advisory circular - department of defence€¦ · parts are aircraft general spares as defined by...

U10153916

v1.0 – 21 September 2018

AC 008/2018

ACCEPTANCE OF AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS

ADVISORY CIRCULAR


AC 008/2018 v1.0 21 September 2018 Page i

An Advisory Circular is issued by the Authority to promulgate important information to the Defence Aviation community, but does not mandate any action. This includes informing the community on aviation safety / airworthiness matters, information that enhances compliance understanding for existing regulation, or policy guidance for aviation issues not yet regulated that requires further understanding.

Audience This Advisory Circular (AC) is relevant to:

− All DASR regulated entities exercising roles and responsibilities related to the purchase, inspection, maintenance or installation of aircraft components, materials and standard parts, for all Defence registered aircraft.

Purpose The purpose of this Advisory Circular (AC) is to aid understanding amongst regulated entities on what constitutes a DASR Form 1 or equivalent and outlines how AMOs should assess the suitability of component documentation to ensure such components are eligible to be fitted to Defence registered, type-certified products.

Further information For further information on this AC, contact:

The Directorate of Aviation Regulation, DAVREG-DASA.

mailto:[email protected]


AC 008/2018 v1.0 21 September 2018 Page ii

Status This AC will remain current until cancelled by DASA.

Version Date Approved Approved By Details 1.0 September 2018 DG-DASA Initial release


AC 008/2018 v1.0 21 September 2018 Page iii

Contents Audience ...................................................................................................................... i Purpose ........................................................................................................................ i Further information ..................................................................................................... i Status ........................................................................................................................... ii

Reference material ............................................................................................. 1 11.1 Acronyms ..................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Definitions .................................................................................................... 2

1.3 References .................................................................................................. 3

Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4 22.1 Background .................................................................................................. 4

2.2 Products, parts and appliances .................................................................... 4

2.3 Acceptance of components .......................................................................... 5

2.4 Eligibility for fitment ...................................................................................... 5

Acceptance of Aircraft Components ................................................................ 7 33.1 What is an Authorised Release Certificate? ................................................. 7

3.2 What constitutes an ‘alternate artefact’ accepted by DASA? ....................... 8

3.3 When is an Authorised Release Certificate required? ................................. 8

3.4 When is an Authorised Release Certificate not required?.......................... 10

3.5 What do I do with a completed Authorised Release Certificate? ............... 11

3.6 When are components not eligible for fitment? .......................................... 12

Annex A: Eligibility to Fit: New Components ...................................................... 13

Annex B: Eligibility to Fit: Used Components ..................................................... 14


AC 008/2018 v1.0 21 September 2018 Page 1

Reference material 1

1.1 Acronyms The acronyms and abbreviations used in this AC are listed in the table below.

Acronym Description

AC Advisory Circular

AD Airworthiness Directive

AMO Approved Maintenance Organisation (DASR 145)

AUSMTSO Australian Military Technical Standard Order

CAMO Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation

CoC Certificate of Conformity

COTS Commercial-Off-The-Shelf

DASA Defence Aviation Safety Authority

DASR Defence Aviation Safety Regulation

EMAR European Military Airworthiness Requirements

EPA European Parts Approval

ICA Instructions for Continuing Airworthiness

IPB Illustrated Parts Breakdown

IPC Illustrated Parts Catalogue

MAA Military Airworthiness Authority

MOB Main Operating Base

MOE Maintenance Organisation Exposition

NAA National Airworthiness Authority

OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer

PMA Parts Manufacturing Approval

SB Service Bulletin

TSO Technical Standard Order



1.2 Definitions Terms that have specific meaning within this AC are defined in the table below.

Term Definition

Approved Design Data Design data approved by the NAA/MAA of the importing country.

Artefact An airworthiness related document, either hard copy or electronic, that can be used as evidence in making an airworthiness judgement.

Authorised Release Certificate

Document attesting that an item is released for use (e.g., release or return to service) and certifying that the activities performed, and the results achieved, conform to established organisation, regulation, and customer requirements.

Certificate of Conformity1 Documented information that attests to an item’s conformity; conformance to defined process, design, and specification requirements.

Commercial Part A part not specifically designed or produced for use on a type-certified product, is made to a specification or catalogue description and marked under an identification scheme of the manufacturer, and whose failure does not adversely affect the safe operation of the aircraft.

Component Any engine, propeller, part or appliance.

Counterfeit Part An unauthorised copy, imitation, substitute, or modified part (e.g., material, part, component), which is knowingly misrepresented as a specified genuine part of an original or authorised manufacturer.

Material (raw and consumable).

Consumable material is any material which is only used once, such as lubricants, adhesives, compounds, paints, chemicals, dyes, and sealants, etc. Raw material is any material that requires further work to make it into a component part of the aircraft such as metals, plastics, fabric, etc.

New item2 A component or material that has no operating time or cycles.

Product An aircraft, an engine or a propeller.

Parts and Appliances Lower level components for which an AUSMTSO may exist, and fitted to a product.

Serviceable item A component that conforms to its approved design, and is fit for its intended use.

1 Also commonly referred to as a Certificate / Statement / Declaration of Conformance or Compliance. 2 Note: There could be time/cycles on a newly type-certified product (i.e., use of a manufacturer’s test cell or certification requirements).



Standard Part A Standard Part is a part designated as such by the design approval holder responsible for the product, part or appliance, in which it is intended to be used and manufactured in complete compliance with an established specification which includes design, manufacturing, test and acceptance criteria, and uniform identification requirements. Examples of standard parts are aircraft general spares as defined by the design approval holder, such as nuts, bolts, washers, split pins, etc. All design, manufacturing, inspection data and marking requirements necessary to demonstrate conformity of the part will be in the public domain and published or established as part of recognised specifications.

Suspected Unapproved Part A part for which there is objective and credible evidence indication that the part is likely an unapproved or counterfeit part.

Technical Standard Order3 A minimum performance standard, defined by the NAA/MAA, used to evaluate an article4. Each TSO covers a certain type of article. A TSO authorisation permits the holder to manufacture an article to a TSO standard and constitutes both a design and production approval. Holding a TSO authorisation is not an approval to install and use the article in the aircraft. It means that the article meets the specific TSO and the applicant is authorised to manufacture it. NAA/MAA approval is required to install a TSO part.

Unapproved Part A part that was not produced or maintained in accordance with approved or acceptable data and applicable statutory, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Unsalvageable item A component that is unserviceable, and cannot be made serviceable.

1.3 References

AAP 8000.011 Defence Aviation Safety Regulations 1.3.1

SAE International, Aerospace Standard AS9120, Quality Management 1.3.2Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defence Distributors, Rev. B, 1 Nov 2016

Unless specified otherwise, all regulation references in this AC refer to the Defence Aviation Safety Regulation (DASR).

3 Including Military TSO (MTSO), Australian MTSO (AUSMTSO), European TSO (ETSO), etc. 4 For the purposes of this AC, an 'Article’ may be taken to mean a component, material or process.



Introduction 2

2.1 Background

The Defence Aviation Safety Regulations (DASR), introduced in September 2.1.12016, require Approved Maintenance Organisations (AMOs) to ensure the airworthiness5 of components and materials prior to fitment to Defence registered, type-certified products. To fulfil this requirement, the AMO must ensure that components are accompanied by appropriate documentation attesting to the legitimacy of the component’s maintenance or production history. This is underpinned by the regulatory requirement for the AMO to obtain a DASR Form 1 or equivalent documentation prior to fitment of such components.

Accordingly, many existing arrangements for the supply of components do 2.1.2not specify suitable documentation requirements compliant with the DASR. Many AMOs may be consuming components that are not accompanied by appropriate documentation, or may be unable to determine the acceptability of components for fitment based on the documentation received.

Specifically, this AC relates to the acceptance of new and used aircraft 2.1.3components, which are listed by the appropriate design organisation as eligible for installation in/on a product and included in the design data approved by the Authority6. The term components broadly covers any product (other than complete aircraft), part or appliance that is, or is intended by its manufacturer to be, a part of or used in operating an aircraft in flight, or is installed in or attached to a product. This may include any self-contained part, combination of parts, assembly, subassemblies or units, which perform a distinctive function necessary to the operation of the airframe, engine, or propeller, or may include any other instrument, mechanism, equipment, apparatus, appurtenance, software or accessory, including communications equipment.

2.2 Products, parts and appliances

To align with the European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMAR), the 2.2.1DASR has replaced the term Aeronautical Product with separate definitions for products, parts and appliances (refer 0). The term ‘components’ in this AC

5 This means the components are part of the NAA/MAA approved type design (i.e. typically detailed in the aircraft maintenance publications, ICA, etc.), are in a serviceable condition, are fit for purpose (identifiable through appropriate markings, etc.), are appropriately traceable and certified accordingly. 6 The Authority for all Australian Defence registered aircraft is DASA. The Authority may recognise design approvals issued by foreign NAA/MAAs through recognition.



will be used interchangeably with products (other than complete aircraft), parts and appliances for simplicity.

2.3 Acceptance of components

The AMO is responsible for ensuring the ‘eligibility for fitment’ (refer 2.4) of 2.3.1components to type-certified products prior to installation7.

2.4 Eligibility for fitment

A component is eligible to be fitted to a type-certified product, or another part 2.4.1or appliance if:

− the fitting of the component is permitted by the approved design8 for the product, part or appliance of the higher assembly;

− the component is in a serviceable condition for safe operation; and

− the component has been appropriately released or returned to service9.

The AMO should have procedures for the acceptance of components and 2.4.2material, to ensure that the supplied components and material are in satisfactory condition and eligible for fitment. Furthermore, the AMO is responsible for ascertaining the traceability of components and material to their original or authorised source, including the maintenance or production and supplier source, where applicable. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the installer to request the appropriate documentation which establishes the airworthiness status and traceability of components and materials.

In determining whether a component is eligible for fitment, the AMO should 2.4.3conduct the following:

− a physical inspection of components and/or material (including a check for any obvious physical damage and verification that part numbers, serial numbers, lot and/or batch numbers, etc. match the accompanying documentation; and

− a review of accompanying documentation and data, which should be acceptable IAW DASR 145.A.42.

7 Refer DASR 145.A.42(b). 8 The approved design for components may include designs approved in conjunction with the type-certification, supplemental type-certification, PMA/EPA or TSO authorisation, the applicable maintenance data specifies the particular component and the component is identifiable through appropriate markings, etc. 9 As documented on an Authorised Release Certificate, CoC, inspection, test or quality reports, etc. as applicable.



Particular caution should be exercised when the origin of components and 2.4.4materials cannot be established or when the origin is in doubt.

The flowcharts provided at Annex A and Annex B illustrate the process for 2.4.5determining the eligibility for fitment of new and used aircraft components, respectively, to type-certified products, or other parts and appliances.



Acceptance of Aircraft Components 3

3.1 What is an Authorised Release Certificate?

An Authorised Release Certificate (refer 0) is a document issued by an entity 3.1.1that has the applicable privilege and attests that a new or used component has been produced or maintained IAW the approved design data/standard, modification standard or applicable maintenance data10.

An acceptable Authorised Release Certificate is either: 3.1.2

− a DASR Form 1, or equivalent (refer DASA recognition website); or

− an ‘alternate artefact’ accepted by DASA (refer 3.2).

An acceptable Authorised Release Certificate (refer 3.1.2) must show 3.1.3traceability back to a recognised NAA/MAA. In general, an Authorised Release Certificate must provide evidence of (where applicable):

− the name and address of the issuing organisation;

− the name of the recognised NAA/MAA;

− evidence that the issuing organisation is working within the recognised authority’s system (e.g. organisation approval reference);

− details of the component(s): description, part number, serial number(s) and/or batch number, as applicable;

− for used service-life-limited components, complete traceability to the component’s service history;

− a clear indication of the current airworthiness status (serviceability) of the component at the date of issue;

− a release statement made by a suitably authorised person within the production or maintenance organisation;

− the name, signature (or electronic equivalent) and approval number (where applicable) of the person making the release statement;

− for components released from maintenance, a statement that the maintenance was carried out in accordance with the recognised authority’s regulation/policy; and

− for components released from production, a statement that the component(s) was manufactured in conformity with approved data.

10 IAW DASR 145.A.45(b).

http://www.defence.gov.au/DASP/DASR-Regulations/DASR-Forms.asp

http://www.defence.gov.au/DASP/DASR-Regulations/Recognition.asp



The Authorised Release Certificate does not constitute authority to install the 3.1.4item on a particular product or component, but provides evidence that assists the AMO in determining the item’s eligibility for fitment (as per 2.4). Furthermore, an Authorised Release Certificate cannot be used for the release of complete aircraft.

The Authorised Release Certificate serves as the official certificate for 3.1.5components from the manufacturer/AMO to users. It should therefore be used for the transfer of components between different airworthiness systems or AMOs. A delivery or shipping note does not constitute an Authorised Release Certificate.

It should also be noted that a mixture of new and used items is not permitted 3.1.6on the same Authorised Release Certificate. Likewise, a mixture of items certified in conformity with ‘approved data’ and to ‘non-approved data’ is not permitted on the same certificate.

3.2 What constitutes an ‘alternate artefact’ accepted by DASA?

DASA may agree that an AMO may consume an alternate artefact other than 3.2.1a DASR Form 1 or equivalent Authorised Release Certificate that is produced by an organisation accepted by DASA11 through recognition of other airworthiness authorities. The alternate artefact, or compilation of artefacts, must contain all the information described at Section 3.1.3.

3.3 When is an Authorised Release Certificate required?

An Authorised Release Certificate is necessary for the release to service of 3.3.1either new or used components. The certification of new components is performed IAW DASR 21.A.307, whereas the certification of maintenance on used components is performed IAW DASR 145.A.50.

A component is eligible for fitment to a type-certified product when the 3.3.2component is in a condition for safe operation (i.e. serviceable) and accompanied by an Authorised Release Certificate. An Authorised Release Certificate helps the AMO to determine the airworthiness approval status for components and therefore eligibility for fitment.

Release of new components following production12. The component 3.3.3manufacturer is responsible for producing the Authorised Release Certificate following the production of a new component. The purpose of the Authorised Released Certificate for new components is to certify that the item has been

11 IAW DASR AMC 201(g) and AMC 145.A.42(a). 12 Refer DASR 21.A.307.





manufactured in conformity to approved design data and marked in accordance with DASR 21, Subpart Q. An Authorised Release Certificate is required for components produced under:

− a type-certificate or supplemental type-certificate and changes thereof;

− a Production Organisational Approval;

− Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) / European Part Approval (EPA)13; or

− an AUSMTSO authorisation.

Such components will normally be listed within the OEM furnished Illustrated 3.3.4Parts Catalogue (IPC) or Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB).

Release of used components following maintenance14. The purpose of 3.3.5the Authorised Release Certificate for used components is to release components to service after off-aircraft maintenance or to allow such components to be removed from one aircraft/component for fitment to another aircraft/component. The Authorised Release Certificate is issued by the AMO and must be within their scope of approval.

Issuing an Authorised Release Certificate following maintenance is an 3.3.6attestation that all maintenance is complete (except for deferred defects agreed to by the CAMO), and there are no non-compliances which are known to endanger flight safety. Any incomplete maintenance ordered/tasked should be clearly stated in the Authorised Release Certificate when such non-compliances (i.e. deferred maintenance) are within the approved aircraft limitations.

Only personnel authorised by the DASR 145 may issue a DASR Form 1 3.3.7Authorised Release Certificate following off-aircraft maintenance. Where component maintenance is subcontracted to another maintenance organisation15, the Authorised Release Certificate may be issued either at the:

− non-DASR 145 contractor/tasked maintenance organisation16; or

− AMO facility by staff holding a certification authorisation, as appropriate17.

13 Including European Military Part Approval (EMPA). 14 Refer DASR 145.A.50. 15 Refer DASR 145.A.75(b). 16 In such cases, only personnel who meet the AMO certifying staff standard (approved by the MAA via the MOE) are permitted to issue the Authorised Release Certificate. The Authorised Release Certificate should always be issued under the AMO approval reference. Refer DASR AMC 145.A.75(b). 17 IAW DASR 145.A.30.



Further, for used components that are service life-limited the Authorised 3.3.8Release Certificate shall contain, or be accompanied by, an updated maintenance status with reference to this status in Block 12 of the certificate. In addition to configuration data (modifications, repairs, ADs and SBs), the status should contain information on the utilisation, particularly accumulated service life in relation to component life-limits.

3.4 When is an Authorised Release Certificate not required?

An Authorised Release Certificate is not always required after component 3.4.1production or maintenance. However, documented evidence of conformity to approved design or certified material specification must be obtained prior to fitment to a type-certified product. Such evidence must be traceable back to the organisation that manufactured or maintained the component.

New Components. 3.4.2

3.4.2.1 Specific equipment. Components which have been incorporated into the type design as specific equipment18 and therefore have been shown not to adversely affect the airworthiness of the aircraft and not subject to recognised airworthiness standards19 do not require an Authorised Release Certificate. The CAMO should provide installation instructions that authorise the component’s return to service requirements. Examples of specific equipment may include commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) ‘industry supply’ equipment. This may include Commercial Parts (refer 0) such as cabin reading light bulbs, curtain rings, sink valves, etc.

3.4.2.2 Standard Parts. Standard Parts must be supplied with a CoC referring to the specified standard, the manufacturer and supplier source, the batch/lot number and, if applicable, the shelf life (including expiration date) and storage conditions. Standard Parts are specified within the manufacturer’s IPC/IPB or maintenance data. Examples of Standard Parts include, but are not limited to, those conforming to National Aerospace Standard (NAS), Air Force/Navy (AN) Aeronautical Standard, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Aerospace Standard (AS), Military Standard (MS), etc.

3.4.2.3 A part is no longer considered a Standard Part if it is used in a critical application that imposes qualification or quality control requirements beyond the published standard specification. In such a case, the OEM should allocate its own part number reference, and these parts would require an Authorised Release Certificate.

18 IAW DASR 21.A.303(d). 19 Refer DASR 21.A.303(a) to (c).



3.4.2.4 Materials. Both raw and consumable materials, used in the fabrication, maintenance, servicing or operation of an aircraft or component, may be accepted without an Authorised Release Certificate20. Such materials are required to meet the specification detailed in the approved design, and have appropriate traceability.

Used Components. 3.4.3

3.4.3.1 Restricted Parts manufactured by the AMO. Where a maintenance organisation has been granted approval by the Authority to fabricate a restricted range of parts to be used by that maintenance organisation in the course of overhaul, maintenance, modifications or repair within its own facility, such parts do not qualify for certification via an Authorised Release Certificate21.

3.4.3.2 Unserviceable Parts. An Authorised Release Certificate should not be issued for any unserviceable components, except where such items are undergoing a series of maintenance processes at multiple AMOs. In this case, the receiving AMO requires an Authorised Release Certificate to accept the component prior to subsequent maintenance.

3.4.3.3 In-house release. An Authorised Released Certificate may not be required in the case where an AMO maintains a component for its own use and there is an approved alternative in-house release document as described in the AMO’s MOE22.

3.4.3.4 Aircraft on Ground – other than at MOB. When an aircraft is grounded at a location other than the MOB due to the non-availability of a component with an appropriate release certificate, it is permissible to temporarily fit a component with an alternative release certificate, subject to CAMO approval. The component must be removed at a time specified by the CAMO, unless the appropriate release certificate has been subsequently obtained, prior to removal of the component.

3.5 What do I do with a completed Authorised Release Certificate?

The completed Authorised Release Certificate becomes part of the technical 3.5.1record for the component to which it relates, and eventually will become part of the technical record of the higher assembly or product on which that

20 IAW DASR 145.A.42(a)(5). 21 IAW DASR 145.A.42(c). 22 IAW DASR AMC3 145.A.50(d).



component is installed. The certificate is therefore subject to all applicable regulatory requirements related to maintenance and technical records23.

3.6 When are components not eligible for fitment?

A component is not eligible for fitment on a type-certified product where it is 3.6.1known or suspected to have any of the following:

− Discrepancy between the component’s identifying markings (as required by DASR 21 subpart Q) and its accompanying documentation;

− Non-conformances between the component’s physical characteristics and its approved design data/specification or applicable maintenance data (i.e. unacceptable or questionable quality);

− Damage (due to packaging, etc.) or unserviceability;

− Absence of or incomplete or inappropriate release documentation to determine the airworthiness status or eligibility for fitment; or

− Unknown, suspect or unverified origin of the component (i.e. has not or may not have been manufactured or maintained by an approved source).

Except for unserviceable components (referred to in 3.6.1) which can be 3.6.2made serviceable, if any of the above are found or suspected to have occurred, the component or material is an Unapproved Part, Suspected Unapproved Part or a Counterfeit Part (refer 0). Such components should be identified as unserviceable and quarantined in a secure location until a decision is made (in consultation with the CAMO) on the action to be taken.

Original Signed

September 2018 Director General – Defence Aviation Safety Authority

23 IAW DASR 145.A.55, M.A.305 and M.A.306.

ANNEX A TO AC 008/2018



Annex A: Eligibility to Fit: New Components

ANNEX B TO AC 008/2018



Annex B: Eligibility to Fit: Used Components

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