Recommended step by step process
These are the recommended steps to go through to change the AFM over to the new system.
If an operator, registered operator, maintainer or pilot is contracted to change the AFM over to the new AFM system on behalf of the registration holder, then that person should use this process to ensure that the AFM is correct and current.
Identify the aircraft exactly
The registration alone is not enough to identify the correct basic AFM, you need the following critical aircraft identification details from the aircraft data plate:
- TC number (the TCDS No. should be the same as this number).
- Make (i.e. the maker/TC holder at the time of manufacture).
- Model (i.e. the exact model designation as on the data plate).
- Serial number (the maker's unique identification of the individual aircraft).
The aircraft data plate is fitted at manufacture. For most light aircraft, the aircraft data plate is fitted on the aircraft's rear fuselage near its tail, or inside the leading edge of the doorframe.
Identify the modifications and equipment options
Inspect the aircraft and the aircraft log book to find out what modifications and equipment options are fitted. Modifications and optional equipment (e.g. avionics) usually require AFM supplements. In some cases, a maker's option can mean a different basic AFM is required.
Ensure the aircraft has the right basic AFM and AFM supplements
Once you have identified the aircraft make, model, serial number and TC number, you need to ensure that you have the right basic AFM.
Give your aircraft identification details to the maker or maker's Australian agent, who should be able to determine the correct basic AFM from detailed company information. In many cases, this information is on the maker's website.
Another important source of information to determine the correct basic AFM is the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) for the aircraft. The maintainer for your aircraft and the maker's Australian agent should have access to the relevant TCDS for your aircraft, and should be able to determine the correct basic AFM. See examples of how to identify the correct basic AFM
After you have established the correct basic AFM and its current revision status, ensure that the aircraft has a current maker's printed copy of that AFM.
Some aircraft have an AFM issued by CASA or its predecessors. These are clearly identified as issued by the Australian civil aviation authority of the time. They are also known as the Civil Mark 1 and Civil Mark 2 AFMs. If your aircraft has one of these AFMs:
- Replace the old 'Civil' AFM with the maker's AFM, if an AFM is required, or
- Simply delete the old 'Civil' AFM if an AFM is not required.
Identify and obtain the relevant AFM supplement for each modification or equipment option. See examples of how to identify the correct AFM supplement(s)
If you have problems identifying the right AFM or AFM supplements, call CASA's AFM Hotline on 1800 113 323 for help.
Get a 'CASA approval page' and new amendment record sheet for the AFM
For each required basic AFM, CASA has made a 'CASA Approval Page' which summarises the basic AFM identification details. This information can be used as a crosscheck to help you ensure that you have the correct basic AFM.
Apply to your local CASA office for a 'CASA Approval Page'. Your local CASA office will crosscheck your details against the CASA AFM database, and then provide a copy of the 'CASA Approval Page' for your basic AFM. A fee is applicable for this service.
Application for CASA approval page (Adobe Actobat document)
Amendment record sheet, A4 (Adobe Actobat document)
Amendment record sheet, A5 (Adobe Actobat document)
'CASA Approval Pages' will progressively be made available on CASA's website.
Change the AFM to the new system
Write up the amendment record sheet with the identification and revision status details of the basic AFM and the required AFM supplements etc. Below is an extract from a typical new AFM amendment record sheet. It indicates the preferred manner for writing up progressive changes to the AFM information on the new amendment record sheet.
This example of an amendment record sheet is based on the structure of a typical AFM
The completed AFM should contain the following elements in order:
- CASA approval page
- Amentment record sheet
- Basic AFM
- AFM supplements for foreign approved STC (if any)
- Local CASA approved AFM supplements (if any)
Make a copy of the CASA Approval Page and the written-up amendment record sheet, and give the copies to the relevant local CASA office so they can be placed on the individual aircraft file.