Initial Issue refers to the first National ARC issued as part of the C of A (Certificate of Airworthiness) issue. Applicable to the first transfer of a non-Part 21 aircraft to the UK register or a non-Part 21 aircraft returning to the UK register. Renewal refers to issue or extension of a national ARC for aircraft already issued with a non-expiring national C of A.
Who can apply to recommend to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)?
- A BCAR A8-25 CAMO with National ARC privileges for the aircraft type.
- A BCAR A8-15 (Iss 7 of CAP 553) organisation with National ARC privileges for the aircraft group (applicable to aircraft of 2730kg Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) and below, not being used for Commercial Air Transport or State purposes).
Pre-Requisites
- Before a new National ARC can be issued, the aircraft must have completed a satisfactory airworthiness review in accordance with BCAR A8-25.
- An airworthiness review may be conducted only by an approved BCAR A8-25 CAMO or A8-15 approved organisation with the National ARC privilege (with the applicable group / aircraft type).
- A full documented review of the aircraft records and a physical survey of the aircraft will be required in accordance with BCAR A3-1, Appendix 1.
- State aircraft and those used for commercial air transport, are required to be managed by an appropriately approved BCAR A8-25 CAMO and maintained by appropriately approved BCAR A8-23 (M1) organisations.
- Remaining CofA aircraft may be managed by an appropriately approved BCAR A8-25 CAMO, or they can have an Annual Review performed by an A8-25 CAMO or an A8-15 (M3) organisation or appropriately licensed engineer, as appropriate.
- For aircraft below 2730 kg MTOW, maintenance may be performed by M1/M2 (A8-23/A8-24) organisations or an appropriately licensed engineer.
How do I apply?
Complete and submit the online application form.
What else do I need to include with my application?
Recommendations for the CAA to Issue National ARC
- A completed online application form.
- correct fee
Organisations that have the privilege to Issue and/or extend National ARC's (1st and 2nd Extensions).
A copy of the issued / extended National ARC must be sent to apply@caa.co.uk within 10 days of issue.
How long is it valid for?
12 months unless revoked, suspended or cancelled.
What else do I need to know?
- An aircraft is deemed to have been in a controlled environment if it has been continuously managed during the previous 12 months by a CAMO approved for the purpose and maintained by a maintenance organisation approved in accordance with BCAR requirements, or where permitted, pilot maintenance.
- For orphan aircraft types a valid Type Responsibility Agreement (TRA) must be in place.
- Aircraft may require a valid Check Flight
- BCAR Section A - Airworthiness Procedures where the CAA has Primary Responsibility for Type Approval of the Product (CAP 553)
- BCAR A3-1 for requirements on C of A
- BCAR A3-3 for requirements on Check Flights
- BCAR A6-1 for requirements on Maintenance and Continuing Airworthiness of Non-Part 21 Aircraft
- BCAR A8-25 for requirements on the Airworthiness Review
- Official Record Series 5, CAA Scheme of Charges
How much does it cost?
The C of A Fee Calculator for non-Part 21 aircraft provides details on current charges.
In the event of a discrepancy between the information here and the Official Record Series 5, CAA Scheme of Charges (Airworthiness, Noise Certification and Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Emissions), the Scheme of Charges takes precedence.
Payments can be made by credit or debit card or by bank transfer made payable to the Civil Aviation Authority.
When using bank transfer, make sure you identify what the payment is for by including:
- the aircraft registration
- the application type (for example, National ARC issue)
- the receiving department
Additional charges
If the cost of our investigations exceeds the application charge payable, there will be additional charges to recover those excess costs incurred by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in accordance with the Scheme of Charges.
The balance for the excess hourly charge (total hourly charge less initial charge already paid) is payable to the CAA and will be invoiced to you.
What happens next?
- The application is processed and reviewed.
- The organisation/individual making the recommendation will be advised if any discrepancies are raised and these will need to be rectified before the application can proceed.
- The National ARC is issued.
- The National ARC is posted to the return address provided and G-INFO is updated.
If it is determined that a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Surveyor should complete an airworthiness review, you will be contacted by the Resource scheduling team who will schedule the visit for the surveyor to conduct the review.
Once the surveyor is satisfied, they will issue the National ARC.
- Correctly completed recommendations for the issue of a National ARC will be processed and the new National ARC will be issued within 5 working days of receipt.
- Submissions of a copy of the issued National ARC will result in G-INFO being updated within 5 working days of receipt.
Provide page feedback
Please enter your comments below, or use our usual service contacts if a specific matter requires an answer.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.