FAR for owner oil change

For the Canadians among us, here are the applicable CARs that control
owner-performed maintenance. Note that the tasks must be listed to
qualify, and that there are tasks that apply only to private aircraft
as well as tasks that apply to both private and commercial. The
commercial tasks are, of course, much more restricted.
CAR 406 is flight training operations, and Part VII is air
transport (airline) ops.
Next, note that any tools such as pressure gauges (even a tire
gauge) and torque wrenches must be calibrated and certified as such.
Not many owners are going to have these things. Another requirement is
the use of manufacturer's service manuals, more expense. Elementary
maintenance isn't as simple as it seems. But when compared to the cost
of having a mechanic do even simple stuff like oil changes or plug
cleaning, the cost of a manual and torque wrench plus calibration
pretty soon gets reasonable. And you get to keep the stuff.

Dan



Standard 625 APPENDIX A - ELEMENTARY WORK
Content last revised: 2004/03/01

The following list is exhaustive; if a task is not listed, it is not
elementary work. Elementary work is a form of maintenance that is not
subject to a maintenance release. Hence, it need not be performed by a
holder of an AME licence, or by persons working under an AMO
certificate. The owner is responsible for controlling authorizations to
persons who may perform elementary work.
(amended 1998/09/01; previous version)

For aircraft operated pursuant to Subpart 406 and Part VII, the
applicable tasks listed below are elementary work, provided they are
individually listed in the operator's maintenance control manual and or
operational manual as applicable, along with a reference to the
training to be undertaken by persons authorized to perform them in
accordance with paragraph 571.10(3)(b) of the CARs.
(amended 2004/03/01; no previous version)

The performance of all tasks designated as elementary work shall be
entered in the technical record for the aeronautical product, as
required by section 571.03 of the CARs and in accordance with Subpart
605, Division IV - Technical Records.
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

Information Note: Under section 605.93 of the CARs, every person who
makes an entry in a technical record shall enter the person's name and,
if the entry is in respect of the performance of maintenance or
elementary work, the signature or employee identifier or, where the
record is kept as electronic data, enter the person's user code or an
equivalent security designation.
(amended 2004/03/01; no previous version)

Elementary Work Task Listings

(1) fabric patches measuring not more than 15 cm (6 in) in any
direction and not requiring rib stitching or the removal of control
surfaces or structural parts, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(2) removal and replacement of tires, wheels, landing skids or skid
shoes, not requiring separation of any hydraulic lines, on small
privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(3) removal and replacement of skis on fixed landing gear, not
requiring separation of any hydraulic lines, on small privately
operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(4) repair of non-structural fairings, cover plates and cowlings, on
small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(5) cleaning and replacement of spark plugs, on small privately
operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(6) checking of cylinder compression, on small privately operated
aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(7) cleaning or changing of fuel, oil, and air filters, on small
privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(8) draining and replenishing engine oil, on small privately operated
aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(9) checking the electrolyte level and specific gravity of lead acid
batteries, on small privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(10) adjustment of generator or alternator drive belt tension, on small
privately operated aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(11) cleaning of balloon burner nozzles;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(12) removal and replacement of balloon baskets, burners and gas tanks
that are designed for rapid change in service;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(13) removal and replacement of glider wings and tail surfaces that are
designed for quick assembly;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(14) repair of upholstery, trim and cabin furnishings;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(15) removal and replacement of role equipment designed for rapid
removal and replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(16) removal and replacement of passenger seat belts and harnesses;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(17) removal and replacement of fuses, light bulbs and reflectors;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(18) removal and replacement of avionics components that are rack
mounted or otherwise designed for rapid removal and replacement, where
the work does not require testing other than an operational check;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(19) removal and replacement of aircraft batteries;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(20) removal and replacement of co-pilot control levers, wheels, pedals
and pedal guard plates that are designed for rapid removal and
replacement, on other than transport category aircraft;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(21) opening and closing of non-structural access panels;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(22) removal and replacement of cabin doors on unpressurized aircraft,
where the door is designed for rapid removal and replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(23) removal, replacement and repositioning of non structural
partitions in the passenger cabin;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(24) inspection and continuity checking of self-sealing chip detectors;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(25) removal and replacement of induction system anti-icing baffles,
scoops and deflectors that are designed for rapid removal and
replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(26) removal, cleaning, replacement and adjustment of external
components of chemical dispersal systems that are designed for rapid
removal and replacement;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(27) deactivating or securing inoperative systems in accordance with
sections 605.09 or 605.10 of the CARs, including the installation of
devices specifically intended for system deactivation, where the work
does not involve disassembly, the installation of parts, or testing
other than operational checks;
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(28) checking and adjusting air pressure in helicopter floats, and
aircraft tires having an operating pressure below 100 psi, except on
aircraft operated under CAR 704 and CAR 705.
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

(29) repetitive visual inspections or operational checks (including
inspections and tests required by airworthiness directives) not
involving disassembly or the use of visual aids, performed out of phase
with the aircraft's scheduled check cycle at intervals of less than
100 hours air time, provided the tasks are also included in the most
frequent scheduled maintenance check.
(amended 2004/03/01; previous version)

CAR 571
Maintenance and Elementary Work Performance Rules

571.02 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person who performs maintenance
or elementary work on an aeronautical product shall use the most recent
methods, techniques, practices, parts, materials, tools, equipment and
test apparatuses that are

(a) specified for the aeronautical product in the most recent
maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness
developed by the manufacturer of that aeronautical product;

(b) equivalent to those specified by the manufacturer of that
aeronautical product in the most recent maintenance manual or
instructions for continued airworthiness; or

(c) in accordance with recognized industry practices at the time the
maintenance or elementary work is performed.

(2) A person who performs maintenance or elementary work pursuant to
subsection (1) shall ensure that any measuring device or test equipment
used

(a) meets the specifications of the manufacturer of the aeronautical
product with respect to accuracy, taking into account the intended use;
and

(b) if calibration requirements are published by the manufacturer of
the measuring device or test equipment, is calibrated by means
traceable to a national standard.