Airworthiness Notice - B032, Edition 2 - 18 April 1996

Procedure for the Removal of ‘Visual Flight Rules Only’ Limitation From the Special Certificate of Airworthiness (Amateur-Built Aircraft)

(This Airworthiness Notice supersedes AN No. B032 Edition 1)
(dated 15 January 1996.)

Purpose

This Airworthiness Notice (AN) is reissued as Edition 2 to clarify the intent of Edition 1.

The purpose of this AN is two-fold:

1.  To inform the owners of amateur-built aircraft of the requirements for and the procedures by which the “VFR ONLY” standardized operating condition may be removed; and
2. To make the owners of amateur-built aircraft aware of  the equipment and maintenance requirements for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight.

Note: Pending the implementation of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR), the new CARS, as well as the existing regulations, are quoted for convenience.

Background

Initial issue of a Special Certificate of Airworthiness, in the amateur-built classification, allows the aircraft to operate under day Visual Flight Rules (VFR) with initial operating limitations specified in Airworthiness Manual Advisory (AMA) 549/1, Para. 9(a).  After completion of the applicable periods of flight time specified in AMA 549/1, Para. 9(b), the owner may apply for modified operating conditions in accordance with AMA 549/1 Para. 10.

Requirements

To operate under IFR, all aircraft shall be equipped in accordance with the requirements of ANO Series V,

No. 22 “Order Respecting IFR Instruments and Equipment”, or CAR 605.17.  Amateur builders who plan to operate their aircraft under IFR are required to comply with this ANO or related CARs and are alerted to the specific requirements contained in the following documents:

1. Air Regulations
   Part V - Rules Of  The Air
   Division IV - Instrument Flight Rules
2. ANO Series V, No. 5
3. ANO Series V, No. 11
4. ANO Series V, No. 22
5. CAR 601.03, 605.17, 605.29 and 605.67.

Installation of IFR Equipment

Although the installation of IFR equipment may be performed by the owner, due to the complexity and cost of test equipment, it may be more practical for this work to be performed by an appropriately rated aircraft Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO).

IFR Equipment Installed in Amateur-built Aircraft

IFR equipment which has been installed in an amateur-built aircraft is not eligible for installation in a certificated aircraft unless that IFR equipment has been recertified by an appropriately rated AMO.

Statement of Compliances

A statement of compliance signed by the owner shall be attached with the application to remove “VFR ONLY” from the standardized operating conditions.  The statement shall indicate that the equipment required for IFR flight as specified in ANO Series V, No. 22, CAR 601.03, 605.17, 605.29 and 605.67 has been properly installed, tested and calibrated in accordance with Chapters 571 and 575 of the Airworthiness Manual or CAR 571, 605 and related standards, and that it functions properly.  The owner must be prepared to demonstrate that the installation, test and calibration of IFR equipment has been appropriately performed.

Maintenance Requirements

Equipment required by ANO Series V, No. 22 or CAR 601.03, 605.17, 605.29 and 605.67 shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements specified in Chapters 571, 573 and 575 of the AWM, and CAR 571 and 605 and related standards.

Attention is drawn to the magnetic direction indicator, altimeter, ATC transponder and altitude reporting systems which must be tested and calibrated as required by the related chapters of the AWM and the CARs.

Performance of Work

The existing regulation allows owners of amateur-built aircraft to perform and certify maintenance on their own aircraft.  Nonetheless, when the test and/or calibration of equipment required for IFR flight, such as the altimeter, ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment is performed, it must be demonstrated that:

1. The person who carried out the work is trained and qualified to perform the required test and calibration;
2. The applicable equipment manufacturer’s maintenance instructions have been followed; and
3. All test equipment used in tests and/or calibration have a valid calibration traceable to a national standard.

Certification

When an entry is made in the aircraft log to the effect that the required test and calibration of IFR equipment has been performed, details of the work performed must be recorded in the aircraft technical record in accordance with Chapter 575 Para. 109(b) of the AWM, or CAR 605.92 and 605.93.

Effectivity

The policy contained in this Airworthiness Notice becomes effective upon receipt.  This notice will be withdrawn when Chapter 549 of the AWM and related AMA and other pertinent documents have been amended to include the information contained herein.  It should be noted, however, that the current regulations clearly identify the equipment requirements; and subsequent maintenance requirements, for any aircraft wishing to operate IFR.