The only alleviation is as you say for LAA aircraft. In fact from a maintenance point of few the rules got a little tougher with EASA. They are now looking at easing some of the burden on light aviation. An example being the B3 licence for aircraft engineers which will be to a lower standard than the B1 but will be restricted in use.
I think it is worth pointing out that what has happened in this case is not new.
Illegal maintenance by people taking shortcuts to save money has always happened and will continue to happen. There has been a conspiracy of silence over this issue and when people have attempted to break it the CAA have been of no help.
There are particular dangers associated with helicopters due to the large number of lifed items.
Last edited by ericferret; 22nd Oct 2012 at 10:56.