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Transport Canada Clarifies Use of Type-Certified Aircraft Parts in Amateur-Built Aircraft
Transport Canada’s Staff Instruction document, SI No. 549-001, has been issued to stakeholders, including persons “who apply for a special certificate of airworthiness in the amateur-built classification.”
Although discussions have been ongoing for some time, this announcement clarifies the delineation of the “type-certificated” from the “amateur-built” classifications.
Canadians have been able to rebuild or restore previously certified aircraft and re-classify them as amateur-built. The proviso being that the work done by the builder represented a ‘major portion’ as defined by the MD-RA 51% Amateur Determination Checklist. This SI now clarifies that such rebuilding or restoration is considered maintenance and does not qualify or contribute towards the major portion requirement.
Parts from type-certificated aircraft may still be incorporated into the construction of amateur-built aircraft, but those parts may not be counted towards the construction or assembly for the purpose of calculating the major portion requirement.
A grace period will be extended to those builders who have an aircraft “in the chute,” i.e., aircraft that fit into this category and that have already been accepted under previous policies will be eligible for a special certificate of airworthiness – amateur-built aircraft.
For more information, visit www.md-ra.com. For the English version – View | Download. For the French version – View | Download.
- Jack Dueck
