Standard 573 - Approved Maintenance Organizations - Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

See also Subpart 573

Table of contents

  • 573.01 - Application for Approval
  • 573.02 - AMO Certificates
  • 573.03 - Reserved
  • 573.04 - Person Responsible for Maintenance
  • 573.05 - Qualifications for Signing a Maintenance Release
  • 573.06 - Training Program
  • 573.07 - Personnel Records
  • 573.08 - Facilities and Equipment
  • 573.09 - Quality Assurance Program
  • 573.10 - Maintenance Policy Manual
  • 573.11 - Maintenance Arrangements
  • 573.12 - Reserved (amended 2009/12/01)
  • 573.13 - Foreign Approvals
  • 573.14 - Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Identification
  • 573.15 - Technical Records

Content last revised: 2012/06/01

Information notes:

  • (i) In these standards, "the person responsible for maintenance" means the person appointed by the holder of an approved maintenance organization (AMO) certificate under section 573.03(1)(a) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
    (amended 2005/05/31)

  • (ii) Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, nothing in the regulations, or this standard, requires the AMO to adopt the titles of the approved manuals, positions and programs used in the regulatory documents. The designations expressed are meant to facilitate the drafting of the applicable regulations and standards. Approved organizations are free to use any designation they wish, provided the pertinent regulations and standards are complied with.
    (amended 2005/05/31)

  • (iii) Where the holder of an AMO Certificate also holds any other certificate which requires an approved manual, a separate manual can be provided with respect to each separate approval.

  • (iv) Where the certificate holder chooses to combine these separate manuals, it can be done provided that each division of the manual identifies its source regulation (e.g. combined AMO-Air Operator manual can be divided into Division I for the AMO, and Division II for the air operator requirements).

  • (v) Conversely, a combined AMO-Air Operator manual can also be fully integrated, providing that a statement is included for each section of the manual to indicate whether that particular section is intended as a means of compliance with Subpart 573 or Subpart 706 of the CARs.

  • (vi) In addition, a combined manual can also be fully integrated with no reference to applicable source regulations. However, in such a case, should the Minister be required to take action against a certificate in respect of which a combined manual is in effect, the Minister will have to take action against both certificates if a clear distinction within the affected sections cannot be made.

  • (vii) An aircraft AMO may be rated for any type of aircraft for which it is able to demonstrate the ability to properly perform the scope of maintenance covered by the rating and limitations requested. The aircraft need not be of a type that has been type certificated by Transport Canada.
    (amended 2001/06/01)

  • (viii) Aircraft AMO certificates and ratings are issued to authorize the performance of maintenance (other than specialized maintenance) on aircraft operated in commercial service pursuant to CARs Part IV and Part VII, and upon components intended for installation on such aircraft; however an AMO is not limited to the maintenance of aircraft so operated, and may also perform non-specialized maintenance on privately operated aircraft and components thereof.
    (amended 2001/06/01)

  • (ix) Specialized AMO certificates and ratings are issued either to authorize the performance of specialized maintenance of the kind specified on the certificate, or to authorize the performance of non-specialized maintenance upon aircraft operated in commercial service pursuant to CARs Part IV and Part VII, or upon components intended for installation on such aircraft. However, an AMO that is approved for the performance of specialized maintenance is not limited to such work, and may also perform non-specialized maintenance of the kind described on its AMO certificate.
    (amended 2001/06/01)

573.01 Application for Approval

  • (1) An AMO applying for an amendment to its existing AMO approval that affects the procedures contained in the existing approved MPM shall submit the text of the proposed amendment. In cases where the existing MPM requires such extensive revision as to make this impractical, the AMO Certificate holder shall supply a new draft in the existing approved MPM, shall supply the text of the amendment to the MPM that meets the requirements of Subpart 573 of the CARs.

Sample Form #24-0070

Completion Instructions

Reserved

573.02 AMO Certificates

  • (1) An AMO Certificate is issued with ratings in one or more of the following categories:

    • (a) Aircraft;

    • (b) Avionics;

    • (c) Instrument
      (amended 2001/06/01)

    • (d) Engine;

    • (e) Propeller;

    • (f) Structure;

    • (g) Component;

    • (h) Welding; and

    • (i) NDT.

      Information notes:

      • (i) Specific NDT tasks can be performed without an AMO category in the NDT category where the NDT is performed in accordance with Appendix K of Standard 571.

      • (ii) No AMO category is available for special processes such as machining, grinding, electro-plating, metalizing, etc. Where these processes are performed as part of the maintenance of an aeronautical product, they must be carried out under the control of an AMO with a category for that product. The AMO is responsible for the conformity of the work carried out (special process) to the applicable design standard for that product. Where work is sent to an external agent, a maintenance arrangement meeting the applicable requirements of subsection 573.11(2) of the CARs is required.
        (amended 2001/06/01)

      • (iii) Work carried out that includes specialized maintenance may include both off-aircraft and on-aircraft work where indicated in the appropriate limitations.The provisions of Subparts 571 and 573 of the CARs will apply to any person who is authorized to issue a maintenance release for work conducted on aircraft.
        (amended 2001/06/01)

      • (iv) The scope of work section of the MPM may indicate use of an "incorporated by reference lists of components". This referenced list could be a listing of current technical publications, that is already included as an appendix to the MPM.
        (amended 2001/06/01)

      • (v) The aircraft type and models specified in the scope of work section of the MPM, should be as specific or wide in range as necessary to reflect the organization's capabilities.
        (amended 2001/06/01)

  • (2) Ratings in the aircraft category are issued to authorize the performance of work, other than specialized maintenance, on aeroplanes and helicopters operated under a flight training unit Operator Certificate or on aircraft that are operated under an air operator Certificate. Other AMO categories are issued to authorize the performance of specialized maintenance that is beyond the privileges of an AMO with only an aircraft category. AMOs with specialized categories can also undertake non-specialized maintenance, provided that the work is covered by the product or the process included in the specialized category held. AMOs may also perform maintenance on privately operated aircraft, and on foreign aircraft, subject to compliance with the applicable regulations of the state of registry.
    (amended 2001/06/01)

  • (3) A rating in the aircraft category will specify one or more types or groups of aircraft that are eligible to be maintained. Each type or group will be further subject to one of these limitations:

    • (a) Non-specialized

      Any maintenance on the aircraft of the types specified, or any of their component parts, provided the maintenance is not specialized maintenance under the provisions of Schedule II of Subpart 571 of the CARs.
      (amended 1998/06/01)

    • (b) Check Limited

      Any type of maintenance required to accomplish the level of check or inspection indicated on the limitations sheet, including the rectification of defects on the aircraft types specified, provided the maintenance is not specialized maintenance under the provisions of Schedule II of Subpart 571 of the CARs.
      (amended 1998/06/01)

    • (c) Line Maintenance

      Maintenance of the specified aircraft types is limited to pre-flight, daily and weekly checks, and includes the rectification of aircraft defects, provided the maintenance is not specialized maintenance under the provisions of Schedule II of Subpart 571 of the CARs. A line maintenance limitation does not include any scheduled checks that include segmented portions of higher level checks.
      (amended 1998/06/01)

  • (4) Ratings in the Avionics category are issued in respect of the incorporation of a modification which provides for the installation of one of the following types of equipment into an aircraft, or the repair or modification of one of the following categories of avionics equipment:
    (amended 2001/06/01)

    • (a) Radio

      The radio rating includes:

      • (i) all RF receivers or transceivers including Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) and Underwater Locating Devices (ULD);

      • (ii) Air Traffic Control (ATC) transponders (not including the aneroid sensing devices used in altitude reporting systems);

      • (iii) radar;

      • (iv) Distance Measuring Equipment (DME);

      • (v) radar altimeters;

      • (vi) Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS);

      • (vii) Ground Positioning Warning Systems (GPWS); and

      • (viii) Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) and Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs).

    • (b) Autoflight

      The autoflight rating includes any device used in an autoflight or flight path computation systems, including flight guidance computers and their associated display devices.
      (amended 2001/06/01)

  • (5) Ratings in the instrument category are issued in respect of the following display devices and associated systems, except where their operation is integrated with a device to which another rating applies:
    (amended 2001/06/01)

    • (i) gyroscopic instruments,

    • (ii) pitot-static instruments including aneroid sensing devices used in altitude reporting systems; and

    • (iii) any other instrument or display device.

      Information note:

      • As examples: a Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) within a Loran-C is a display device within a device which would fall under a Radio rating; the ID-802 advisory display in the SPZ-8000 auto-pilot (DHC-8) is a display device which would fall under the auto-flight rating.

  • (6) Ratings in the Engine category are issued in respect of the maintenance, up to and including overhaul, of one or more types or groups of engines.
    (amended 2001/06/01)

    Information note:

    • Holders of a certificate endorsed with an engine category can perform any maintenance on the engine types or groups listed on the certificate, including maintenance to those aeronautical products that are driven by the engine, but excluding propellers and external gearboxes not forming part of the engine type design.

  • (7) Ratings in the Propeller category are issued in respect of one or more types or groups of propellers.
    (amended 2001/06/01)

  • (8) Ratings in the Structure category are issued in respect of the repair or modification of structures of the following kinds:
    (amended 2001/06/01)

    • (a) Wooden

    • A wooden structure rating covers all repairs and modifications to wooden structure and includes the repair or making of any metal attachment bracket forming part of the structure, provided that welding is not required. This includes the repair of laminated structures, including metal sheathed laminated structures, provided the core material is wood.

      (b) Sheet Metal

      A sheet metal structure rating covers all repairs and modifications to sheet metal structures including airframes, floats, and skis, and includes the repair of metal sheathed honeycomb structures. This rating does not include repairs to tubular structures within sheet metal aircraft

    • (c) Tubular

      A tubular structure rating covers all repairs and modifications to tubular metal structures. This rating will not be issued unless the applicant also holds a rating for Tig, Mig or Oxy-acetelyne welding, as applicable to the type of structure being repaired. A tubular structure rating includes the repair of tubular engine mount assemblies.

    • (d) Composite

      A composite structure rating covers all repairs and modifications to composite structures, including any integral bonded metal members or fasteners. This rating also covers the repair of metal or wood sheathed laminated structures.

      Work carried out under these ratings includes on-aircraft work where indicated in the appropriate limitations. Where on-aircraft work is authorized, the provisions of Subparts 571 and 573 of the CARs will apply to any person who is authorized to issue a maintenance release for work conducted on an aircraft.

      Information note:

      • The term "Composite Structures" means structures composed of plastic resin materials reinforced by non-metallic fibres. These include, but are not limited to graphite, aramid (kevlar), and glass fibre filaments. Metal sheathed honeycomb is a sheet metal structure, whereas metal/wood sandwich board is a wooden structure.

  • (9) Ratings in the Component category are issued in respect of the maintenance of one of the following categories of components:
    (amended 2001/06/01)

    • (a) hydraulic or pneumatic power valves, or power packs;

    • (b) fuel metering or air metering components;

    • (c) pressure type fuel, oil, pneumatic or hydraulic pumps;

    • (d) speed regulating governors, including engine or propeller governors and constant speed drives;

    • (e) power train components. This includes rotor-heads, transmissions, and those mechanisms used to transmit power to the rotor of a rotary wing or tilt wing aircraft;

    • (f) rotor blades;

    • (g) aircraft magnetos;

    • (h) bladder type fuel tanks; and

    • (i) electrical components used in power generation, distribution or control, including:

      • (i) motors, switches and solenoids;

      • (ii) heating and lighting devices;

      • (iii) galley components; and

      • (iv) any other devices using electricity as their primary source of power, that do not form part of any other rating.

        Information note:

        • Holders of an aircraft category can perform maintenance on the aircraft components that are approved for installation on aircraft included in the AMO rating, provided the maintenance is not categorized as Specialized Maintenance under Schedule II of Subpart 571 of the CARs.
          (amended 1998/06/01)

  • (10) Ratings in the Welding category are issued in respect of the repair or modification under one of the following processes:
    (amended 2001/06/01)

    • (a) arc welding includes tungsten inert gas, metal inert gas, and other general arc techniques;

    • (b) resistance welding includes spot and seam welding;

    • (c) gas welding; and

    • (d) electron Beam welding.

  • (11) An AMO with ratings in the Aircraft, Avionics, Engine, Propeller, Structure, or Component categories may evaluate undocumented parts of the kinds listed on the pertinent ratings, provided that:
    (amended 2002/03/01)

    • (a) the AMO establishes applicable procedures, in its MPM, to perform the process outlined in Standard 571, Appendix H;

    • (b) the AMO obtains approval for the procedures required in paragraph (a) in accordance with section 573.01 of the CARs, and

    • (c) the performance of such service is authorized in the limitations set out in the AMO certificate.

  • (12) Ratings in the NDT category are issued in respect of inspection of aeronautical products using one of the following methods:
    (amended 2002/03/01)

    • (a) Liquid Penetrant Inspection includes fluorescent and non-fluorescent methods;

    • (b) Magnetic Particle Inspection includes fluorescent and non-fluorescent methods;

    • (c) Eddy Current Inspection includes inspection methods conducted using equipment relying on eddy current technology;

    • (d) Ultrasonic Inspection includes contact, immersion, and through transmission techniques; and

    • (e) Radiographic Inspection includes methods using X-Ray, Gamma and Neutron radiation sources.

  • (13) An AMO certificate will not be subject to an expiry date except where the certificate is issued to an organization that is wholly located outside of Canada; in such a case, the certificate will be issued with an expiry date that is 2 years following the date of issue.
    (amended 2002/03/01)

Information note:

  • Certificates issued to foreign AMOs are not renewable; a new application is required prior to the issue of a new certificate.

573.03 Reserved

(amended 2005/05/31)

573.04 Person Responsible for Maintenance

(amended 2005/05/31)

  • (1) The person responsible for maintenance appointed under paragraph 573.03(1)(a) of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) shall have acquired a minimum of six years experience in the performance or direct supervision of maintenance activities of the type undertaken by the organization, at least six months of which have been obtained within the preceding two years.
    (amended 2005/05/31)

  • (2) An applicant for the "Person Responsible for Maintenance" position within an AMO shall be knowledgeable in respect of the AMO’s policies approved by the Minister, and the topics below:
    (amended 2005/05/31)

    • (a) duties and responsibilities of the appointed position;
    • (b) duties of persons who have been assigned functional responsibilities;
    • (c) responsibilities of the AMO in relation to those of the operator;
    • (d) responsibilities of the AMO for work that has been contracted out;
    • (e) responsibilities of ACA/SCA holders in relation to those of the AMO;
    • (f) the function of Quality Assurance;
    • (g) maintenance release requirements;
    • (h) record keeping requirements;
    • (i) identification of acceptable reference data for repairs and modifications;
    • (j) parts control and traceability; and
    • (k) control of non-conforming parts and materials.

573.05 Qualifications for Signing a Maintenance Release

Information note:

  • An AME licence does not automatically qualify an individual to sign a maintenance release under an AMO authority. The authority for a person to sign a release within the AMO's jurisdiction shall be separately granted by the AMO, in accordance with section 573.07 of the CARs, following specific training in regards to AMO procedures and other regulatory training.

  • (1) Pursuant to section 573. 05 of the CARs, an AMO shall issue an authorization to those individuals who will sign a maintenance release in respect of work performed on an aircraft.

    Information notes:

    • (i) This type of authorization is commonly known as an Aircraft Certification Authority (ACA). An ACA also permits the certification of work that is performed off the aircraft, provided it is not prohibited in the MPM. This work is only appropriate under an ACA where it is performed on products that are, by type design, eligible for installation on the aircraft or system for which the AME licence, forming the basis of the ACA, is rated.

    • (ii) "Eligible" does not necessarily mean that the part is intended to be installed on an aircraft for which the AME licence is rated; the part may be eligible, by type design, to be installed in several aircraft types. Provided the part is eligible for installation in the type for which the AME licence has been rated, the work can be performed even though the part may actually be installed on an aircraft for which the AME licence has not been rated.

  • (2) An AMO authorizes a person, that is not the holder of an AME licence issued pursuant to Subpart 403 of the CARs, to sign a maintenance release, in accordance with paragraph 571.11(2)(c) of the CARs, in respect of work performed on parts intended for installation on an aircraft, by means of a Shop Certification Authority (SCA). Prior to the issuance of an SCA, the AMO shall ensure that the person understands his/her responsibilities in accordance with the applicable regulations, and has demonstrated levels of knowledge and experience that meet the applicable requirements of CAR 573.05, in respect of the work certified. These levels of knowledge and experience can be determined as follows:
    (amended 2002/03/01)

    • (a) by diploma or certificate from a course in an appropriate field or by an attestation that the person has been working in the field, under the supervision of an ACA or SCA holder for a period of not less than:

      • (i) in the case of engine or propeller overhauls, 1800 hours; and

      • (ii) in all other cases, including the repair of engine modules, 300 hours.

  • (3) Prior to issuing an authorization in respect of the evaluation of undocumented aircraft parts, the AMO shall ensure that the person has been exercising the privileges of an appropriate ACA or SCA for a period of not less than 5 years, and has successfully completed an approved course of training on the applicable process outlined in Standard 571, Appendix H.
    (amended 2002/03/01)

    Information note:

    • The five year experience requirement mentioned in (3) does not necessarily represent the experience gained within a single AMO, but can be the cumulative pertinent experience gained within a number of AMOs.
      (amended 2002/03/01)

  • (4) Performance of specific NDT tasks can be authorized by AMOs not holding an NDT category provided that the tasks are performed as set out in Appendix K to Standard 571.

  • (5) ACA or SCA authorizations are indicated in a document issued to each individual concerned; the identity of each person shall also be established in the records required by section 573.07 of the CARs. In the case of an SCA, the records shall include details in respect of (2)(a) above.

573.06 Training Program

  • (1) Pursuant to subsection 573.06(1) of the CARs, an AMO certificate holder shall ensure that all staff with technical responsibilities are provided appropriate training in technical, regulatory and human factors issues related to the work for which they are responsible.
    (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (2)The training program shall include:
    (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (a) initial training to ensure that persons taking on new responsibilities are aware of their technical, administrative, and regulatory responsibilities;
      (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (b) update training to ensure that personnel remain competent and are made aware of any change to their area of responsibility;
      (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (c) additional training where it is shown to be necessary by a finding made under the quality assurance program or required due to changes in the regulations, applicable standards, or company procedures; and
      (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (d) procedures to ensure staff are kept aware of maintenance safety related issues in general, by means of bulletin boards, information notices, company publications, verbal briefings, or by similar means.
      (amended 2002/09/01)

      Information note:

      These training requirements are intended to apply mainly to those persons performing and certifying maintenance. With the exception of a minimum regulatory knowledge of their responsibilities, it is not intended that the thrust of the training be aimed at personnel whose functions are limited to management.

  • (3) Human factors training shall include instruction in:
    (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (a) human performance;
      (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (b) factors influencing human error, including:
      (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (i) fatigue;

      • (ii) stress;

      • (iii) assertiveness;

      • (iv) awareness;

      • (v) resources;

      • (vi) knowledge;

      • (vii) team work;

      • (viii) norms (commonly accepted standards and procedures);

      • (ix) complacency;

      • (x) pressure;

      • (xi) distraction; and

      • (xii) communication;

    • (c) error management, including error prevention and error containment.
      (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (4) The AMO certificate holder shall ensure that sufficient examinations or practical evaluations are administered to determine whether students have achieved the learning objectives of the training provided.
    (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (5) Until such time as it is revised through an assessment made in respect of the quality assurance program required by section 573.09 of the CARs, the initial cycle for update training shall not exceed three years.
    (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (6) Pursuant to section 571.11 of the CARs, prior to authorizing ACA privileges for any transport category aeroplane or turbine powered helicopter, the AMO shall ensure the AME has successfully completed a Transport Canada approved training course on the type of aircraft, engine or system concerned. Where formal classroom type-training is not reasonably available, training can be provided through an on-the-job (OJT) training program, set out in the MPM, that is conducted in accordance with a structured, documented plan that covers in its entirety the aircraft, the engine or the system.
    (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (7) Prior to authorizing ACA privileges for non-transport category aircraft, the AMO shall develop a means of testing and recording the AME’s knowledge and skill on all applicable aircraft systems, and on a representative selection of practical tasks.
    (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (8) Training of maintenance safety personnel
    (amended 2005/05/31)

    The person responsible for maintenance and all personnel assigned duties under the safety management system established pursuant to section 573.30 of the CARs shall successfully complete a safety related initial training course that includes the following subjects:
    (amended 2005/05/31)

    • (a) maintenance and flight safety philosophy;

    • (b) human factors;

    • (c) accident prevention;

    • (d) the responsibilities of maintenance safety personnel;

    • (e) risk management;

    • (f) accident/incident reporting; and

    • (g) incident investigation.

573.07 Personnel Records

Information notes:

  • (i) The personnel records required by section 573.07 of the CARs are to be retained for a period of not less than 2 years after an entry is made.

  • (ii) A list of authorizations issued pursuant to requirements of Subpart 573 of the CARS can be kept as a separate list from the MPM.

    Pursuant to subsection 573.10(3) of the CARs, where the list of authorizations is kept as a separate list from the MPM, the list is to be incorporated by reference in the MPM.

573.08 Facilities and Equipment

  • (1) For the purposes of this standard, equipment includes:
    (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (a) up to date copies of pertinent technical and regulatory information, including;
      (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (i) the operator’s aircraft maintenance schedule,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (ii) aircraft maintenance manual,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (iii) structural repair manual,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (iv) supplementary structural inspection document,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (v) corrosion control document,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (vi) service bulletins,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (vii) service letters,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (viii) service instructions,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (ix) modification leaflets,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (x) NDT manual,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (xi) parts catalogue,
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (xii) type certificate data sheet, and
        (amended 2002/09/01)

      • (xiii) any other specific document issued by the type certificate or supplementary type certificate holder;
        (amended 2002/09/01)

        Information note:

        • Section 573.08 of the CARs indicates that the data available on site has to be proportionate to the scope of work undertaken. For example, the technical and regulatory data required where line maintenance is being performed would not be the same as in a facility dedicated to a full range of scheduled maintenance.
          (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (b) hand tools;

    • (c) jigs;

    • (d) fixtures;

    • (e) work stands;

    • (f) test equipment;

    • (g) calibrated tools;

    • (h) hoists;

    • (i) jacks;

    • (j) ladders;

    • (k) portable lighting;

    • (l) electrical power supplies;

    • (m) hydraulic or pneumatic ground support equipment.

  • (2) Section  573.08 of the CARs requires the AMO certificate holder to provide detailed information on the various locations where aircraft maintenance is to be performed. For the purpose of these standards, facilities shall include, as appropriate to the scope of work to be performed:
    (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (a) lighted hangars;

    • (b) maintenance docks;

    • (c) workshops;

    • (d) clean rooms;

    • (e) secure storage facilities, protected from the elements, with a means of segregating serviceable and unserviceable parts;
      (amended 2002/09/01)

    • (f) other housing and support facilities to enable maintenance to be performed in clean conditions, protected from the elements; and

    • (g) reasonable office accommodations for the management of maintenance systems.
      (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (3) When the work is to be performed on the aircraft, all scheduled maintenance, including the rectification of defects whose repair has been deferred, shall be carried out in a hangar that is capable of completely enclosing the aircraft, where that work:

    • (a) is, in respect of a large aircraft, C, D or E checks, or any equivalent check scheduled at an interval greater than 12 months;

    • (b) except where otherwise specified by the manufacturer's maintenance manual for the aircraft type, involves the placing of the complete aircraft on jacks;

    • (c) requires the use of environmentally sensitive testing equipment, unless that equipment has been calibrated to take the environment into account; or

    • (d) involves the disassembly of components which would require lubrication upon re-assembly and could affect safety of the aircraft if exposed to contaminants such as dirt, water, sand, snow, etc.

      Information note:

      • Notwithstanding these standards, AMO Certificate holders are reminded that provincial standards and regulations, or where none exist the applicable national code, may specify minimum requirements applicable to lighting and other environmental factors in the work place.

  • (4) The facilities may be owned by the AMO, or be available through a lease agreement, provided the facilities are available on a “when needed” basis, or otherwise subject to pre-arranged periods of hangar availability. The contractual arrangements for the use of maintenance facilities must be set out clearly in the MPM or incorporated by reference. The arrangements must guarantee that the AMO will have access to the facilities when the need arises, particularly where other organizations hold contractual arrangements for the use of the same facilities.
    (amended 2002/09/01)

  • (5) In the case where the AMO has agreed, through a maintenance arrangement, to perform maintenance for an air operator on an aircraft routinely operated away from the AMO's facilities (deployed operations), the MPM shall address provisions for outside work, paying particular attention to environmental factors such as those outlined in (2).

    Information note:

    • Some operators may be operating in remote areas for extended periods and it may not be feasible to return to the main base for scheduled maintenance. These operators must submit details of the level of maintenance that will be conducted and how the maintenance will be controlled, what temporary shelter will be provided, and any special procedures that will be instituted to ensure that maintenance conforms to the CAR requirements.

  • (6) Compliance with section 571.02 of the CARs performance rules requires that only the equipment recommended by the aeronautical product manufacturer, or its equivalent, be used to perform maintenance on an aeronautical product. To determine equivalence, an applicant shall compare performance criteria for the equipment and ensure that the substituted equipment can provide at least the same output as the equipment recommended by the manufacturer.

  • (7) The equipment that the AMO has at its facilities or has access to as required shall include the technical and regulatory information consistent with the maintenance or services specified in the AMO categories and ratings, and the scope of work.

  • (8) Except for tools commonly available for commercial rental, all other pieces of equipment and information to which the AMO has access but which it does not own, shall be shown to be available by a contract or other documented agreement. The organization must be prepared to make available for inspection all facilities and equipment whether owned by the organization or otherwise.

573.09 Quality Assurance Program

(amended 1998/06/01)

Information note:

  • The Quality Assurance Program (hereinafter the program) established under section 573.09 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) is not intended to be based solely on a system of end product inspection, but rather upon periodic verifications of all aspects of the systems and practices used in the performance of maintenance. The program should provide an unbiased picture of the AMO’s performance, to verify that activities and results comply with the MPM and confirm that the MPM and the systems and procedures described within it remain effective.
    (amended 2005/05/31)

  • (1) The program shall, as a minimum, cover all functions defined within the MPM and include all elements necessary to ensure effectiveness, quality and safety. It shall confirm that the AMO is in compliance with the applicable regulations and with the MPM by addressing operational and environmental conditions, organizational structure, record keeping systems, etc., and ensure that all referenced procedures remain applicable and effective.
    (amended 2005/05/31)

  • (2) The audits referred to in paragraphs 573.09(3)(a) and (b) of the CARs may be conducted on a progressive or segmented basis, provided that the entire organization is audited within the applicable interval.
    (amended 2005/05/31)

    Information note:

    • A proportion of random audits should be carried out while maintenance is in progress, including work being performed at night time.
      (amended 2005/05/31)

  • (3) Activities related to the program may be performed by employees of the AMO or by external agents. Persons may be assigned responsibility for other duties, in addition to those related to the program, provided that the program responsibilities take precedence over all other responsibilities.
    (amended 2005/05/31)

573.10 Maintenance Policy Manual

  • (1) Except where the information listed below is otherwise incorporated by reference pursuant to subsection 573.10(2) of the CARs, the maintenance policy manual (MPM) of a domestic AMO Certificate holder shall contain at least the following information, where it is appropriate to the product maintained or the work performed:

    • (a) a table of contents;

    • (b) the identity of the AMO, including the following information:

      • (i) the legal name of the organization and, where that name is not the name under which the organization does business, its trade name;

      • (ii) a brief description of the organization including the approximate size of the organization, the geographic location and general layout of the facilities required by section 573.08 of the CARs, in respect of which the application is being made;

      • (iii) the scope of work that is intended to be performed.

        Information note:

        • Where an AMO certificate is held by a person who is also the holder of an Air operator certificate, a general statement to that effect may be included in the general scope of work statement required by these standards.

    • (c) a statement signed by the AMO certificate holder confirming that the MPM and any incorporated document identified therein reflect the AMO certificate holder's means of compliance with the Regulations, as required by subsection 573.10(1) of the CARs;

    • (d) provisions for issuing and controlling amendments, including a description of the amendment procedure, to ensure compliance with subsections 573.10(5) and 573.10(8) of the CARs;
      (amended 1998/06/01)

      Information note:

      • The statement authorizing the MPM document itself must be signed by the Accountable Executive, however the person responsible for maintenance appointed pursuant to section 573.04 of the CARs may authorize the submission of amendments or re-issue of the MPM to the Minister for approval.
        (amended 2012/06/30)

    • (e) a means of identifying each page of the MPM that has been submitted for approval, as required by subsection 573.10(5) of the CARs. This shall be in the form of a List of Effective Pages, with each page numbered and either dated or marked with a revision number.

      Information note:

      • The amendment control pages in use prior to the publication of the Airworthiness Manual shall no longer be acceptable as the sole means of control for amendments to MPMs. Each page of a MPM shall be linked, by a page number and either a date or a revision number, to a list that identifies the most recent date of issue for that page.

    • (f) a description of the system used to distribute the manual, including the name or title of each person who holds a copy of the manual, to ensure compliance with subsection 573.10(7) of the CARs requirements;

    • (g) where management functions have been assigned pursuant to section 573.04 of the CARs:

      • (i) the name or title of any person to whom functions have been assigned;

      • (ii) a description of the functions that have been assigned to each person;

      • (iii) where necessary for clarity, a chart depicting the distribution of functions.

    • (h) where the organization uses standards for the performance of work that are equivalent to those recommended by the manufacturer, the identification of those additional standards, developed pursuant to subsection 571.02(1) of the CARs.

    • (i) procedures to ensure that regulatory information and technical data appropriate to the work performed are used, as required by section 571.02 of the CARs;

    • (j) details of the methods used to record the work performed and ensure that any defects are recorded in the technical record established pursuant to sections 605.92 and 605.93 of the CARs;

    • (k) details of the system used to maintain and retain records of the work performed for each aeronautical product maintained as described in section 573.15 of this standard;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (l) a detailed description of the system used to ensure that all maintenance tasks, applicable to the work requested of the AMO, have been completed as required by subsection 573.08(4) of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (m) a detailed description of the quality assurance program required by section 573.09 of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (n) procedures used for incoming inspection and storage of parts and materials to ensure conformity with the requirements of section 571.13 of the CARs. In the case of an undocumented part, prior to being recertified, that part shall be evaluated pursuant to the process set out in Appendix H of Standard 571;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (o) the identity of each person authorized to sign a maintenance release pursuant to section 573.05 of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

      Information note:

      • Once the system to authorize ACAs or SCAs is detailed in the MPM, the identification of individual signatories can be established through a list that is incorporated by reference in the MPM.

    • (p) a description of the methods used to ensure compliance with the personnel qualification and training requirements of subsection 571.02(3) of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (q) details of the nature and scope of the work undertaken, in respect of the application made pursuant to section 573.01 of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (r) a description of the methods used to ensure that the persons authorized to sign maintenance releases are qualified in accordance with the requirements that are applicable to maintenance performed pursuant to section 573.05 of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

      Information note:

      • Incorporation by reference within the MPM is permitted, as long as the "top copy" or controlling reference lists the locations of the incorporated information.

    • (s) a description of the training program required pursuant to section 573.06 of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (t) a description of the personnel records to be retained pursuant to section 573.07 of the CARs;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (u) identification of the level of work which can be performed at each facility, pursuant to subsection 573.08(2) of the CARs, and where the facility is leased, the times at which the facility is available to the lessee;
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (v) details of the procedures used to approve maintenance arrangements entered into pursuant to section 573.11 of the CARs, and a list of all such arrangements. Where such maintenance arrangements are made, the information provided in the MPM shall include details concerning the assignment of responsibilities for the certification of the work performed, and for the extension of the AMO quality system to address work performed under the arrangement. Where no such arrangements exists, no approval procedures are required.
      (amended 2003/06/01)

      Information notes:

      • (i) Section 573.11 of the CARs requires that details of contracts that the AMO has established for the performance of work outside of its own organization be shown.

      • (ii) An AMO MPM need not show any details of maintenance contracts with air operators. These contracts need only appear in the air operator's MCM.

    • (w) procedures used to report service difficulties as required by section 573.12 of the CARs; and
      (amended 2003/06/01)

    • (x) procedures to control the identification of tools and equipment in respect of which servicing, inspection and calibration is required pursuant to subsection 571.02(2) of the CARs.
      (amended 2003/06/01)

  • (2) Some activities of the organization which are subject to frequent change can more effectively be addressed in manuals separate from the MPM thereby avoiding the necessity for frequent amendments for routine changes in the organization. The incorporation by reference provisions of subsection 573.10(3) of the CARs are intended to provide a means for this, allowing the company to make changes without the requirement for Transport Canada approval. Under these provisions, the person designated in accordance with the assignment of management functions provisions is required to ensure that the incorporated manuals, documents or lists continue to comply with the requirements established in the policy contained in the MPM.

  • (3) Under the provisions of subsection 573.10(3) of the CARs, each person responsible for an incorporated reference shall certify in writing that the referenced manual meets the requirements of the MPM policies established with respect to that reference. This shall take the form of a certification statement on the front page of the incorporated document or list. This certification shall be made on initial incorporation of the incorporated document, and on each amendment thereof. Acceptance of the procedure for maintaining the referenced manual(s) will be indicated by approval of the MPM.

  • (4) The Minister shall approve each page of a MPM in writing. This will normally be done by approving a List of Effective Pages. Alternatively, in the case of manuals containing a small number of pages, approval can be shown on each page.

  • (5) For use in emergency situations, the provisions of subsection 573.10(4) of the CARs provide a means to authorize an AMO to conduct maintenance outside the policies and procedures contained in the MPM. This can occur for any number of reasons; however, approval must not be granted unless the applicant can demonstrate that safety will not be adversely affected.
    (amended 2010/12/30)

  • (6) Where a MPM no longer meets the requirements of this part, whether through a change in the requirements, a change in the organization or its activities, or through an inadequacy shown to exist by verification inspections conducted under the quality assurance program, or any other reason that affects the manuals conformity to requirements, the certificate holder is responsible to prepare and have approved an amendment to its MPM.

  • (7) An AMO certificate holder shall make a copy of the MPM, or relevant portions thereof available to each person who performs or certifies work on an aeronautical product. In the case where only a portion of the manual is provided, it shall be sufficiently comprehensive that the person performing the tasks has all relevant information. For non-scheduled work, temporary copies of the relevant portions of the MPM, or any incorporated reference, can be sent via facsimile transmission.

573.11 Maintenance Arrangements

  • (1) Section 573.11 of the CARs requires that an AMO develop specific approval procedures governing maintenance arrangements entered into by the AMO, and that the procedures be detailed in its MPM. However, where an AMO chooses not to include in its MPM approval procedures in respect of maintenance arrangements, each specific maintenance arrangement entered into by the AMO shall be individually submitted for approval by the Minister.

    Information note:

    • Nothing in the regulation prevents an AMO from dealing with more than one AMO or from changing established arrangements, provided the new arrangement also meets the requirements of section 573.11 of the CARs.

  • (2) Where an AMO certificate holder requests that an external agent perform work, the AMO is responsible for specifying the tasks to be performed, and, in addition, when that external agent is not the holder of an AMO certificate, or a foreign equivalent, the AMO is also responsible for the completion and certification of the work under Subpart 571 of the CARs.
    (amended 2000/12/01)

  • (3) For the purposes of this section where an AMO has a maintenance arrangement for the performance of work with an organization other than an AMO, "direct supervision" means that the person from the AMO tasked with certifying the work personally ensures compliance with section 571.11 of the CARs.
    (amended 2000/12/01)

  • (4) With respect to maintenance performed on an aeronautical product, a maintenance release shall be completed in accordance with section 605.85 of the CARs. It is a declaration that, with respect to the maintenance performed, the performance rules of section 571.02 of the CARs have been complied with, and the applicable standards of airworthiness have been met.

  • (5) Pursuant to section 573.11 of the CARs, the Minister will issue a Maintenance Specification to an AMO where an AMO has a maintenance arrangement to perform maintenance in Canada for a foreign air operator from a state with which Canada has an airworthiness agreement which specifies that Transport Canada will issue a maintenance specification. The Minister will also issue a maintenance specification to an AMO for a maintenance arragement to perform maintenance in Canada for a foreign air operator from any other state and that state has specifically requested that a maintenance specification be issued to the AMO.

  • (6) Maintenance Specifications issued by the Minister will confirm that the AMO's maintenance arrangement approval procedures contained in its MPM meet the requirements of Standard 573, or that a specific and singular maintenance arrangement is approved by the Minister.

    Information note:

    • For the purpose of determining if a state is a party to an agreement with Canada, as outlined in paragraph 573.11(1)(b) of the CARs, and to establish whether an agreement applies in a particular case, it may be necessary to obtain a copy of TP8910 from the Chief, Programs Division, Aircraft Certification Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1 A0N8.
      (amended 1998/06/01)

573.12 Reserved

(amended 2009/12/01)

573.13 Foreign Approvals

  • (1) The issuance of a foreign AMO approval, or its renewal, shall only take place where there is an application from the foreign organization seeking a Canadian approval. Applications shall not be accepted from, nor a certificate issued to, a foreign maintenance organization which is only seeking potential or future Canadian customers.

  • (2) Further to paragraph 573.11(1)(b) of the CARs, AMO approvals shall not be granted in respect of foreign organizations having their facility located in a state with whom Canada has entered into an agreement that provides for recognition of such work.

  • (3) The certification of maintenance conducted in a foreign location shall normally be met by the extension of a Canadian AMO approval to include a foreign base, or by entering into a maintenance arrangement for such services with organizations located in a state with whom Canada has entered into an agreement that provides for recognition of such work.

  • (4) All applications made in respect of an organization whose facilities are wholly located outside of Canada shall be supported by documentation demonstrating that the interest of Canada will be served by the issuance of the certificate. Examples of situations that are considered within the public interest are:

    • (a) where no other practical alternative exists, such as in the case where, due to local regulation, a state will not allow the extension of a Canadian AMO approval;

    • (b) where the nature of the work is such that the expertise to perform the work is not available in Canada, or in a state with whom Canada has entered into an agreement that provides for recognition of such work.

      Information note:

      • It is incumbent on the applicant to show that granting a Foreign AMO Certificate is in the public interest, not merely in the interest of the applicant alone. Due to the financial implications placed on the Minister in respect to the issuance and surveillance of foreign AMO certificates, they will only be issued in rare cases.

573.14 Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Identification

Information note:

  • Section 573.14 of the CARs does not preclude the advertisement by the AMO of services which are not covered by its certificate. However, the advertisement must clearly indicate that any services not covered under the AMO approval are not approved services; approved and unapproved services cannot be mixed or appear in the same list.

573.15 Technical Records

(amended 2003/06/01)

  • (1) The records required by section 573.15 of the CARs include:

    • (a) aircraft inspection check records containing the maintenance release certifications;

    • (b) records of any corrective actions raised during scheduled maintenance;

    • (c) work records in respect of engines, propellers, appliances and components repairs and overhaul;

    • (d) ground and flight test records; and

    • (e) copies of the pertinent aircraft technical records indicating:

      • (i) work in respect of airworthiness directives and any other instructions for continuing airworthiness; and

      • (ii) maintenance releases applicable to the work performed.

        Information notes:

        • (i) The "pertinent aircraft technical records" mentioned in paragraph (1)(e) above consist of the aircraft technical records, required pursuant to section 605.92, where the required scheduled maintenance is indicated and the ensuing maintenance releases are recorded by the AMO. Given that these records must be handed over to the aircraft owner following completion of the maintenance, the provisions of section 573.15 of the CARs are needed to maintain traceability within the AMO in respect of its quality assurance program and its MPM requirements pursuant to sections 573.09 and 573.10 of the CARs respectively.

        • (ii) The other maintenance records mentioned in subsection (1) are those that list all the activities that comprise the performance of scheduled maintenance, including corrective actions peculiar to the performance of this maintenance. As a rule, these work cards, inspection sheets, etc. are not handed over to the aircraft owner since the maintenance releases applicable to the required scheduled maintenance is recorded in the relevant technical records required by section 605.92, and is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of section 571.03 of the CARs.

  • (2) If the record keeping system relies upon electronic data, it shall include provisions to ensure that:

    • (a) access (other than "read only" access) is limited to authorized personnel whose duty requires them to modify records;

    • (b) all entries are made by authorized persons;

    • (c) once the records are saved, corrections and revisions can be made by authorized personnel only;

    • (d) the system provides that when changes to established records are necessary, they are made in such a manner that the reason for the change and the identity of the person making the change are recorded, and the original information remains available; and

    • (e) back up copies be made and kept in a secure location to prevent loss of data.