COA application steps
Step 1. Contact the CASA Service Centre
Step 2. Complete and submit an application form
To apply for a Certificate of Approval (COA), a COA Application Form (Form 690) must be completed. The Form 690 can be obtained from the CASA Service Centre or the CASA web site. The application form is in six parts:
- Application Type and Description
- Organisation Details
- Location Details
- Activities
- Employee Details
- Supporting Documentation
Complete all six parts, keep a copy for yourself, and forward a signed copy either by fax, post or e-mail to the CASA Service centre.
Step 3. Review of the application package
The Service Centre will review the application for completeness. Should the application be incomplete, you will be contacted and provided with the opportunity to address the shortfall. If you do not provide the information requested by CASA to complete your application, it may be rejected.
Step 4. Estimate of costs
An estimate of the cost to process the application will be forwarded to you. The estimate is based on an hourly rate and will cover CASA’s assessment and/or inspection of your written procedures, facilities, tools and equipment, approved data and qualified staff. An amount is also included to process and issue the COA. You will be advised at this time of any additional supporting documentation that is required. Payment of the estimate and the submission of additional supporting documentation will be required before CASA will commence work on the application.
A description of the estimate process is in our fees and charges section.
Note 1: Assessment of the application will not commence until all requested information is provided.
Note 2: Having paid the estimate, should you at any stage during the assessment of the application, wish to cancel the application, you will need to do this in writing. CASA will recover costs for work completed up to the date of cancellation.
Step 5. Preliminary assessment
Once payment and supporting documentation are received, the Service Centre will carry out a preliminary review of your written procedures for general content and the supporting information for technical correctness. If the application package is correct, the application will be allocated to the CASA Area Office located closest to your operation for a detailed assessment. If the application package is not correct, all or part of the package will be returned to you for correction and completion.
Note: Failure to provide any supporting documentation within a reasonable time frame, may result in the application being suspended. CASA will cancel any applications that remain suspended/ dormant for more than 90 days.
Step 6. Pre-assessment meeting (if required)
A meeting with you just prior to the formal assessment of the application may be requested by CASA.This meeting provides you and CASA the opportunity to discuss the application, each other’s expectations and address any issues that may arise. The assessing Area office will host this meeting. You will be invited to contact the Area Office Airworthiness Team Leader and arrange a suitable time for the meeting.
Step 7. Detailed assessment
An Airworthiness Inspector will carry out a detailed assessment of the facilities, tools and equipment, approved data and qualified staff in accordance with Civil Aviation regulations (CARs) and the CASA Certificate of Approval Manual (COAM).These documents can be found on the CASA web site:
Step 8. Recommendation and approval
Once the assessment is complete, a recommendation to issue or not to issue the COA, will be made to the CASA delegate. If the permission to be recommended varies from what you have applied for, or if the application is declined, CASA will discuss this with you.
Step 9. Certificate issue
The Service Centre will reconcile the actual hours against the estimated hours for the assessment and either process a refund or raise an invoice for the additional costs. If approved, the COA will be faxed to you on the same day and the original forwarded by mail.