AAC No.

1 of 2017
Procedure for approval of Modification and Repair

a) CAR M (M.A.304) states that “Damage is assessed and modification and repair are carried out using data
approved by the DGCA or by an approved CAR 21/EASA Part 21/FAA Part 21 Design organization,
asappropriate”.
b) ICAO Annex 6 requires that all modification and repair on an operating aircraft shall comply with
airworthiness requirements of the State of Registry (DGCA)
c) The term “alteration” is also used instead of modification. These terms, wherever used are intended to be
synonymous.

Modification:

1. Modification covered in Airworthiness Directives, DGCA Mandatory Modification and Service Bulletins do not
require DGCA approval.
2. Modification which is not covered in Airworthiness Directives, DGCA mandatory modification and service
bulletin require approval of the State of Registry (DGCA).
3. The modification shall be classified as ‘Minor’ or ‘Major’ by either by DGCA, or by an appropriately approved
design organization under a procedure agreed with DGCA.
4. Minor modification is a design change that has negligible or no appreciable effect on the mass, balance,
structural strength, and reliability, operational characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the aeronautical
product and normally accomplished using standard or generally accepted practices.
5. Minor modification approved by appropriately CAR 21 / EASA Part 21 / FAR Part 21 approved design
organization may be accomplished by the Approved Maintenance Organization following documented
procedures bapproved by DGCA.
6. Procedures for accomplishment of modification shall be established by operator / maintenance organisation
and documented inCAME / MOE. Accomplishment of modification shall be intimated to the local
Airworthiness Office.
7. Major Modification which is not covered in Airworthiness Directives, DGCAmandatory modification and
service bulletin require approval of DGCA (AED).
8. For approval of major modification, the owner/operator shall apply to the concerned Regional Airworthiness
Office (RAO) along with evidences and data relating to the intended modification and its effect on the
airworthiness of aircraft,
9. The modification design data and documents prepared by the aircraft, components/equipment
manufacturer, which are duly approved by State of Design or the data certified by Authorized Representative
(AR)/ Designated Engineering Representative (DER) of the State of Design ofthe aircraft are acceptable for use
in modification of aircraft, Components/equipment.
10. Modification documents shall bear a modification reference number, title, issue number and date and shall
indicate the reason for modification, modification instructions, any limitations and inspection requirements,
manuals affected and references to other documents or design data, together with a list of parts and
assemblies affected by the modification and, where necessary, drawings or sketches giving particulars of
parts before and after modification.
11. Approval of a major modification will only be granted when the DGCA
12. DGCA may require compliance checks after the completion of the modification and before any aircraft
component or equipment is released for service.
13. All changes to an approved drawing or document will require re-approval of the original. The issue or revision
number shall be raised following reapproval.

Repairs :

1. Repair covered in the Structural Repair Manual (SRM) do not require DGCA approval. The repair may be
carried out by Approved Maintenance Organisation as per data available in SRM.
2. Repair which are not covered in SRM shall require DGCA approval.
3. The repair shall be classified as ‘Minor’ or ‘Major’ by either by DGCA, or by an appropriately approved design
organization under a procedure agreed with DGCA.
 4. For classification of the repair, as major or minor, the Owner/Operator/ Aircraft Maintenance Organisation
will submit details of damaged to a appropriately CAR 21/ EASA 21/ FAR 21 approved design organization or
DGCA.
Minor repair:
5. A repair which has been classified as minor, has negligible effect on the airworthiness of the affected
aeronautical product. The accomplishment of minor repairs normally involves use of standard or generally
accepted practices. Repairs that are classified as Minor and approved by appropriately CAR 21/ EASA 21/ FAR
21 approved design organization may be accomplished by the Approved Maintenance Organization following
documented procedures approved by DGCA. Procedures for accomplishment of minor repair shall be
established by operator/ maintenance organisation and documented in CAME/ MOE. Accomplishment of
such repair shall be intimated to the local Airworthiness Office.
Major Repair
6. For approval of major repair, the owner/operator/ AMO shall apply to the concerned Regional Airworthiness
Office (RAO) along with evidences and data relating to the intended major repair and its effect on the
airworthiness of aircraft,
7. Repair scheme and approved data received from the appropriately CAR 21/ EASA 21/ FAR 21 approved design
organization/ manufacturer shall be forwarded to the regional Airworthiness office for obtaining approval.
Copy of Repair and Deviation Record (RDR), Repair Design Approval Sheet (RDAS), as applicable shall also be
attached along with the repair data along with the application for approval.
8. The repair scheme and approved data prepared by the aircraft, components/equipment manufacturer, which
are duly approved by State of Design or the repair scheme certified by Authorized Representatives (AR)/
Designated Engineering representatives (DER) of the State of Design of the aircraft are acceptable for use in
repair of aircraft, components/equipment.
Application for Approval of Major Modification/ Repair
9. The owner/operator shall submit a duly completed application as per Form CA 2(MR), in duplicate, for
carrying out major modification and/or major repair to the concerned Regional Airworthiness Office.
10. The Authorized Representatives/Designated Engineering Representatives responsible for certifying
modification/repair approved data shall be an employee of the organization holding DOA. Certifications by
independent representative shall not be acceptable.
11. Recommendation or No Technical Objection (NTO) from the manufacturer shall not be acceptable for grant
of approval.
12. When the owner / operator has submitted the data received from the approved sources, the RAO may permit
to carry out the modification/repair on the basis of the repair proposal and the design data submitted by the
operator/owner.
13. If the design data submitted by the operator did not meet the requirements mentioned in AAC, then the
Regional Airworthiness Office will examine the proposal and forward the same to the Airworthiness
Directorate at DGCA Headquarters. The Airworthiness Directorate at DGCA Headquarters will review the case
and forward the same for detailed analysis and approval of the modification/repair scheme data to the
Aircraft Engineering Directorate (AED). The operator/owner may have to provide necessary data to AED in
line with requirements stipulated in Part-3 of AED Hand Book of Procedures
14. Owner/operator shall include the above procedure in the Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE),
Maintenance Organisation Manual (MOM) Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME), as
applicable.
15. A monthly statement of modification and repair accomplished on the aircraft shall be forwarded to DGCA as a
part of Engineering Statistics Report.
16. The Regional / Sub regional office and DGCA (AED) should keep a record of approvals granted for repair
designs.
 AAC No. 2 of 2017
Standard and Procedure for Issuance/ Extension/ Renewal of Certification Authorization for specialized processes,
such as Non Destructive Testing by Approved Organization.

1. As regards to issuance/ extension/ renewal of certification authorisation in respect of personnel carryout

specialised processes such as welding, the approved organisation should establish qualification procedures in
accordance with the standards and process defined by IS:5922-1970 (Indian Standard)- Qualifying Test for
Welders Engaged in Aircraft Welding or any other relevant international aviation standard. Any special
instructions issued by TC holder/ manufacturer forwelding should be followed.
2. Term NDT is used and is considered equivalent to NDI and NDE.
i) NAS 410- Certification and qualification of Non –destructive – Test Personnel (Latest Revision)
ii) EN 4179, Aerospace Series – Qualification and approval of Personnel for Nondestructive testing (Latest
Revision).

LEVELS OF COMPETENCE FOR NDT

1. Three levels of competence for NDT personnel have been prescribed as per NAS 410/ EN 4179. Though for
issue of Certification Authorisation, the minimum competency level is “LEVEL-II “, the competency of other
levels are given for the sake of comparison.
2. LEVEL I – defines the level of competency required by the applicant to have the skills and knowledge to
process parts, any necessary preparation of parts before or after inspection and perform equipment
standardization in accordance with written instruction approved by the appropriate level 3.
Note: Level-I qualification does not entitle a person for issue of certification authorisation.
1. LEVEL-II - defines the level of competency required by the applicant for certification of NDT. Level-II calls for
in-depth training, experience, and basic knowledge of aircraft product manufacturing and inspection
technology. He will be capable of setting up and calibrate test equipment, make decision and judgment,
evaluate, interpret and certify inspection result in technique in which he is qualified. Have the skills and
knowledge to set up and standardize equipment, process parts, interpret and evaluate for acceptance or
rejection, and document results.
1. LEVEL- III defines the level of competency required by the applicant for certification of NDT Level-III should
have the skills and knowledge to interpret codes, standards and other contractual documents that control
the NDT method(s) as utilized by the employer. He will be capable of selecting, preparing and verifying the
adequacy of procedures in the method certified and technique for a specific inspection. He will also be
capable of providing or directing training, examination and certification of personnel in the method in which
he is certified.

Qualification:
The applicant should have passed at least:
a) Class 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; or
b) Diploma in engineering/ any other equivalent qualification acceptable to DGCA;
Experience
 The applicant should have minimum of six months experience in aviation industry in relevant NDT
technique; of which three months must be recent experience under the supervision of a person
holding appropriate Certification Authorisation (Level-II) covering relevant NDT technique in an
approved organization.
 For extension of Certification Authorisation to cover additional technique the person should have
acquired at least 3 months recent experience in respective NDT technique under the supervision of a
person holding appropriate Certification Authorisation (Level-II) covering relevant NDT technique in
an approved organization.
 The experience gained in Defence /Space organizations approved by Ministry of Defence / Space will
be considered equivalent to the experience gained in DGCAapproved organizations.

Medical & Vision Standards

The certification authorisation holder should not have any physical disability and meet the vision standards as
defined in NAS-410/ EN-4179 (Latest revision).
Competency Assessment:
On being satisfied that the candidate meets the standards with regard to age, qualification, experience and
medical, the competency assessment of the candidate should be carried out by the quality manager of the
organisation following a documented procedure. One of the member for assessment should be a person
holding level-III qualification on the specific NDT technique or a person holding level-II certification
authorisation with at least five years experience on the specific NDT technique. After satisfactory assessment,
the candidate may be issued with a certification authorisation covering the relevant NDT technique with
appropriate level, by the Quality Manager.

Renewal and Validity of Certification Authorisation

The certification authorisation will be a valid for a maximum period of one year.
The Certification Authorisation may be renewed by the Quality Manager for a maximum period of one year
or till the validity of the continuation training, subject to the following conditions:
i) Minimum of three months experience in preceding one year.
ii) Meets the medical standard for renewal of certification authorisation.
iii) Has undergone a refresher course at least once in 24 months.
iv) Continues to remain in the employment or employment contract of the organization.

PROCEDURE FOR CERTIFICATION OF SPECIALISED PROCESS

1. NDT inspections will be carried out by personnel authorised in accordance withthe Organisation’s approved
procedures
2. Where non-mandatory inspections are to be undertaken, for which the responsible design/ manufacturing
organisation has not specified NDT procedures, then the NDT method, technique, procedure and instruction
should be prepared in accordance with the methods defined in NAS-410/ EN 4197 and approved by a Level-III
holder qualified in the applicable method.
3. A Certification Authorization may be withdrawn where an enquiry conducted by the approved organization or
DGCA establishes that Authorization of a person withdrawn as a result of an enquiry shall not be restored
without approval of the DGCA (Regional Airworthiness Office). Such person shall also not be granted other
Authorization without the concurrence of the DGCA (Regional Airworthiness Office).
4. All disciplinary actions taken against holder of certification authorisation shall immediately be intimated to
the Regional/ Sub Regional Airworthiness Office) in writing. Copies of warnings/ memorandum issued to the
holder of certification authorisation shall also be forwarded to the DGCA (Regional Airworthiness Office/ Sub
Regional Airworthiness Office).

AAC No. 3 of 2017

Procedure for Approval of Line Stations - Scheduled Airlines

1. This Airworthiness Advisory Circular details guidelines and procedures to be adopted by the approved
maintenance organisation in respect of undertaking minor scheduled line maintenance at line maintenance
locations. Maintenance above weekly checks or equivalent checks should have prior approval of DGCA.
2. Minor scheduled line maintenance means any minor scheduled inspection/check up to and including a weekly
check specified in the operators approved aircraft maintenance programme. For aircraft maintenance
programmes that do not specify a weekly check, the concern Regional Airworthiness Office will determine the
most significant check that is considered equivalent to a weekly check.
3. MOE Part-2 (L-2) contains additional line maintenance procedures to be followed at line maintenance station.
The approved maintenance organisation should also detail the procedures in its Maintenance Organisation
Exposition (MOE) regarding approval of line maintenance station including contracting such maintenance to
undertake minor scheduled inspection/ check.
4. The responsible post holder of line maintenance should ensure availability of required infrastructure,
qualified manpower, relevant technical literatures etc.
5. The responsible post holder of quality of the AMO should carry out audit of the particular line station
including sub-contracted arrangements to ensure capability to undertake such maintenance.
6. Upon being satisfied with the capability of the particular line station, the Quality Manager should carry out
necessary amendment to the Maintenance Organisation Exposition, which should be submitted to the
concerned Regional Airworthiness Office at least 10 (Ten) days before commencement of maintenance
activity.
7. Upon receipt of the proposed amendment to MOE along with required documents, the RAO of main base of
the AMO may evaluate the proposal and if found satisfactory, should approve the amendments to MOE. The
approval of amendment of MOE should be intimated in writing to the AMO and RAO under whose jurisdiction
the line station is located.
8. The RAO under whose jurisdiction the line station is located should schedule and carry out inspection of such
line stations within 30 days of approval of MOE and forward the inspection report to main base.
9. In case there is any significant finding(s), the RAO should investigate the same and take necessary action as
per the procedure detailed in the Enforcement Policy and Procedure manual.
10. The AMO is responsible for carrying out routine audits of all line stations as listed in the MOE. The maximum
period between audits of a particular line station should not exceed 24 months.
11. If any finding of serious nature (Level-1) is detected during the routine audits, the same should be intimated
to the RAO of main base of AMO and copy to the RAO/Sub RAO under whose jurisdiction the line station is
located immediately. The responsible manager should take appropriate action to mitigate the finding. The
root cause analysis along with the measures taken to prevent such finding in future should be intimated in
writing by Quality Manager to RAO of main base of AMO.
12. The line station located under the jurisdiction of respective Regional/ Sub-regional Airworthiness office will
carry out planned and unplanned surveillance inspection
13. The RAO/ Sub-RAO should maintain the records related to approval of MOE and documents related to
oversight of the organisation as applicable.