EASA Form 15c: the airworthiness review certificate for Part-ML aircraft
EASA Form 15c is the airworthiness review certificate (ARC) for aircraft maintained under Part-ML: aeroplanes up to 2 730 kg MTOM, rotorcraft up to 1 200 kg MTOM with up to 4 occupants, and other ELA2 aircraft that are not on an airline's air operator certificate. It is issued after a satisfactory airworthiness review and is valid for one year.
- Rules
- Part-ML ML.A.901 to ML.A.904 and Appendix IV
- Issued by
- The competent authority, a CAMO or CAO, a maintenance organisation, or independent certifying staff
- Validity
- 1 year; can be extended up to twice, 1 year each, by a CAMO or CAO
- Used for
- Light aircraft under Part-ML
- Copy to
- The Member State of registry, within 10 days of issue or extension
Which aircraft use EASA Form 15c
Part-ML applies to aircraft other than complex motor-powered aircraft that are not listed in the air operator certificate of a licensed air carrier: aeroplanes of 2 730 kg MTOM or less, rotorcraft of 1 200 kg MTOM or less certified for up to 4 occupants, and other ELA2 aircraft. If such an aircraft is on an air carrier's AOC, Part-M applies and the ARC is a Form 15a or 15b.
Source: ML.1 Scope of Part-ML
Who can issue an EASA Form 15c
- The competent authority. It must do the review itself whenever there is a potential safety threat.
- An appropriately approved CAMO or CAO.
- The approved maintenance organisation performing the 100-h/annual inspection in the aircraft maintenance programme.
- Independent certifying staff performing the 100-h/annual inspection, for aircraft operated under Part-NCO, balloons not operated under Subpart-ADD of Part-BOP, and sailplanes not following Subpart DEC of Part-SAO, when they hold a Part-66 licence (or national qualification) and an authorisation from the competent authority.
Independent certifying staff with a Part-66 licence may issue ARCs for aircraft registered in any Member State. With a national qualification they may only do so for aircraft registered in that Member State, and those ARCs are not mutually recognised when the aircraft moves to another Member State. Their authorisation is valid for 5 years as long as they perform at least one airworthiness review every 12 months.
Source: ML.A.901 Aircraft airworthiness review; ML.A.904 Qualification of airworthiness review staff
Extensions
A CAMO or CAO may extend the ARC at most twice, for one year each time, whoever issued it, if it has managed the aircraft continuously for the previous 12 months, the aircraft was maintained by approved maintenance organisations (including released pilot-owner maintenance), and it has no reason to believe the aircraft is not airworthy. The extension may be done up to 30 days early without changing the review pattern.
The airworthiness review and when the ARC is invalid
- The review covers the aircraft records (hours and cycles, flight manual, maintenance due under the AMP, defects, ADs, modifications and repairs, life-limited components, certification of maintenance, mass and balance, type design, noise certificate) and a physical survey (ML.A.903).
- It may be brought forward by up to 90 days so the physical survey can take place during a maintenance check.
- The ARC is only issued when the review is complete and all findings are closed; review tasks may not be subcontracted.
- The person doing the review may also review the effectiveness of the aircraft maintenance programme (AMP).
- An ARC becomes invalid if it, or the airworthiness certificate, is suspended or revoked, the aircraft leaves the Member State register, or the type certificate is suspended or revoked (ML.A.902).
Source: ML.A.903 Airworthiness review process; ML.A.902 Validity of the airworthiness review certificate
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 15c contains
| Block | Name | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Header | ARC reference | 'Airworthiness review certificate (ARC) for aircraft complying with Part-ML' and the ARC reference. |
| Issuer | Who certifies | Either the competent authority, or the approved organisation (name, address, approval reference), or the certifying staff (full name and Part-66 licence number or national equivalent). The issuer deletes the options that do not apply. |
| Statement | Review or new aircraft | Tick whether an airworthiness review was performed on the aircraft, or the certificate is for a new aircraft. |
| Aircraft | Aircraft identification | Manufacturer, manufacturer's designation, registration and serial number. |
| Validity | Dates and hours | Date of issue, date of expiry and airframe flight hours at the review (not for balloons and airships). |
| Signature | Signed | Signature and authorisation number, if applicable. |
| Extensions | 1st and 2nd extension | Each extension confirms the aircraft meets ML.A.901(c), with new dates, flight hours, signature, company name and approval reference. |
| Reverse side | 100-h/annual inspection CRS | Persons and organisations doing the review together with the 100-h/annual inspection may use the reverse side to issue the certificate of release to service for that inspection. |
Frequently asked questions
Which aircraft need an EASA Form 15c?
Aircraft under Part-ML: aeroplanes up to 2 730 kg MTOM, rotorcraft up to 1 200 kg MTOM certified for up to 4 occupants, and other ELA2 aircraft, unless they are listed on a licensed air carrier's AOC.
Can an independent mechanic issue an EASA Form 15c?
Yes, for aircraft operated under Part-NCO (and certain balloons and sailplanes), during the 100-h/annual inspection, if they hold a Part-66 licence or national qualification and an authorisation from the competent authority.
How long is an EASA Form 15c valid?
One year. A CAMO or CAO can extend it at most twice, for one year each time, if it managed the aircraft for the previous 12 months.
What is the difference between EASA Form 15c and Form 15a/15b?
Form 15c is the Part-ML certificate for light aircraft and can also be issued by maintenance organisations and independent certifying staff. Forms 15a (competent authority) and 15b (CAMO or CAO) are the Part-M certificates.
When does an ARC become invalid?
When it, or the airworthiness certificate, is suspended or revoked, when the aircraft is no longer on a Member State register, or when the type certificate is suspended or revoked.
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.
Ask about EASA Form 15c
Ask Aviation.Bot a question about EASA Form 15c or the rules behind it. Answers link to the exact paragraph in the Easy Access Rules. The rule documents are free to read; the AI assistant starts with a free trial.