Maintenance Records for Drones Over 2 kg

In plain language

If your drone weighs more than 2 kg, you must record its maintenance schedule, all maintenance performed, and any repairs of faulty equipment in its technical log.

Requirement as structured

For RPAs with a gross weight of more than 2 kg, the certified RPA operator must record the maintenance schedule, maintenance carried out, and results of any defect rectifications in the RPAS technical log.

Original regulatory text

(1) The certified RPA operator must ensure that 1 of the following: (a) the operator’s maintenance controller (if any); (b) a person within the meaning of subparagraph 101.340 (1) (c) (ii) of CASR; keeps a record (the RPAS technical log) of the following information in relation to the maintenance of the RPAS: (c) information identifying the RPAS, including: (i) the type, model and unique identification mark of the RPA; and (ii) the unique identification mark of the RPA in any previous configuration (if applicable); and (iii) the maximum gross weight of the RPA for operations (including with payload where applicable); (d) information relating to the continuing airworthiness of the RPAS, including: (i) the total flight time the RPA has been operated; (ii) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 25 kg — individual in-service times for engines, motors, rotors and propellers; (v) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 2 kg — the maintenance schedule for the RPAS; (vi) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 2 kg — the maintenance carried out on the RPA in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures; (vii) the date or operational time for the next maintenance action; (viii) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 2 kg — the results of any rectification of defective equipment essential to the safety of the RPAS operation; (ix) if fail-safe equipment that is fitted to the RPA is unserviceable: (A) a description of each piece of such equipment; and (B) an explanation for its unserviceability; and (C) the precautions required, or limitations imposed, when operating the RPA with the unserviceable fail-safe equipment; (x) certification by the person mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) or (1) (b) (as the case requires) that all maintenance required for the RPAS to be serviceable for operations has been completed. Note A requirement to record a certification is met by including a copy of the certificate with the record. (2) The certified RPA operator must keep the RPA technical log until the day that is at least 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator. (3) Within the period of 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the certified RPA operator, the operator must, as soon as practicable, provide a copy of the RPA technical log to CASA upon written request. (4) Within the period of 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the certified RPA operator, the operator must, as soon as practicable, provide a copy of the RPA technical log to a person who: (a) makes a written request for the log; and (b) provides reasonable evidence that the person is the new operator of the RPA; and (c) provides payment for preparation and provision of the log, based on a reasonable cost recovery for such preparation and provision. Note The complete technical history of an RPAS is of vital importance to the safety of future RPA operations by the new certified RPA operator.

Applies when

min mtom kg

2