsafe condition exists in a product; and,
– The condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design
– ADs are mandatory in most jurisdictions and often contain dates or aircraft flying hours by which compliance
must be completed.
• The aircraft’s maintenance records should indicate the current status of all applicable ADs, including for each:
 AD number,
 Method of compliance,
 Revision date, and
 Recurring action (if applicable) including the time and date of the next action required, safety directives
• ADs may be divided into two categories:
– Emergency nature - requiring immediate compliance prior to further flight, and
– Less urgent nature - requiring compliance within a specified period of time

Airworthiness Directive Compliance:

• All ADs are mandatory
• An aircraft cannot overfly an AD
• Usually require an inspection or conditions and limitations you must comply with
• Operations specifications give some operators authority to operate including a provision that allow them to fly their
aircraft to a destination to do that work

Service Bulletins
• Service Bulletins (SB) are notices to aircraft operators from a manufacturer notifying them of a product improvement.
• Alert service bulletins are issued by the manufacturer when a condition exists that the manufacturer feels is a safety
related item as opposed to just a product improvement.
• Service Bulletins are sent out by the company to identify and correct hazards in order to maintain safety.
• Service Bulletin compliance is not mandatory unless stated
– Often a precursor to an Airworthiness Directive (AD) and if the company issues it then its probably a smart
idea
• These SB's usually result in the KCAA issuing an AD. The AD will reference the alert service bulletin as a method of
compliance with the airworthiness directive.
There are two types of service bulletins:
– Standard
– Emergency
Contents-Service Bulletin:
– Every service bulletin will lay out slightly different but all have the same basic information [Figure 3]
– Title: the subject of the bulletin
– Affectivity: the aircraft it applies to
 – Reason: cause for issue
– Description: narrative of the bulletin
– Compliance: schedule/requirement to perform
– Instructions: a walk-through of service steps
– Approval: shows if the SB has been viewed by KCAA and approved
– References: appropriate user manuals
– Parts Required: necessary components
– Compliance Information: A sign off sent to the company to prove compliance
• If a service bulletin is not an alert service bulletin or a bulletin referenced in an AD, it becomes optional and may or
may not be incorporated by the operator.
Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIB):
• A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is an information tool that alerts, educates, and makes
recommendations to the aviation community. SAIBs contain non-regulatory information and guidance that does not
meet the criteria for an Airworthiness Directive (AD).
Conclusion:
• No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition
• The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight
– The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural
conditions occur
• Remember the owner or operator is responsible for airworthiness
• According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations, the owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for
maintaining that aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance to the maintenance programs.
• KCAA may issue an applicant an airworthiness certificate when:
– Registered owner or operator/agent registers aircraft
– Applicant submits application (PDF) to the local KCAA office
– KCAA determines the aircraft is eligible and in a condition for safe operation

Airworthiness Notices
• Notices provide a means of publishing information at short notices on technical, mandatory, and administrative matters
concerned with airworthiness.
• A copy of each notice is issued to:
– the owner/operator on Kenyan register
– all licensed Engineers, and
– each organization approved by KCAA
• A replacement for the former Notice to Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Aircraft Owners (N-AME-AO.
• Features of the publication include more appropriate distribution, production, numbering and titling.
• Airworthiness Notices
• ANs will be published in four series, depending on the type of information presented:
• Series A - Administrative Matters (white paper)- issued for general guidance purposes.
Series B - Matters directly affecting airworthiness (pink paper)-require certification of compliance at aircraft C of A issue
or renewal. Mandatory notices.
Series C - Matters concerning only Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (yellow paper);
Series D - Matters directly affecting airworthiness (ONLY concerning a limited number of a/c owners, AMEs, or others
(blue paper).
• The Authority shall issue specific operating limitations for each restricted airworthiness certificate. The aircraft must fly
in compliance with the Civil Aviation (Rules of the Air and Traffic Control) Regulations as applicable.
• The certificate will be issued only after the Authority is satisfied that the aircraft is appropriately equipped and safe to fly.
• The Restricted Certificate of Airworthiness is renewable and shall be valid for the period of time as shall be indicated on
the certificate.

Other Maintenance Certificates

Certificate of Maintenance (C of M)
• A certificate of maintenance is a document issued to certify that maintenance has been carried out in accordance with
set maintenance schedule.
• Every C of M shall be in force upon being issued and shall cease to be in force upon expiry of its validity in elapsed
time or flying time.
• An aircraft issued with C of A shall not fly for purposes of Air Transport in Kenya unless;
 the aircraft, with its equipment together with radio station is maintained in accordance with maintenance
schedules approved by KCAA
 There is in force a Certificate of Maintenance issued in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations
 Who issues C of M?
• The holder of an aircraft maintenance engineer’s licence that entitles him to issue the certificate.
• The holder of a licence as an aircraft maintenance engineer granted in another contracting state and rendered valid
under these regulations
• The holder of a licence as an aircraft maintenance engineer granted under the law of any such state as may be
prescribed in accordance with the privileges endorsed on the license.
• A person whom KCAA has authorized to issue a certificate of maintenance in a particular case, and in accordance
with the authority.
• Certificates of maintenance shall be issued in duplicate and one of the duplicates shall be carried in the aircraft. The
other duplicate shall be kept by the operator elsewhere.
• Every certificate of maintenance is kept by the operator for 2 years following expiration of the period of validity of
the certificates
Certificate of Compliance
Def; A certificate indicating that the part of the aircraft or its equipment has been overhauled, repaired, replaced or modified in
a manner and with material of a type approved by the Director General
• An aircraft with a certificate of airworthiness shall not be flown after maintenance unless a Certificate of Compliance
(C of C) is issued in accordance with the law.
• Upon rectification of any defect which has been entered in the technical log a Certificate of Compliance (C of C) is
entered in the technical log to be identifiable with the entry of the defect to which it relates.
• The technical log shall be carried in the aircraft and copies kept on ground.
• A certificate of compliance shall be preserved by the operator for the a period of time for which he is required to
preserve the log-book.
Compliance with the manufacturer's instructions.
An aircraft registered in Kenya shall not engage in commercial air transport operations, unless-
(a) the aircraft, including its engines, equipment and radios has been maintained in accordance with the approved
maintenance programnie and the maintenance procedures recommended by the aircraft manufacturer;
(b) a certificate of release to service has been completed and signed by a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer to certify
that all maintenance work has been completed satisfactorily and in accordance with the approved maintenance
program and procedures;
(c) there is an approved flight manual available in the aircraft for the use of the flight crew,
Certificate of fitness for flight
• An aircraft shall not fly for trials after repair, modification or maintenance unless that aircraft has been issued with a
certificate of fitness for flight.
• The period of validity shall be stated but shall not exceed 28 days.
• The Certificate shall be issued in duplicate and one copy kept in the aircraft and another elsewhere other than in the
aircraft
• A Certificate of Fitness for the Flight shall be issued by the holder of an appropriate aircraft maintenance engineer’s
licence or a person approved by KCAA.
• If the original airworthiness condition of the aircraft is affected during the period of validity, the Certificate shall be
reissued
• This authorization is issued for the purpose of maintenance, ferry or test flights only.

Certificate of Release to Service

Definition
• A statement signed by an Licensed Aircraft Engineer (LAE), with the appropriate certifying approvals, which asserts
that the aircraft is airworthy to the degree appropriate for safe flight
• A document which contains a certification confirming that the maintenance work to which it relates has been
completed in a satisfactory manner, either in accordance with the approved data and the procedures described in the
maintenance organization’s procedures manual or under an equivalent system [ICAO-AN6)
• Identifies the aircraft and/or the component and the operation(s) in note a. related thereto and includes particulars of
the work done;
• In relation to an inspection required by the Authority, certifies that the inspection has been made in accordance with
the requirement of the Authority and that any consequential work as at (a) above has been carried out in accordance
with the requirement.
The Certificate should contain as a minimum:
– Basic details of the maintenance that was carried out;
– Date such maintenance was completed;
– Identity of organisation and/or person issuing the release to service
– Limitations to airworthiness or operations, if there are any.
• A certificate of release to service shall be issued at the completion of any maintenance on an aircraft component whilst
off the aircraft.
Persons to issue a release to service
A person shall not certify an aircraft or aircraft component for release to service after maintenance unless he/she is:
(a) the holder of a maintenance engineers’ licence issued by an ICAO Contracting State and rendered valid by the Authority,
or;
(b) a person approved by the Authority as being competent to issue such certification or;
(c) a person authorised by an approved organisation accepted under the regulations or;
(d) a person authorised by an approved organisation under KCAR 145; or
(e) a person authorised by the Authority in a particular case.
A person issuing a Release to Service under an authorisation granted by the Authority shall:
(1) ensure maintenance is conducted within the scope of the authorisation and any limitations identified in the approved
maintenance programme;
(2) be familiar with the maintenance actions required for the continued airworthiness of that aircraft or component;
(3) use adequate environmentally protected housing, lighting, access equipment and facilities for the necessary disassembly,
proper inspection, and reassembly of the aircraft or component;
(4) perform the maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using methods, techniques, and practices
prescribed and are acceptable to the Authority;
(5) use materials, parts, and appliances approved in accordance with CAR 21, Subpart K; and
(6) use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to ensure completion of the work in accordance with paragraph
GEN.103(d)(3);
(7) ensure that any special tools or test equipment recommended by the manufacturer are used as specified and have been
tested and calibrated to standards accepted by a National Aviation Authority.
Each person authorised to certify an aircraft or component for release to service after maintenance shall enter in the log book or
other record required:
1. a release to service statement that; “certifies that the work specified except as otherwise specified was carried out in
accordance with the Republic of San Marino CAR GEN Subpart C and in respect to that work the aircraft/aircraft
component is considered ready for release to service.” and enter beside the statement of release to service:
2. Their signature; and
3. Their AME licence or validation or pilot’s licence number, or where applicable, the approval number or appropriate
authorization reference; and,
4. The date of entry.
Note: A certificate of release to service is not required to be issued for the pre-flight inspection when carried out by the pilot
prior to the first flight of the day. An entry in the technical log together with the pilot’s signature is required to indicate that it
has been performed

CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS
• Continuing Airworthiness
• The ultimate responsibility for continued airworthiness is assigned in ICAO Annex 8 to the State of Design.
• But the programme to achieve continuing airworthiness is a matter for the State of Registry.
• Continued Airworthiness is also known as Type Airworthiness or Initial Airworthiness
Certificate of Release to Service
• No aircraft can be released to service unless a certificate of release to service is issued at the completion of any
maintenance, when satisfied that all maintenance required has been properly carried out by:
– appropriate certifying staff on behalf of the maintenance organisation
Definitions
Continued Airworthiness: All the actions associated with the upkeep of a type design and the associated approved data
through life.
 “All of the processes ensuring that, at any time in its life, an aeroplane complies with the technical conditions fixed to
the issue of the Certificate of Airworthiness and is in a condition for safe operation" - source: ICAO Airworthiness
Manual [ICAO, 2014]
Continuing Airworthiness: All of the processes ensuring that, at any time in its operating life, the aircraft complies with the
airworthiness requirements in force and is in a condition for safe operation.
Continuing Airworthiness management: The process by which an aircraft is kept in a condition where it remains airworthy
throughout its life - or in other words i.e. technically fit for flight.
Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO): an (approved) organisation responsible for implementation of
continuing airworthiness management tasks.
Who is responsible for continuing airworthiness?
The Operating Organisation is accountable for the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft and shall ensure that no flight takes
place unless:
 1. the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition; and
2. any operational and emergency equipment fitted is correctly installed and serviceable or clearly identified as
unserviceable; and
3. the Certificate of Airworthiness and the Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) remain valid; and
4. the maintenance of the aircraft is performed in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) as
specified in the regulations.
Continuing Airworthiness Management
• Continuing Airworthiness Management is the process by which an aircraft is kept in a condition where it remains
airworthy throughout its life.
– All of the processes ensuring that an aeroplane complies with the technical conditions fixed to the issue of the
Certificate of Airworthiness and is in a condition for safe operation" - source: ICAO Airworthiness Manual
[ICAO, 2014]
• A Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation approved by the Authority ensures on behalf of the ‘Operator’ that
each aircraft is of the correct configuration (in accordance with approved Type Design), is available to meet the intended
purpose and is safe to fly, ie airworthy.
Accountability
• The Operating Organisation is accountable for the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft and shall ensure that no flight
takes place unless:
– the aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition
– any operational and emergency equipment fitted is correctly installed and serviceable or clearly identified as
unserviceable
– The Certificate of Airworthiness and the Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) remain valid
– the maintenance of the aircraft is performed in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) as
specified in regulations
Continuing airworthiness tasks:
– Aircraft Continuing Airworthiness Record System
– Accomplishment of Maintenance (including deferred defects)
– Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP)
– Analysis of the AMP
– Management of Defects
– Airworthiness Review
– Pre-Flight Inspection
– Reliability Program
– Occurrence Reporting
– Aircraft Tech Log
– Airworthiness Directives
– Maintenance Check Flights
– Modification, Repair & Inspection
– Coordinate scheduled maintenance
– Weight & Balance/ Symmetry Checks
Management of Continuing Airworthiness
• The owner or lessee is responsible for the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft and shall ensure that no flight takes place
unless:
– The aircraft is maintained in an airworthy condition,
– Any operational and emergency equipment fitted is correctly installed and serviceable or clearly identified as
unserviceable,
– The airworthiness certificate remains valid,
– The maintenance of the aircraft is performed in accordance with the approved maintenance programme.
• There is also very much a shared responsibility between:
– The aircraft Type Certificate Holder (TCH) – (Designer / Manufacturer)
– Commercial Air Transport (CAT) Operators
– Maintenance Organisation
– Authorised Persons e.g. Licensed Aircraft Engineers
– Regulators i.e. Airworthiness Authorities
– For each of its aircraft, the approved CAMO is required .
The approved CAMO is required to carry out the following functions:
– Develop and control a maintenance programme for the aircraft managed including any applicable reliability
programme
– Present the aircraft maintenance programme and its amendments to the competent authority for approval
– Manage the approval of modification and repairs,
 – Ensure that all maintenance is carried out in accordance with the approved maintenance programme and released in
accordance with Certificate of Release to Service (CRS)
– Ensure that all applicable ADs and operational directives with a continuing airworthiness impact, are applied
– Ensure that all defects discovered during scheduled maintenance or reported are corrected by an appropriately
approved maintenance organisation,
– Ensure that the aircraft is taken to an appropriately approved maintenance organisation whenever necessary,
– Coordinate scheduled maintenance, the application of ADs, and component inspection to ensure the work is carried
out properly
– Manage and archive all continuing airworthiness records and/or operator's technical log.
– Ensure that the mass and balance statement reflects the current status of the aircraft.
Continuing Airworthiness therefore involves:
– maintenance of aircraft and equipment, and
– monitoring performance of products in service.
– recording service difficulties to assess significance with respect to safety and airworthiness for the specific
aircraft/product involved and for similar aircraft/products.
– devising and provisioning rectification action, and
– promulgating the necessary information to restore safety levels.
– Inspection methods and intervals,
– repair actions,
– modifications and timescales
– feedback to design/production and formal airworthiness review (or Airworthiness Review Certificate, ARC).