An SAAA Authorised Person (AP) is appointed by CASA to inspect amateur-built aircraft and issue Certificates of Airworthiness (CofA), ensuring they meet safety and regulatory standards before flight.
Core Responsibilities of an Authorised Person
– Aircraft Inspection & Certification – APs conduct final inspections of amateur-built aircraft and issue Special Certificates of Airworthiness under CASA’s Experimental category. This includes verifying build quality, documentation, and compliance with regulations.
– Flight Test Oversight – They review Phase 1 flight test documentation and ensure the aircraft has been tested in accordance with SAAA’s Flight Test Guide before approving Phase 2 operations.
– Regulatory Compliance – APs operate under an Instrument of Appointment (IOA) from CASA, which outlines the scope of their authority and conditions they must follow.
– Support for CASA Approvals – APs can assist members in applying for additional CASA approvals, such as permission to fly over populous areas or under IFR/NVFR conditions.
– Collaboration with Builders & TCs – While Technical Counsellors guide builders throughout the project, APs step in at the final stage to formally assess and certify the aircraft.
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What Makes an AP Different?
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Who Can Be an AP?
– APs are experienced aviation professionals—often builders or maintainers themselves—who undergo training and are formally appointed by CASA.
– They must maintain currency and adhere to CASA’s delegation principles.