EASA SIB 2020-05
Aircraft Maintenance Programme under Part-ML
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2020-05 is an informational document addressing the Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) requirements under Part-ML for light aircraft such as gliders, balloons, airships, aeroplanes up to 2730 kg MTOM, and rotorcraft up to 1200 kg MTOM with up to 4 occupants not used by licensed air carriers. It clarifies the maintenance programme approval process and options introduced by Regulation (EU) 2019/1383, applicable from 24 March 2020, affecting continuing airworthiness management for these aircraft types.
What Changed
The document explains that Regulation (EU) 2019/1383 introduces flexibility in AMP approval for Part-ML aircraft by allowing either approval by a Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) or Combined Airworthiness Organisation (CAO), or declaration by the aircraft owner, removing the competent authority from AMP approval. It also permits the use of a generic minimum inspection programme instead of design approval holder instructions for continuing airworthiness for certain aircraft. The AMP must still include mandatory continuing airworthiness information such as repetitive Airworthiness Directives, airworthiness limitation sections, and specific maintenance requirements from the type certificate data sheet.
Why It Matters
This matters because the new flexibility in AMP approval and content could lead to less frequent or omitted maintenance tasks if owners or organisations are unaware of mandatory requirements, especially for grandfathered aircraft without explicitly identified mandatory maintenance instructions. Aviation professionals must ensure compliance with mandatory continuing airworthiness information to maintain safety and regulatory conformity. Understanding these changes helps operators, MROs, and compliance teams properly manage maintenance programmes and avoid potential safety risks.
What To Do
Design approval holders, particularly type certificate holders, should review their maintenance instructions to identify mandatory tasks and inform EASA if necessary. Aircraft owners declaring their own AMP should seek expert advice or consult knowledgeable organisations such as DAH, CAMO, or CAO to understand safety implications before disregarding maintenance instructions. CAMOs and CAOs must ensure their personnel are properly informed and experienced when developing or approving AMPs that deviate from design approval holder instructions. No specific compliance deadlines are stated.