Design Changes and Repairs

Introduction

Approval of all design changes and repairs follows the same principles of certification as for a new product. For all changes and repairs, the certification basis of the change or repair must be established, the means of compliance determined and compliance with the certification basis demonstrated. Alteration of any type design data covered by an existing Military Type Certificate or change approval requires a new design change approval. Certification of all new repair designs requires a repair design approval.

All design changes and repairs must be classified as either major or minor, to determine both the approval requirements of the change/repair and the continued airworthiness requirements to be applied to the change/repair.

Under the Defence Aviation Safety Program (DASP), all major changes must be approved by DASA and require a DASA-agreed certification programme. Approval of minor changes, minor repairs and some major repairs can be conducted by approved organisations under privilege.

For major changes and major repair designs certified by a recognised National/Military Airworthiness Authority (N/MAA), the applicant must consider and assess any differences in the Defence configuration, role and operating environment when applying for approval by DASA.

Australian Military Type Certificates (AMTCs), Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and design approvals issued prior to 30 Sep 16 remain valid unless they are replaced by a DASR equivalent or withdrawn.

What We Do

DASA will agree to certification programmes for major changes, inspect select compliance evidence, approve all Military Certification Review Items (MCRIs) and approve all applications for major changes. DASA will also approve applications for major repair designs where the applicant does not hold the privilege to do so.

Depending on recognised N/MAA certifications, DASA may grant the applicant for approval of a major change or major repair design relief from demonstrating compliance with portions of the certification basis. Relief from demonstrating compliance cannot be granted for minor changes which are to be approved under DASR 21. However, minor changes and repairs already certified by a recognised N/MAA can be consumed directly by the operating organisation under DASR M.A.304(d) via a procedure agreed to by the authority and in accordance with the recognition framework.  

How Do I Apply?

Application to DASA for approval of a major change or major repair is via DASR Form 31A or 31B.

DASR Form 31 can be used to notify DASA of an impending major change or major repair, and should be submitted as early as possible to initiate engagement with DASA in the certification process. Engagement with DASA can also be initiated by contacting a member of the DIA Type Certification section or emailing dasa.typecert@defence.gov.au.

Approved Organisations

To view a list of organisations that hold privileges to approve minor changes under DASR 21.A.95 or minor repairs under DASR 21.A.437, please visit the Military Design Organisation Approvals page.

I Want To Learn More…

If you want to learn more about approval of design changes and repairs, please consult the following resources:

Support

If you have questions about this topic please contact DASA.TypeCert@defence.gov.au

For DASR queries please submit a DASR Query Form (DQF) Form 110 PDF-175KB

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