Standard 625 Appendix A: Elementary Work - Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

Content last revised: 2011/12/01

(Refer to section 625.85 of this standard.)
(amended 2004/03/01)

The following list is exhaustive; if a task is not listed, it is not elementary work. Elementary work is a form of maintenance that is not subject to a maintenance release. Hence, it need not be performed by a holder of an AME licence, or by persons working under an AMO certificate. The owner is responsible for controlling authorizations to persons who may perform elementary work.
(amended 1998/09/01)

For aircraft operated pursuant to Subpart 406 and Part VII, the applicable tasks listed below are elementary work, provided they are individually listed in the operator's maintenance control manual and or operational manual as applicable, along with a reference to the training to be undertaken by persons authorized to perform them in accordance with paragraph 571.10(3)(b) of the CARs.
(amended 2004/03/01; no previous version)

The performance of all tasks designated as elementary work shall be entered in the technical record for the aeronautical product, as required by section 571.03 of the CARs and in accordance with Subpart 605, Division IV – Technical Records.
(amended 2004/03/01)

Information note:

Under section 605.93 of the CARs, every person who makes an entry in a technical record shall enter the person's name and, if the entry is in respect of the performance of maintenance or elementary work, the signature or employee identifier or, where the record is kept as electronic data, enter the person's user code or an equivalent security designation.
(amended 2004/03/01; no previous version)

Elementary Work Task Listings

(1) fabric patches measuring not more than 15 cm (6 in) in any direction and not requiring rib stitching or the removal of control surfaces or structural parts, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(2) removal and replacement of tires, wheels, landing skids or skid shoes, not requiring separation of any hydraulic lines, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(3) removal and replacement of skis on fixed landing gear, not requiring separation of any hydraulic lines, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(4) repair of non-structural fairings, cover plates and cowlings, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(5) cleaning and replacement of spark plugs, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(6) checking of cylinder compression, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(7) cleaning or changing of fuel, oil, and air filters, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(8) draining and replenishing engine oil, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(9) checking the electrolyte level and specific gravity of lead acid batteries, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(10) adjustment of generator or alternator drive belt tension, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(11) cleaning of balloon burner nozzles;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(12) removal and replacement of balloon baskets, burners and gas tanks that are designed for rapid change in service;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(13) removal and replacement of glider wings and tail surfaces that are designed for quick assembly;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(14) repair of upholstery, trim and cabin furnishings;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(15) removal and replacement of role equipment designed for rapid removal and replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(16) removal and replacement of passenger seat belts and harnesses;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(17) removal and replacement of fuses, light bulbs and reflectors;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(18) removal and replacement of avionics components that are rack mounted or otherwise designed for rapid removal and replacement, where the work does not require testing other than an operational check;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(19) removal and replacement of aircraft batteries;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(20) removal and replacement of co-pilot control levers, wheels, pedals and pedal guard plates that are designed for rapid removal and replacement, on other than transport category aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(21) opening and closing of non-structural access panels;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(22) removal and replacement of cabin doors on unpressurized aircraft, where the door is designed for rapid removal and replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(23) removal, replacement and repositioning of non structural partitions in the passenger cabin;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(24) inspection and continuity checking of self-sealing chip detectors;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(25) removal and replacement of induction system anti-icing baffles, scoops and deflectors that are designed for rapid removal and replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(26) removal, cleaning, replacement and adjustment of external components of chemical dispersal systems that are designed for rapid removal and replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(27) deactivating or securing inoperative systems in accordance with sections 605.09 or 605.10 of the CARs, including the installation of devices specifically intended for system deactivation, where the work does not involve disassembly, the installation of parts, or testing other than operational checks;
(amended 2004/03/01)

(28) checking and adjusting air pressure in helicopter floats and aircraft tires except on aircraft operated under CAR 705.
(amended 2011/12/30)

(29) repetitive visual inspections or operational checks (including inspections and tests required by airworthiness directives) not involving disassembly or the use of visual aids, performed out of phase with the aircraft’s scheduled check cycle at intervals of less than 100 hours air time, provided the tasks are also included in the most frequent scheduled maintenance check.
(amended 2004/03/01)

Information notes:

  • (i) An operational check referred to in (27) above constitutes a check to determine if the unit is working. Operational checks do not involve measuring the unit’s performance against a predetermined standard. Where the testing procedures require such measurement, replacement of the unit shall not constitute Elementary Work.
    (amended 2004/03/01)
  • (ii) Tasks referred to in (29) above are elementary work when performed out of phase, but require a maintenance release when done as part of a scheduled maintenance check.
    (amended 2004/03/01; no previous version)