1.1The Purpose of This Instruction Is to Provide Guidance and Information to Air Operators

MSI 26 - Importation of Aircraft

Subject: / Number: / MSI 26
Issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness on the
Import of Type Certified Aircraft / Revision No: / 1
Number of Pages: / 37
File No:AARP-5009-3-26 / Issue Date: / February 24, 2004

1.PURPOSE

1.1The purpose of this instruction is to provide guidance and information to Air Operators and Transport Canada personnel concerning the issuance of a Canadian Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) for type certificated aircraft imported into Canada.

2.Background

2.1Aircraft are routinely imported into Canada, however the process to determine eligibility for import and the process for issuance of a C of A is not detailed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations or Standards.

2.2There are many variables that must be considered for persons wishing to import an aircraft and obtain a C of A. This staff instruction, through the attached checklists, serves to detail the steps involved in determining eligibility for import and eligibility for the issuance of a C of A.

2.3The attached checklists also include information for the addition of aircraft to various operating certificates. This information is over and above that needed for the issuance of a C of A and is included here to provide a comprehensive document outlining all the steps involved from import to operation.

2.4This staff instruction is not intended to cover the eligibility for issuance of Special Certificates of Airworthiness in any category. Refer to MSI 14 and STD 507.03.

3.Layout of TP Document

3.1The importation document as found on pages 3 to 37 of this MSI is made up of five parts:

(a)Part 1 - Provides a general overview of the process.

(b)Part 2 - Is to be completed by the operator prior to purchasing the aircraft.

(c)Part 3 - Consists of two (2) distinct methods of verification of conformity to the Type Design.

(d)Part 4 - Identifies the additional airworthiness requirements that must be accomplished prior to operating the aircraft under an Air Operator Certificate or a Private Operator Certificate.

(e)Part 5 - Consists of checklists that identify specific airworthiness / operational requirements for aircraft operated under the CARs.

4.Availablity

4.1The importation document annexed to this MSI is available on the Internet and on the Intranet as a downloadable document. Transport Canada personnel should also make copies available to the industry as required.

5.Effective date

5.1This instruction comes into effect immediately.

6.HQ Contact

6.1The responsible division indicated below may be contacted for information regarding this MSI:

AARPE - Standards and Procedures

D.B. Sherritt
Director,
Aircraft Maintenance and Manufacturing

Aircraft Importation Checklist

LAYOUT OF THE IMPORTATION DOCUMENT

Part 1: The information is intended to provide a general overview of the importation process to a prospective applicant. Part 1 is composed of two pages.

Part 2: Is to be completed by the applicant and submitted to Transport Canada. This should be done prior to purchasing the aircraft to ensure it is eligible for importation. An application for Provisional Certificate of Registration (form 26-0025) may be made when Part 2 is completed and verified eligible for importation by Transport Canada or a Minister’s Delegate. Please refer to Standard 507 AppendixE - Additional Guidelines respecting the application for a flight authority. Part 2 is composed of 7 pages.

Part 3: Consists of three checklists that are to be completed by the applicant. The checklists are broken into two distinct methods of verification of conformity to an approved type design. Complete only the checklist that is applicable to the method of importation. Please ensure all segments of the checklist utilized are completed. Part 3 is composed of 3 checklists that cover a total of 9 pages .

Checklist 1: This checklist will be used when:

a)conformity to an approved type design is shown by means of an Export Airworthiness Certificate issued by the civil aviation authority of a country with which Canada has entered into a bilateral airworthiness agreement or a similar arrangement, which provides for the acceptance of such certificates; or

b)conformity to an approved type design is shown by means of an Export Airworthiness Certificate issued by the civil aviation authority of a country with which Canada does not have an agreement, where a Canadian Type Certificate has been issued and the product is being exported from the country of manufacture. Checklist 1 is composed of 3 pages.

Checklist 2: This checklist will be used when conformity to an approved type design is shown by means of an airworthiness inspection to procedures detailed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations for an aircraft, which will be imported without an Export Airworthiness Certificate. Checklist 2 is composed of 4 pages.

Checklist 3: The following checklist will be used to ensure essential operating requirements are met. This checklist is applicable to aircraft imported with or withoutan Export Airworthiness Certificate.

Part 4: Identifies additional airworthiness inspection requirements for aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons that must be complied with prior to the aircraft being operated under the authority of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Private Operator Certificate (POC), Flight Training Unit Certificate (FTUOC) or Privately Operated. It is important to note that not all sections are applicable therefore it is imperative the applicant review each area of inspection for applicability against the referenced regulation and standard. This checklist will be submitted to your Principal Maintenance Inspector as part of the process to add the aircraft to the AOC or POC.Part 4 is composed of 6 pages and is optional at time of import.

Part 5: Consists of 6 checklists. Each checklist identifies specific airworthiness / operational requirements for aircraft operated under CAR Part IV Subpart 6 - Flight Training Units, Part VI Subpart 4 - Private Operator Passenger Transportation, Part VII Subpart 2 - Aerial Work, Part VII Subpart 3 - Air Taxi Operations, Part VII Subpart 4 - Commuter Operations and Part VII Subpart 5 - Airline Operations. The applicant should review and complete the applicable checklist in conjunction with applicable portions of Part 4 of this document. This checklist will be submitted to your Principal Maintenance Inspector as part of the process to add the aircraft to the AOC. Part 5 is composed of 8 pages and is optional at time of import.

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Aircraft Importation Checklist

PART 1:GENERAL OVERVIEW

Airworthiness Requirements:

An aircraft may be issued a Canadian C of A whether or not it is imported with an Export Airworthiness Certificate, provided it can be shown and the Minister is satisfied that the aircraft conforms to an approved type design and is in a condition for safe operation.

Note: The term “in a condition for safe operation” is intended to cover general aircraft condition and whether or not the aircraft is configured for the type of operation it will be used for.

Aircraft may conform with the basic requirements of the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS) but be in poor overall condition. Maintenance may be needed to restore the aircraft and it’s systems to ensure proper operation. The aircraft may also be intended for operation in a role that requires the installation of additional equipment such as medivac or fire supression or where specific operational rules require the installation of certain items of equipment such as Flight Data Recorders, survival equipment, Ground Proximity Warning Systems and so on. The combination of proper maintenance and aircraft configuration meet the intent of “in a condition for safe operation”.

It is not intended that a Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Inspector or Minister’s Delegate assume any responsibility for the condition or safe operation of any aircraft. This is the responsibility of an appropriately qualified person per CAR 571.11 and/or the operator of the aircraft.

1.1 The following requirements must be met for the aircraft to be eligible for importation:

(a)The aircraft owner must be qualified to be a registered owner of a Canadian Aircraft pursuant to Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) Part II, Subpart 2 - Aircraft Marking and Registration, CAR 202.15; and

(b)The aircraft must conform to an approved type design. This may be demonstrated by compliance with CAR Part V, Subpart 7 - Flight Authority, CAR 507.07 and STD507.07Applications made in respect of Imported Aircraft.

Information Notes: There is a distinct difference between eligibility for import and eligibility for the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness.

(i) For the aircraft type to be eligible for import, there must be a Canadian TCDS (reference CAR 507.07(6)(a)) for the aircraft type. Airworthiness Notice B038 contains additional information on aircraft that have not been issued a Canadian TCDS but are otherwise eligible for import.

(ii) To be eligible for the issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, the applicant must demonstrate that the aircraft conforms to all the requirements of the TCDS. This will include correct aircraft model and serial number, correct engine, propeller and appliance models plus any additional requirements such as Canadian configuration modifications, flight manual status, life limitations, maintenance requirements and so on. The checklists contained in this document are designed for this purpose. Importers are cautioned to ensure that the aircraft they wish to import is specifically listed in the TCDS by model and serial number. Contact Transport Canada Aircraft Certification if there is any discrepancy with the aircraft model or serial number and the TCDS.

1.2 For aircraft to be operated commercially & added onto an Air Operator Certificate:

For aircraft that will be imported and added to an Air Operator Certificate (either commercial or private), additional airworthiness and operational requirements must be met prior to operation of the aircraft. These requirements are contained in Part 4 and Part 5 of this aircraft importation checklist.

1.3 For all aircraft to be imported:

To expedite the importation process, applicants shall ensure that the aircraft conforms to all the applicable import requirements before the aircraft is subjected to a conformity inspection.

Information Notes:

(i) The applicant is responsible to ensure that all major repairs and major modifications carried out prior to importation, are in accordance with approved data. Refer to CAR 571.06 and Standard 571.06(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) for definitions of approved data and Standard 571 AppendixA for criteria used to classify modifications and repairs. Aircraft Certification Staff Instruction (ACSI) 23, Acceptance and Approval of Foreign Design Changes, should also be reviewed where the aircraft incorporates design changes approved by a foreign airworthiness authority.

The applicant must provide a complete list of modifications,Supplemental Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) and Supplemental Type Certificates as early as possible during the import process. The applicant may be required to supply substantiating documentation on any or all modifications, STCs as required by Transport Canada. The applicant must ensure he has access to all information required to support the above.

(ii) Canadian and Foreign Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) will be reviewed against configuration, differences in design requirements, AFM supplements, and maintenance manual supplements.

(iii) Where differences are noted between the two certificates, inform regional certification personnel who will action in accordance with ACSI 22 and/or Aircraft Certification Policy Letter (ACPL) 6.

(iv) Canadian STC’s must take precedence for matters relating to Canadian certification.

(v) When confirming that Transport Canada has validated a foreign change (STC or FAA 337), check the conditions of that validation to ensure that they have been complied with.

(vi) All major repairs and major modifications must be reported to the Minister upon importation pursuant to CAR 571.12.

(vii) The applicant must ensure that the aircraft complies with the Noise Emission Standards for the type. To determine if an aircraft does or does not need to meet noise emission standards, the following documents must be consulted; the TCDS; CAR 602; CAR 516 and STD 516 or ICAO Annex 16.

(viii) If the aircraft is equipped with a Mode “S” transponder, the applicant must ensure that the transponder code has been disabled and a new code applied for at the time of registration.

(ix) The applicant is required to provide Transport Canada with a documentation “report” (survey) delineating proposed maintenance activities required to bring the aircraft to a condition of conformity to the certified type design and for safe operation. See Part 3 and Standard 507.07(7).

(x) If any doubt exists during any importation stage, please contact your local TransportCanadaCenter.

1.4 Additional import requirements may be detailed in the following publications:

(a) Airworthiness Notices “A” Series (White);

(b) Airworthiness Notices “B” Series (Pink);

(d) Maintenance Policy Letters (MPL) or Maintenance Staff Instructions (MSI); and

(e) Aircraft Certification advisory material

1.5 CONFORMANCE STATEMENT- this section is to be completed by the aircraft OWNER and/or AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

Confirmation by the applicant that, for the aircraft to be eligible for importation and issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness, 1.1(a) and (b) above has been satisfied and are acceptable to the Minister.
Aircraft Owners Name:
Telephone Number: / Date:
Aircraft Owners Authorized Representative Name (Importing AMO):
Telephone Number: / Date:

Aircraft Importation Checklist

PART 2:must be completed by the APPLICANT,where applicable

Please ensure all applicable areas of paragraph 2.1 through to paragraph 2.15 are completed. Mail or deliver to your local Transport Canada Centre or Minister’s Delegate, as applicable.
2.1 Photograph, copy (rubbing) ACTUAL airframe data plate details including location, in the space provided:

Aircraft Importation Checklist

PART 2:to be completed by the APPLICANT,where applicable

2.2 Aircraft Data:

It is the applicant’s responsibility to accurately record the applicable airframe, engine, propeller, main rotor, tail rotor and auxiliary power unit descriptive data from a visual inspection of the components specific data plate. Other technical information may be obtained from the aircraft journey and technical logs.

AIRCRAFT
Manufacturer
Model Number
Serial Number
Total Time Since New (TTSN)
Total Cycles Since New (TCSN)
Type Certificate Number
Identify last major inspection and date completed: / Type: / Date:
Indicate if the Inspection was conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements or other maintenance schedule
Previous foreign registration
Aircraft role prior to importation if known
Intended aircraft role
Additional Noteworthy Information: Use additional paper as required.

[PART 2 page 3 of 11] 1

Aircraft Importation Checklist

PART 2:to be completed by the APPLICANT,where applicable

2.2 Aircraft Data: (continued…)

ENGINE / Engine # 1 / Engine # 2 / Engine # 3 / Engine # 4
Manufacturer
Model Number
Serial Number
Type Certificate Number
Total Time Since New (TTSN)
Total Time Since Overhaul (TTSO)
Total Cycles Since New (TCSN)
Total Cycles Since Overhaul (TCSO)
Additional Noteworthy Information:
PROPELLER / Propeller # 1 / Propeller # 2 / Propeller # 3 / Propeller # 4
Manufacturer
Model Number
Serial Number
Type Certificate Number
Total Time Since New (TTSN)
Total Time Since Overhaul (TTSO)
Additional Noteworthy Information:

Aircraft Importation Checklist

PART 2:to be completed by the APPLICANT,where applicable

2.2 Aircraft Data: (continued…)

AUXILIARY POWER UNIT (APU)
Manufacturer
Model Number
Serial Number
Type Certificate Number
Total Time Since New (TTSN)
Total Time Since Overhaul (TTSO)
Total Cycles Since New (TCSN)
Total Cycles Since Overhaul (TCSO)
Additional Noteworthy Information:

[PART 2 page 7 of 7] 1

Aircraft Importation Checklist

PART 2:to be completed by the APPLICANT,where applicable

2.2 AircraftData: (continued…)

Provide a list of all helicopter dynamic components as listed on the aircraft type certificate.
Dynamic Components / Manufacturer / Model Number / Serial Number / TTSN / TTSO
Additional Noteworthy Information:

PART 2:to be completed by the APPLICANT,where applicable

2.3 Is the aircraft to be operated privately? / Yes: No:
Who will conduct the Import? / Contact person:
Location: / Telephone:
2.4 (a) This section is to be completed if the aircraft is to be added onto a new or existing Air Operator Certificate:
Identify Air Operator Certificate:

Flight Training Unit Part IV Subpart 6
Private Operator Part VI Subpart 4
Commercial Operator Part VII Subpart 6

Name of Operator Certificate Holder:
Operator Certificate Number:
Address: / Telephone:
(b) Is the aircraft to be added onto the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) or Private Operator Certificate (POC) a new aircraft type to the Company? / Yes: No:
Note: If Yes, additional operational requirements may be necessary. Contact the Commercial & Business Aviation or Canadian Business Aviation Association office, as applicable, for details.
2.5 Please send the preceding completed documentation to your local TransportCanadaCenter or Minister’s Delegate as applicable, for aircraft eligibility verification.

This part is to be completed by a TRANSPORT CANADA INSPECTOR or a MINISTER’S DELEGATE

2.6 For Departmental Use Only:
(a) Does the airframe model and serial number agree with the Type Certificate? / Yes: No:
(b) Does the engine(s) model number agree with the Type Certificate? / Yes: No:
(c) Does the propeller(s) model number agree with the Type Certificate? / Yes: No:
(d) Does the APU model number agree with the Type Certificate? / Yes: No:
(e) Is the aircraft eligible for importation under the Type Certificate? / Yes: No:
Note: If the aircraft is not eligible for importation, identify why in the information section below. Contact the aircraft owner / applicant / representative to discuss the details preventing the aircraft importation. Provide guidance to rectify the situation.
2.7 Has the applicant been advised concerning the eligibility of the aircraft for importation? / Eligible Not Eligible / Date applicant contacted:
Transport Canada Inspector or Minister’s Delegate name. /
2.8 Has the applicant advised Transport Canada or the Minister’s Delegate in writing it intends to precede with the import once it has been acknowledged that the aircraft is eligible for importation? / Yes: No: / Date:
Information:

Aircraft Importation Checklist

PART 2:to be completed by the APPLICANT,where applicable

Section 2.9, 2.10, 2.11 and 2.12 may be completed when it is determined the aircraft meets eligibility requirements.
2.9 Means of importation: Identify the method to be utilized. Complete a, b or c.
(a) Canadian Registration: / Or / Foreign Registration:
(b) Surface Transportation:
(c) Already in Canada, Identify Location:
2.10 Importation flight route and customs clearance.
From: / (departure point in foreign country)
To: / (final destination in Canada)
Customs Clearance Point: / (first landing point in Canada)
2.11 Have Canadian registration marks been reserved: / Yes: / Marks: C- / No:
2.12 If the aircraft is equipped with a Mode “S” transponder, has the previous owner’s code been disabled and a new code applied for? Yes: No:
2.13 This aircraft meets the requirements for a Provisional Certificate of Registration and Flight Permit. In accordance with CAR 507, STD 507.04 and STD 507 Appendix B & E, I hereby request a Provisional Certificate of Registration and Flight Permit for the identified aircraft.
Aircraft Owner / Applicant’s Signature:
Aircraft Owner / Applicant’s Address:
Telephone: / Date:
Fee Submitted:
2.14 Please send the preceding completed documentation (Section 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13) and associated fees for flight permit and provisional registration to Transport Canada, General Aviation, Aircraft Licensing, in the region where the aircraft will normally be based.

This part is to be completed by a TRANSPORT CANADA INSPECTOR or a MINISTER’S DELEGATE