EASA Form 15a: the airworthiness review certificate issued by the authority
EASA Form 15a is the airworthiness review certificate (ARC) under Part-M that is issued by the competent authority. It certifies that the aircraft was airworthy at the time of its airworthiness review and is valid for one year. When an approved CAMO or CAO issues the ARC itself, it uses EASA Form 15b; light aircraft under Part-ML get EASA Form 15c.
- Rules
- Part-M M.A.901 and Appendix III
- Issued by
- The competent authority of the Member State
- Validity
- 1 year; can be extended up to twice, 1 year each
- Used for
- Aircraft under Part-M, including all aircraft of licensed air carriers and aircraft above 2 730 kg MTOM
- Copy to
- The Member State of registry, within 10 days of issue or extension
When the authority issues the ARC (Form 15a)
- On a recommendation from a CAMO or CAO, for air carrier aircraft and aircraft above 2 730 kg MTOM that are not in a controlled environment, or whose managing organisation does not hold the airworthiness review privilege (M.A.901(d)).
- Whenever circumstances reveal a potential risk to aviation safety (M.A.901(g)).
- When the aircraft is managed by a CAMO or CAO with its principal place of business in a third country, or, for aircraft of 2 730 kg MTOM and below, when the owner asks (M.A.901(h)).
Extensions and the controlled environment
An aircraft is in a controlled environment when, for the preceding 12 months, its airworthiness was continuously managed by one CAMO or CAO and it was maintained by approved maintenance organisations. The organisation managing such an aircraft may extend an ARC at most twice, for one year each time, including an ARC the competent authority issued (M.A.901(f)). The extension lines on Form 15a state that the aircraft remained in a controlled environment for the last year.
Source: M.A.901 Aircraft airworthiness review; Part-M Appendix III: EASA Form 15a
What the airworthiness review checks
- A full documented review of the records: flight hours and cycles, flight manual status, maintenance due under the AMP, defects, ADs, modifications and repairs, life-limited parts, mass and balance, type design and noise certificate (M.A.901(k)).
- A physical survey of the aircraft: markings and placards, flight manual compliance, configuration, no unaddressed defects and no inconsistencies with the records (M.A.901(l) and (m)).
- The review may be brought forward by up to 90 days without changing the review pattern (M.A.901(n)).
- The ARC is not issued until all findings are closed, and not issued or extended if there is evidence the aircraft is not airworthy (M.A.901(s) and (j)).
- Airworthiness review tasks may not be subcontracted (M.A.901(q)).
EASA Form 15a, 15b and 15c compared
| EASA Form 15a | EASA Form 15b | EASA Form 15c | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rules | Part-M (M.A.901) | Part-M (M.A.901) | Part-ML (ML.A.901) |
| Who signs it | The competent authority | An approved CAMO or CAO | The competent authority, a CAMO or CAO, a maintenance organisation during the 100-h/annual inspection, or independent certifying staff |
| Typical aircraft | Part-M aircraft when the competent authority issues the ARC, for example on a CAMO or CAO recommendation, or at the owner's request for aircraft of 2 730 kg MTOM and below | Part-M aircraft reviewed by a CAMO or CAO that holds the airworthiness review privilege | Light aircraft under Part-ML: aeroplanes up to 2 730 kg MTOM, small rotorcraft and other ELA2 aircraft not on an airline's AOC |
| Validity | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Extensions | Up to twice, 1 year each, while the aircraft stays in a controlled environment | Up to twice, 1 year each, while the aircraft stays in a controlled environment | Up to twice, 1 year each, by a CAMO or CAO that managed the aircraft for the previous 12 months |
Source: M.A.901 Aircraft airworthiness review; ML.A.901 Aircraft airworthiness review; ML.1 Scope of Part-ML
What EASA Form 15a contains
| Block | Name | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Member State and ARC reference | The Member State, 'A Member of the European Union', and the ARC reference. |
| Statement | Certification | The competent authority certifies that the aircraft is considered airworthy at the time of the review. |
| Aircraft | Aircraft identification | Manufacturer, manufacturer's designation, registration and serial number. |
| Validity | Date of issue and expiry | Date of issue, date of expiry and airframe flight hours at issue (not for airships). |
| Signature | Signed and authorisation number | Signature and authorisation number of the issuer. |
| Extensions | 1st and 2nd extension | Each extension confirms the aircraft remained in a controlled environment under M.A.901 for the last year, with new dates, flight hours, signature, company name and approval reference. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EASA Form 15a and 15b?
Both are Part-M airworthiness review certificates. Form 15a is issued by the competent authority; Form 15b is issued by an approved CAMO or CAO that performed the airworthiness review itself.
How long is an EASA Form 15a valid?
One year. It can be extended at most twice, for one year each time, while the aircraft stays in a controlled environment.
Who can extend an ARC issued by the authority?
The CAMO or CAO managing the aircraft, if the aircraft is in a controlled environment and there is no evidence that it is not airworthy (M.A.901(f) and (j)).
Can the airworthiness review be done early?
Yes, up to 90 days early without losing the review pattern, so the physical survey can take place during a maintenance check.
Where does a copy of the ARC go?
To the Member State of registry of the aircraft, within 10 days of issue or extension.
Official text
This page follows the Easy Access Rules for Continuing Airworthiness, September 2025. The regulation text is the reference; this page is a reading aid, not legal advice.
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