Standard 625 Appendix B: Maintenance Schedules - Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

Content last revised: 2007/12/30

General Procedures

(1) The Maintenance Schedule includes:

  • (i) Part I - Scheduled Inspections for Aircraft other than Balloons;

  • (ii) Part II - Scheduled Inspections for Balloons.

It must be supplemented by the applicable requirements of Appendix C, for out of phase tasks and equipment maintenance requirements.

(2) Each person performing inspections required by the maintenance schedule shall record the inspections in the aircraft technical record, using a check list that includes all items in Parts I or II that are applicable to the aircraft concerned. Additionally, all tasks required by Appendix C shall be recorded in the aircraft technical record.

Information note:

Aircraft manufacturers' check lists can be used, provided that they include all the applicable items listed herein.

(3) The tasks listed in the maintenance schedule are described in general terms only, as the specific items applicable to particular aircraft will vary according to aircraft type.

(4) The method of inspection for each item on the maintenance schedule shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations or standard industry practice.

Information note:

The following is provided as a quick reference chart. The specifIic details are contained in: Section 625.86; the relevant paragraphs of this Appendix B; Appendix C; and Appendix D of these standards.

Maintenance Schedules - Quick Reference Chart

(5) The depth of inspection of each item on the schedule shall be determined by the person performing the inspection, and shall be consistent with the general condition and operating role of the aircraft.

(6) Pursuant to CAR 605.86(2), the schedule is considered to be approved for use by owners of small non-commercial operation aircraft and all balloons. Owners need only to make an entry in the aircraft technical records that the aircraft is maintained pursuant to the maintenance schedule.

(7) Pursuant to CAR 605.86(2), the maintenance schedule can be used as the basis for a commercial air operator's maintenance schedule. With the exception of a balloon inspection schedule, commercial air operator's maintenance schedules based on this document are subject to approval by the Minister in accordance with Appendix D. Schedules for aircraft operated in commercial air service (including balloons pursuant to CAR) shall include an inspection of the items listed in Part I or II of this appendix, as applicable, and the accomplishment of out of phase tasks and equipment maintenance requirements specified in Appendix C.

(8) Pursuant to CAR 605.86(2), where the aircraft utilization is sufficient to ensure that all items listed in Parts I or II of this appendix are performed within a 12 month period, an owner can request that inspections under this maintenance schedule be performed progressively. In this case, a revised maintenance schedule shall be submitted for the Minister's approval in accordance with the procedures outlined in subsection 625.86(2) of these standards.

(9) Pursuant to CAR 605.86(2), where a flight training unit operating aeroplanes and helicopters pursuant to CAR 406 chooses to use Part I of this appendix as a basis for inspections to be carried out at 100 hour intervals, it must be approved in accordance with the procedures outlined in Appendix D of these standards.

(10) This maintenance schedule is not an inspection checklist. Prior to performing the inspections tabled herein, an appropriate checklist containing these requirements must be developed.

Information note:

  • (i) Many aircraft manufacturers produce detailed inspection checklists. In many cases the location of system components is clearly identified on those documents. In the interest of efficiency an owner may wish to use a manufacturers checklist in order to accomplish this inspection. Manufacturer's checklists may be used, provided they include at least the items listed in Part I or Part II of this appendix, as applicable. Where an owner has chosen to use a manufacturer's checklist, it should be clearly marked to indicate that the check is following the general maintenance schedule. In addition, any references in those checklists concerning compliance with Airworthiness Directives must be stricken out as not applicable, as it is the owner's responsibility to advise the AME of any outstanding Airworthiness Directives or airworthiness limitations.
  • (ii) Large aircraft comply with a detailed maintenance schedule as per Appendices C and D of these standards.

Part I - Scheduled Inspections for Small Aircraft other than Balloons

At intervals prescribed in the General Procedures to this appendix, inspect the aircraft as follows:

(1) Aircraft Generally

  • (a) Remove or open all necessary inspection plates, access doors, fairings and cowlings. Thoroughly clean the aircraft and engine.

  • (b) Inspect panel, door and cowling closing and locking mechanisms for improper installation and function.

  • (c) Lubricate in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(2) Fuselage and Hull Group

  • (a) Structure - inspect for deterioration, distortion, evidence of failure and defective or insecure attachment of fittings.

  • (b) Systems and components - inspect for improper installation, apparent defects and unsatisfactory operation.

(3) Cabin and Cockpit Group

  • (a) Generally - inspect for dirt and loose equipment that might foul the controls;

  • (b) Seats and safety belts - inspect for poor condition, fraying, and any other apparent defects;

  • (c) Windows and windshields - inspect for deterioration and breakage;

  • (d) Instruments - inspect for poor condition, mounting, marking and, where practicable, for improper operation;

  • (e) Flight and engine controls - inspect for improper installation and improper operation;

  • (f) Batteries - inspect for improper installation and improper charge;

  • (g) All systems - inspect for improper installation, poor general condition, apparent and obvious defects and insecurity of attachment.

  • (h) Placards - inspect for missing and illegible mandatory placards.
    (amended 2002/06/01; no previous version)

(4) Engine and Nacelle Group

  • (a) Leaks - inspect for oil, fuel or hydraulic leaks;

  • (b) Studs and nuts - inspect for defects, evidence of improper torque and safety locking;

  • (c) Cylinder compression - check; if compression test indicates problems, check internal condition and tolerances;

  • (d) Screens and sump drain plugs - check for metal particles or foreign matter;

  • (e) Engine mounts - inspect for cracks, looseness of mounting and looseness of engine to mount;

  • (f) Flexible vibration dampeners - inspect for poor condition and deterioration;

  • (g) Engine controls - inspect for defects, improper travel and improper safety locking;

  • (h) Lines, hoses and clamps - inspect for leaks, improper condition and looseness;

  • (i) Exhaust stacks - inspect for cracks, defects and improper attachment;

  • (j) Accessories - inspect for apparent defects in security of mounting;

  • (k) All systems - inspect for improper installation, poor general condition, defects and insecure attachment;

  • (l) Cowlings - inspect for cracks and other defects.

  • (m) Internal corrosion - inspect engines which have not been inhibited and have been out of service in excess of 12 months.

  • (n) Engine performance - during the ground run, run the engine in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation to determine satisfactory performance of the following:

    • (i) idle and maximum RPM;

    • (ii) magneto RPM drop;

    • (iii) fuel and oil pressures;

    • (iv) cylinder and oil temperatures.

  • (o) Engines maintained to an On-condition program - check reference RPM.

(5) Landing Gear Group

  • (a) All units - inspect for condition and security of attachment;

  • (b) Shock absorbing devices - check oleo fluid level;

  • (c) Linkage, trusses and members - inspect for undue or excessive wear, fatigue and distortion;

  • (d) Retracting and locking mechanism - inspect for improper operation;

  • (e) Hydraulic lines - inspect for leakage;

  • (f) Electrical system - inspect for chafing and improper operation of switches;

  • (g) Wheels - inspect for cracks, defects and condition of bearings;

  • (h) Tires - inspect for wear, cuts and incorrect inflation; inspect for improper installation and improper operation.

  • (i) Brakes - inspect for improper adjustment;

  • (j) Floats and skis - inspect for insecure attachment and apparent defects;

(6) Wing and Centre Section Assembly

Inspect structure for general condition, deterioration, distortion, evidence of failure and insecurity of attachment.

(7) Empennage Assembly

Inspect structure for general condition, deterioration, distortion, evidence of failure, insecure attachment, improper component installation and improper component operation.

(8) Propeller Group

  • (a) Propeller hub assembly - inspect for cracks, nicks, binding and oil leakage;
    (amended 2000/12/01)

  • (b) Bolts and nuts - inspect for improper torque and safety locking;
    (amended 2000/12/01)

  • (c) Anti-icing devices - inspect for improper operation and defects, paying particular attention to:
    (amended 2000/12/01)

    • (i) deicer boots for cuts, gouges and adherence;

    • (ii) slip ring for excessive wear and gouges; and

    • (iii) connections and harness for tightness.

  • (d) Control mechanisms - inspect for improper operation, insecure mounting and improper range of travel;

  • (e) Metal blades - inspect for
    (amended 2007/12/30)

    • (i) cracks, nicks, external corrosion, dents, scratches, bends, erosion and loss of protective finish,
      (amended 2007/12/30)

    • (ii) evidence of lightening or object strike, and
      (amended 2000/12/01; no previous version)

    • (iii) correct track, excessive rotational and end play;
      (amended 2000/12/01; no previous version)

  • (f) Wooden and composite blades – inspect for:
    (amended 2007/12/30)

    • (i) cracks, bruises, scars, warping, evidence of glue failure and delamination,
      (amended 2007/12/30; no previous version)

    • (ii) correct track, excessive rotational and end play, and
      (amended 2007/12/30; no previous version)

    • (iii) attachment bolt tightness;
      (amended 2007/12/30; no previous version)

  • (g) Spinner assembly - inspect for cracks and wear;
    (amended 2007/12/30)

  • (h) Variable pitch propellers - check correct operation during ground run.
    (amended 2007/12/30; no previous version)

    Information note:

    (amended 2007/12/30; no previous version)

    • (i) While not specifically required by this schedule, a check of the propeller’s dynamic balance at the annual inspection is strongly recommended. Vibration due to imbalance can be hard to detect without instruments, but may nevertheless be causing problems throughout the aircraft, including to the propeller itself. With proper equipment, dynamic imbalance is simple both to detect and to correct.
      (amended 2007/12/30; no previous version)
    • (ii) Propeller condition is greatly affected by environmental conditions. Ideally, the aircraft should be parked in a clean, dry location. If it is to be out of use and parked out of doors for an extended period, it is worthwhile removing the propeller and storing it inside. Failing this, the use of a propeller cover, or simply turning the blades of a twin bladed variable pitch propeller to the horizontal position, will reduce the ingress of moisture to the blade bearings and extend their potential life. Other simple actions that can extend the life of the propeller include regular cleaning, the application of wax polish, and the use of protective tape on the leading edges. (If tape is used, care should be taken not to apply it where it could be ingested into the engine if it becomes detached.)
      (amended 2007/12/30; no previous version)

(9) Radio Group

  • (a) Radio and electronic equipment - inspect for improper installation and insecure mounting.

  • (b) Emergency Locator Transmitters - test performance in accordance with the procedure specified in Appendix G of Chapter 571 of the Airworthiness Manual .

  • (c) Wiring and conduits - inspect for improper routing, insecure mounting and apparent defects.

  • (d) Bonding and shielding - inspect for improper installation and poor condition.

  • (e) Antennas, including trailing antennas - inspect for poor condition, insecure mounting and improper operation.

(10) Miscellaneous Items Not Otherwise Covered by this Listing

(11) Aircraft Generally, Including Technical Records

  • (a) Enter details of all deficiencies found during the inspection in the aircraft technical records.

  • (b) Upon completion of the inspection, replace or close all inspection plates, access doors, spinners, fairings and cowlings.
    (amended 2000/12/01)

Part II - Scheduled Inspections for Balloons

(1) At intervals prescribed in the General Procedures, inspect the:

  • (a) envelope;

  • (b) basket (gondola) and its attachments;

  • (c) load tapes and support lines;

  • (d) instruments;

  • (e) controls;

  • (f) burners;

  • (g) fuel tanks, hoses and clamps; and

  • (h) radios and other installed equipment.

(2) Where the check list used differs from the manufacturer's recommended check list, the list shall be approved by the Minister.

(3) Where the balloon is a foreign registered balloon operating in accordance with an authorization issued by the Minister pursuant to CAR 603, it shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with a program which complies with the requirements of this appendix.