Issuance and Validity -A Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA) serves as the primary document attesting that an aircraft conforms to its type design and is in a condition for safe operation.
• Basis of Issuance: A Contracting State shall issue a CoA only when it has satisfactory evidence that the aircraft complies with the design aspects of the appropriate airworthiness requirements.
• International Recognition: To claim recognition by other States under Article 33 of the Convention, the State of Registry must issue or render valid the CoA based on evidence that the aircraft complies with the Standards of Annex 8.
• Validation: As an alternative to issuing a new certificate, a State of Registry may render valid a CoA issued by another Contracting State. This is typically done through a suitable authorization (validation) carried with the original certificate.
To ensure uniformity and ease of recognition, the Annex specifies standardized formats:
• Figure 1 (Traditional Aircraft): The standard CoA format for piloted aircraft includes critical data such as nationality/registration marks, manufacturer, serial number, and category of operation.
• Figure 2 (RPAS): As of 26 November 2026, a specific template (Figure 2) will be applicable for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems. This form will convey the airworthy status of the RPAS as a complete system (Remote Pilot Station + C2 Link + Aircraft) to ensure it conforms to the type design.
The continued validity of a CoA is not automatic; it relies on an ongoing system of maintenance and oversight.
• Renewal Process: A CoA shall be renewed or remain valid subject to the laws of the State of Registry.
• Periodic Inspections: To maintain validity, the State of Registry must require that the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft be determined by:
>>Periodic Inspection: Inspections at appropriate intervals based on time and type of service; or
>>System of Inspection: An approved continuous inspection system that produces an equivalent result.
When an aircraft sustains damage, its airworthiness status is immediately called into question, triggering specific procedural obligations.
Determination of Airworthiness
• State of Registry's Role: It is the responsibility of the State of Registry to judge whether the damage is of a nature that the aircraft is no longer airworthy as defined by the appropriate requirements.
• Foreign State Involvement: If damage occurs in the territory of another Contracting State, that State may prevent the aircraft from flying but must immediately advise the State of Registry of the details.
Temporary Loss and Restoration
• Prohibition of Flight: If the aircraft is deemed no longer airworthy, the State of Registry must prohibit it from resuming flight until it is restored to an airworthy condition.
• Special Flight Permit (Ferry Flight): In exceptional circumstances, the State of Registry may prescribe particular limiting conditions to permit the aircraft to fly a non-commercial flight to an aerodrome where repairs can be made.
• This permission often requires coordination with the State where the aircraft is located to ensure safety during the ferry flight.
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