Maintenance of general aviation aircraft

Maintenance and Continuing Airworthiness of Aircraft in General Aviation

The owner or operator of an aircraft is responsible for ensuring that the aircraft is properly maintained and airworthy before it is flown.
Maintenance must be carried out in accordance with the applicable maintenance programme, approved maintenance data and the rules applicable to the aircraft.

Different rules apply depending on whether the aircraft falls under EASA rules or Icelandic national rules.

Aircraft subject to EASA rules

The continuing airworthiness of EASA aircraft is governed by Regulation No. 926/2015, which implements Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014, as amended.

Depending on the type of aircraft and the nature of the operation, the following Parts of the Regulation may apply:

• Part-M

  – continuing airworthiness requirements for aircraft not subject to Part-ML,

• Part-ML

  – simplified and proportionate continuing airworthiness requirements for certain light aircraft,

• Part-145

  – approved maintenance organisations,

• Part-CAMO

  – organisations responsible for continuing airworthiness management,

• Part-CAO

  – organisations responsible for maintenance and/or continuing airworthiness management of certain aircraft,

• Part-66

  – licences and privileges of certifying maintenance personnel.

The applicable requirements depend, among other things, on the type and maximum take-off mass of the aircraft, whether it is classified as a complex motor-powered aircraft and whether it is used in commercial operations.

Aircraft subject to Icelandic national rules

Aircraft and helicopters that fall outside the scope of EASA rules are subject to Icelandic national legislation, including:

• Regulation No. 694/2010 on general aviation aeroplanes, and

• Regulation No. 695/2010 on general aviation helicopters,

as amended.

These regulations include provisions concerning responsibility for airworthiness, maintenance, maintenance programmes, maintenance records and the rectification of defects.

Laws and regulations

• Regulation No. 926/2015 on the continuing airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, parts and appliances, and on the approval of organisations and personnel involved in these tasks

• Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014 on the continuing airworthiness of aircraft

• Regulation No. 694/2010 on general aviation aeroplanes

• Regulation No. 695/2010 on general aviation helicopters