What to Expect During Your Annual Airworthiness Review
The Airworthiness Review Certificate Explained
ARC Validity at a Glance
The Airworthiness Review Certificate is valid for 12 months. It can be extended twice (each extension adding a further 12 months) by an approved organisation, giving a maximum of three years before a full review is mandatory. Extensions still require a satisfactory assessment of the aircraft's condition, so they are not a rubber-stamping exercise.
Who Can Conduct the Review?
Choosing Your Reviewer
For Robinson owners, there is a significant practical advantage in having your airworthiness review conducted at the same facility that performs your routine maintenance. The engineers already know your aircraft, have access to its complete maintenance history, and can identify trends that might not be apparent to someone seeing the aircraft for the first time. At HQ Aviation, this continuity of care is something we take particular pride in.
The Two-Part Review Process
Part One: The Document Review
Part Two: The Physical Inspection
The Two-Part Airworthiness Review
- Document review: maintenance programme compliance, complete records, AD status, component lives, weight and balance, and flight manual currency
- Physical inspection: external condition, controls and rigging, engine and transmission, instruments, emergency equipment, and cabin/structure
- Both parts must be completed satisfactorily before the ARC can be issued
- The review confirms that the aircraft meets its approved type design and is safe to operate
Typical Findings on Robinson Helicopters
Corrosion: The Silent Threat
Corrosion on Robinson helicopters can develop rapidly in the UK climate, particularly during winter months when aircraft may sit idle with moisture trapped in crevices. The battery box area, exhaust surroundings, and any areas where dissimilar metals are in contact are the most vulnerable. A thorough wash and application of corrosion-inhibiting compound after every winter layup is strongly recommended.
How to Prepare Your Aircraft
Pre-Review Preparation Checklist
- Audit your tech log for completeness and ensure all entries are signed and referenced
- Confirm AD compliance status is current against the latest applicable directive lists
- Verify all life-limited components have remaining life beyond the next maintenance event
- Clean the aircraft thoroughly inside and out, including the engine bay area
- Rectify any known minor snags or defects before the review date
- Organise all certificates, documents, and records for easy access
Costs: What to Budget
Cost Summary
Budget approximately GBP 500 to GBP 1,500 for the airworthiness review, plus the CAA ARC issue fee of around GBP 257. Well-maintained aircraft with complete records will be at the lower end of the range. Any rectification work required as a result of the review will be charged separately based on the scope of the work.
Relationship to Other Inspections
Coordinating Your Inspections
If your aircraft is due its 100-hour inspection around the same time as the annual airworthiness review, speak with your maintenance facility about combining the two events. This can reduce overall downtime and costs, as some of the physical inspection work overlaps. Similarly, if the 12-year overhaul is approaching, factor this into your planning well in advance, as the overhaul typically requires several weeks and can affect the timing of your ARC renewal.
