55. [ Suspension or cancellation of [certificate of airworthiness or special certificate of airworthiness] [Substituted by G.S.R. 1202, dated 23.7.1976.] and its continued validity.
(1)The [certificate of airworthiness or special certificate of airworthiness] [Substituted by Notification No. G.S.R. 721(E), dated 23.6.2017 (w.e.f. 23.3.1937).] of an aircraft shall be deemed to be suspended when an aircraft--(a)ceases or fails to conform with the requirement of these rules, in respect of operation, maintenance, modification, repair, replacement, overhaul, process or inspection, applicable to that aircraft; or(b)is modified or repaired otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of these rules; or(c)suffers major damage; or(d)develops a major defect which would affect the safety of the aircraft or its occupants in subsequent flights.(2)If, at any time, the Director-General is satisfied that reasonable doubt exists as to the safety of an aircraft or as to the safety of the type to which that aircraft belongs, he may--(a)suspend or cancel the [certificate of airworthiness or special certificate of airworthiness] [Substituted by Notification No. G.S.R. 721(E), dated 23.6.2017 (w.e.f. 23.3.1937).] in respect of the aircraft; or(b)require the aircraft or an aircraft component or an item of equipment of that aircraft to undergo such modification, repair, replacement, overhaul, inspection including flight tests and examination under the supervision of an approved person as the Director-General may specify, as a condition of the [certificate of airworthiness or special certificate of airworthiness] [Substituted by Notification No. G.S.R. 721(E), dated 23.6.2017 (w.e.f. 23.3.1937).] remaining in force.(3)Subject to sub-rule (4), an aircraft shall not be flown during any period for which its [certificate of airworthiness or special certificate of airworthiness] [Substituted by Notification No. G.S.R. 721(E), dated 23.6.2017 (w.e.f. 23.3.1937).] is suspended or deemed to be suspended.](4)[ Where the certificate of airworthiness or the special certificate of airworthiness of an aircraft is suspended or deemed to be suspended, the Director-General may, upon an application by the owner or operator, issue a special flight permit under rule 55A.] [[Substituted '(4) Where the certificate of airworthiness of an aircraft is suspended or deemed to be suspended, the Director-General may, upon an application made by the owner or operator of the aircraft and subject to such requirements as may be specified by him, having regard to the safety of the aircraft and persons thereon,--(a)permit the aircraft to ferry-fly to a place without passengers on board, where the maintenance required to remove the suspension of the certificate of airworthiness can be performed in accordance with the rules;(b)authorise flights for the purpose of experiment or tests;(c)authorise flights where the safety or succor of persons or aircraft is involved;(d)authorise flights for special purposes.' by Notification No. G.S.R. 721(E), dated 23.6.2017 (w.e.f. 23.3.1937).]][* * *] [Omitted '(5) The Director-General may, by general or special order and subject to such conditions as may be specified in that order, exempt any aircraft from the operation of any provision of this rule.' by Notification No. G.S.R. 721(E), dated 23.6.2017 (w.e.f. 23.3.1937).]
