Modifications can be described as any alteration which affects the structure, aerodynamics, or weight and balance of the aircraft.
Some examples are, altering wing incidence or twist, adding material to "strengthen" the airframe, adding ancillary devises which require drilling or fixing to structural elements,
altering or changing the landing gear, adding or removing any aerodynamic device, altering the fuel system or adding fuel tanks. These are but a few
of the possible modifications made to microlights. Some modifications make the aircraft unrecognizable from the original design.
It is also important to note that any repair is also a modification as it takes the aircraft away from its original manufactured state.
Modifications can lead to serious trouble if they are not declared and checked out properly, this makes it vital to ask the owner has he/she modified the aircraft since its
last inspection, get him or her to read the declaration on the inspection form and sign it. If a modification has been preformed then the permit to fly validation becomes invalid,
and a modification approval must be obtained.
Changing the propeller or engine for a different type is also a modification and approval must be obtained but it is also important to note that
changing these items will also render the "Permit to Fly" invalid as it will no longer represent the aircraft. The owner will need to contact CAA to get a new permit issued.
Modification Approval Form Web VersionUse this one if you don't have word or just like the pretty background.
Modification Approval Form Editable "Word" Version Use this one to edit and email to tech@raanz.org.nz.
If at all possible it is preferred that all correspondence is done electronically and an email address and phone number supplied, it makes it much easier to contact the owner if there are queries.