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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

**(Bar indicates paragraphs updated in this edition)**

**Section 1. INTRODUCTION** 1

**Section 2. DEFINITIONS**

2-1 AIRWORTHINESS 1

2-2 FAR 1 DEFINITIONS 2

**Section 3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZATIONS**

3-1 PART 91: General Operating and Flight Rules 2

3-2 PART 39: Airworthiness Directives 2

3-3 PART 43: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance,

Rebuilding, and Alterations 2

3-4 PART 65: Certification of Airman Other Than

Flight Crew Members 3

3-5 PART 145: Repair Stations 4

**Section 4. MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS**

4-1 RECURRENT INSPECTIONS 5

4-2 PERFORMANCE RULES 5

**Section 5. MAINTENANCE RECORDS**

5-1 RESPONSIBILITY 6

5-2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 6

5-3 RECORD ENTRIES 7

5-4 SAMPLE ENTRIES 7

**Section 6. RETURN TO SERVICE**

6-1 APPROVAL FOR RETURN TO SERVICE 9

6-2 RETURN TO SERVICE 9

**Section 7. OPERATION AFTER MAINTENANCE**

7-1 OPERATING LIMITATIONS 10

7-2 OPERATION 10

7-3 TEST FLIGHTS 10

**Section 8. ADVISORY CIRCULARS** 11

**Section 9. MALFUNCTION OR DEFECT REPORTS** 14

**APPENDIX A. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AUTHORIZED**

**TO BE PERFORMED BY PILOTS** 16

**A Word to Air Carriers** 18

**RECORD OF CHANGES**

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**Effective Date**: [3/29/94]{.underline} **Revision**: 1

**GENERAL AVIATION**

**AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES**

1\. INTRODUCTION

In the interests of safety, every airman and aircraft owner should know
the regulations pertaining to his or her individual responsibilities. In
addition, every airman/owner must be aware of certain \"overlaps\" and
inter-relationships between regulations that require the cooperative
efforts of operations and maintenance personnel to discharge properly
the shared responsibility of maintaining aircraft airworthiness.

This is a collective review of Federal Aviation Regulations relating to
the individual and cooperative responsibilities of aircraft owners,
operators, pilots, mechanics, inspectors, and repair stations for
maintaining the airworthiness of general aviation aircraft.

We hope that this effort to collate applicable sections from FARs 1, 21,
43, 65, 91, and 145 will:

Establish a better rapport between owners, operators, maintenance airmen
and air agencies;

Help to prevent violations of the FAR\'s pertaining to aircraft
maintenance; and

Prevent aircraft accidents in which lack of maintenance or improper
maintenance is a factor.

2\. DEFINITIONS

2-1 AIRWORTHINESS

Definition: Section 603(c) of the FAA Act of 1958 and FAR 21.183 (a),
(b), (d), and (e), both set two conditions necessary for issuance of an
airworthiness certificate: the aircraft must conform to the type design
(certificate); and it is in a condition for safe operation. The above
conditions also appear on the front of the standard airworthiness
certificate, FAA Form 8100-2.

**Discussion:** Regarding condition , conformity to type design is
considered attained when the required and proper components are
installed and they are consistent with the drawings, specifications and
other data that are a part of the type certificates and approved
alterations. (Cf. FAR 21.31)

Condition refers to the condition of the aircraft with relation to wear
and deterioration - conditions such as skin corrosion, window
delamination or crazing, fluid leaks, tire wear, etc.

**Conclusion:** An aircraft can be considered airworthy when the
Administrator finds it conforms to the specifications of its type
certificate, and it is in a condition for safe operation. If one or both
of these conditions are not met, the aircraft would not be considered
airworthy.

2-2 FAR 1 DEFINITIONS

**\"Person\"** means an individual, company, corporation, etc.

**\"Operate\"** means to use, cause to use or authorize for the purpose
of air navigation, including piloting.

**\"Maintenance\"** includes inspection, repair etc.. **[Does
not]{.underline}** include preventive maintenance.

**\"Preventive Maintenance\"** is simple or minor preservation
operations or replacement of small standard parts not involving complex
assembly operations.

3\. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZATIONS

**3-1 PART 91: General Operating and Flight Rules**

91.1 \"Applicability\" - governs operation of aircraft in the United
States.

91.7(a) Aircraft must be airworthy to be operated.

91.7(b) Flight to be discontinued if unairworthy condition occurs.

91.213 No person may operate an aircraft with inoperable equipment,
*unless in accordance with an approved minimum equipment list or **­**
the exception in 91.213(d).*

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91.401 U.S. registered aircraft must be maintained in accordance with
subpart E, no matter where they are operated.

91.403 Owner or operator is primarily responsible for maintaining
aircraft airworthiness, including compliance with Airworthiness
Directives, (AD\'s).

91.405 Owner or operator shall:

Have the aircraft inspected;

Have defects repaired between inspections;

Ensure maintenance personnel make appropriate maintenance record
entries;

Ensure required \"inoperative\" placards are installed.

**3-2 PART 39: Airworthiness Directives**

39.3 Operate in accordance with Airworthiness Directives

**3-3 PART 43: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding and
Alterations**

43.1 Applicable to all aircraft having a U. S. certificate of
Airworthiness, except experimental aircraft that have never been issued
any other kind of certificate.

43.3 Lists persons authorized, and work they are authorized to perform:

43.3(b) Certificated mechanics may perform as prescribed in FAR 65.

43.3(c) Certificated repairmen may perform as prescribed in FAR 65.

43.3(d) *Persons working under the supervision of certificated
mechanic*.

Supervisor personally observes to the extent necessary, to ensure that
work is done properly.

Supervisor is readily available in person for consultation.

However, this *does not* authorize the performance of any inspection
required by FAR 91 or FAR 125 of the chapter or any inspection performed
after a major repair or alteration.

43.3(e) Repair Stations may perform as provided in FAR 145.

43.3(f) The holder of an Air Carrier Operating Certificate may perform
maintenance, and alterations as provided in FAR 121, 127, or 135.

43.3(g) *[Pilot]{.underline}* may perform certain preventive maintenance
items on aircraft owned or operated by him/her, not used in air taxi
service.

***\[See Appendix A for a complete listing of these items.\]***

**3-4 PART 65: Certification of Airmen Other Than Flight Crew Members**

65.81(a) *[Mechanic: privileges and limitations]{.underline}* Mechanics
**may** perform or supervise maintenance, preventive maintenance or
alterations.

Mechanics **may not** perform major repair or major alteration of
propellers and any repair or alteration to instruments.

Mechanic must have satisfactorily performed or shown his ability to
perform before supervising or approving for return to service.

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65.81(b) Mechanics must understand current instructions on how to do a
specific job before it is attempted.

65.83 Recent experience required. At least six months in the preceding
24 months or otherwise qualified by FAA.

65.85 Airframe rating: additional privileges, 100 hour inspection.

65.87 Powerplant rating: additional privileges, 100 hour inspection.

65.89 Certificate is to be kept where the mechanic normally works.

65.95(a) *[Inspection Authorization : privileges and
limitations]{.underline}* He/she may:

Inspect and approve for return to service after major maintenance.

**Perform an Annual Inspection**

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65.95(b) When exercising the privileges of an Inspection Authorization,
the authorization must be available for inspection by the aircraft
owner, mechanic, FAA inspector, representative of the NTSB, Federal,
State, or local law enforcement officer.

65.103(a) *[Repairman Certificate: privileges and
limitations]{.underline}.*

May perform or supervise the specific job for which he is employed and
certificated in a repair station.

65.104 *[Repairman Certificate: experimental aircraft
builder]{.underline}*.

May perform maintenance and condition inspection on an aircraft he/she
has built.

**3-5 PART 145: Repair Stations**

145.51 *[Privileges and Limitations]{.underline}*

\(a\) Maintain or alter items for which rated.

\(b\) Approve for return to service after maintaining and altering

\(c\) Airframe rated station may perform 100 hour, annual and
progressive inspections and return aircraft to service.

\(d\) Maintain or alter articles for which rated at other places under
certain conditions.

**May not** approve for return to service any major repair or alteration
unless work is done in accordance with technical data approved by the
FAA.

145.53 A Repair Station **may not** maintain or alter any article for
which it is not rated, and **may not** maintain or alter any article for
which it is rated if it requires special technical data, equipment, or
facilities that are not available to it.

145.55 Must provide personnel, facilities and equipment.

145.57(a) Perform its operations in accordance to the standards of the
FAA.

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4\. MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

4-1 RECURRENT INSPECTIONS

[Annual Inspection]{.underline}

91.409(a)(1) Annual inspection within the preceding 12 calendar months

100-hour inspection *may not* be substituted for an annual unless
performed by an authorized person *and* is recorded as an annual.

[100-Hour Inspection]{.underline}

91.409(b) Required to carry persons for hire or to give instruction for
hire.

If enroute, up to 10 hours excess time allowed. Any excess time must be
included in the next 100-hour cycle.

*Note: Annual or 100-hour inspection requirement is not applicable if
owner or operator complies with progressive or continuous inspection
under 91.409(d) or (e), or if aircraft is inspected under FAR 125 or
135.*

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**[Inspection/Replacement On Time]{.underline}**

91.403(c) \"Airworthiness Limitations\" must be complied with (i.e.,
inspection intervals, parts replacement times).

4-2 PERFORMANCE RULES

43.13(a) Use methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by the
manufacturer and acceptable to the FAA.

Use tools, equipment, and test apparatus to assure that work is done
according to acceptable industry practices.

Use special test equipment recommended by manufacture or the equivalent
acceptable to the FAA.

43.13(b) The work done and materials used must be of such quality that
the condition of the aircraft is equal to its original or properly
altered condition.

![](media/image7.emf)

43.15(a) Inspection done so as to determine whether aircraft meets all
applicable airworthiness requirements, *including A.D. compliance.*

43.15(b) Rotorcraft, shall inspect:

drive shaft

main rotor transmission gear box

main rotor and center section

auxiliary rotor (helicopters)

in accordance with manufacturer\'s manual.

43.15(c) For annual and 100-hour inspections, use an inspection
checklist that covers scope and detail of FAR 43, Appendix D.

Persons approving for return to service shall perform a \"runup\" to
determine satisfactory performance.

5\. MAINTENANCE RECORDS

5-1 RESPONSIBILITY

91.405(b) The *owner* or *operator* bears primary responsibility for
maintaining the aircraft records, and for seeing that maintenance
personnel make the proper entries.

5-2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

43.9 Record entries must be made by the person performing the work.

![](media/image8.emf)91.417(a),(b) Registered owner or operator shall
keep the records described in until the work is repeated, superseded, or
for one year:

*Records of:*

maintenance

alterations

inspections

*for each:*

> aircraft
>
> engine
>
> propeller
>
> rotor
>
> and appliance
>
> *to include:*
>
> description of the work
>
> date of the work
>
> Signature and certificate number of person approving the work for
> return to service

The following records must be retained and transferred with the aircraft
when sold:

Airframe total time in service

Current status of life limited parts

Time since overhaul on items required to be overhauled

Current inspection status including times since last inspection

Current status of Airworthiness Directives including method of
compliance and if repetitive the next due date and or time

Copies of FAA form 337, \"Major Repair and Alteration\" on each major
repair or alteration

91.417(c) The owner or operator must make the maintenance records
available for inspection by the FAA, National Transportation Safety
Board, or any law enforcement officer on request.

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91.419 *Transfer of Maintenance Records*

The records under above must be transferred to the new owner, and those
under must be transferred also, unless arrangements are made with seller
to make them available to the FAA or NTSB on request.

5-3 RECORD ENTRIES

43.9(a) The person who does the work shall make an entry in the
maintenance records containing:

A description of the work performed

Date of completion of the work

The name of the person performing the work

If approved for return to service, the signature and certificate number
of person who approved it

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***[In addition]{.underline}, major repair and major alterations are to
be entered on FAA form 337 (FAR 43, appendix B).***

145.59(a) Repair station shall have qualified inspector inspect the work
before approving it for return to service; and certify on the proper
record that it is airworthy with respect to the work performed.

145.61 Repair Station shall maintain adequate records of work it does,
naming the person that does the work *and* the inspector of the work.

43.11 Specifies the content and form of record entry for inspections
conducted under FAR 91.409, 125.243(a)(4), 135.411, and 135.419.

***[The person approving or disapproving for return to service makes an
entry in the maintenance record, including:]{.underline}***

Type of inspection (e.g. Annual, Progressive, owner\'s approved,
manufacturer\'s recommended)

The date and aircraft time in service

The signature, kind of certificate, and number of certificate held by
the person approving or disapproving the work

Statement certifying airworthiness, if approved

Statement certifying unairworthiness if not approved. (If not approved,
owner must be given a list of discrepancies.)

5-4 SAMPLE ENTRIES

**Airworthiness Directive Logbook Entry: *One-Time Compliance***

February 9, 1992. Total time 435 hours. Complied with AD 92-01-03 by
installing new rubber float and new bowl cover screws. Inspected solder
on float valve bracket and found okay. Stamped 64 on nameplate.

John D. Nunenber IA 130968470

Figure 1

**Airworthiness Directive Logbook Entry: *Recurring Inspection***

January 10, 1992. Total time 350 hours. Complied with AD 86-08-11R
paragraphs a(1) and a(2) by tapping and magnifying glass. No cracks
found. Void on top of blade number 2. B2.248.53A. S/N 123. Is 2\" long
and extends from 25\" to 27\" outboard of blade butt rib. Next
inspection due at 377 hours

*Jose O. Donald* IA 3647901

Figure 2

**Airworthiness Directive Record Entry: *One-Time Compliance***

![](media/image11.emf){width="6.688194444444444in"
height="2.2840277777777778in"}

Figure 3

**Airworthiness Directive Record Entry: *Recurring Inspection***

![](media/image12.emf){width="6.684722222222222in"
height="2.2840277777777778in"}

Figure 4

**Annual Inspection Logbook Entry: *Aircraft Found \"Airworthy\"***

January 20, 1991. Total aircraft time 853.00 Hours. Tach reading 420.80.
Replaced right main wheel bearing, p/n 19844 upper bushing in r & l
landing gear frames, both brake hoses, p/n 34052 and bled brakes. I
certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with an
annual inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition.

J. V. Scott, IA 124499661

Figure 5

*Note: The date, aircraft total time, and tach or recorder reading are
included. The tach or recorder reading should not be confused with the
total time, and should only be shown in addition to the total time
entry. The mechanic has indicated he holds an inspection authorization
by prefixing his certificate number with letters, \"IA\".*

**Annual Inspection Logbook Entry: *Aircraft Found \"Unairworthy\"***

January 29, 1991. Total aircraft time 853.0 Hours. Tach reading 420.80.
I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with an
annual inspection and a list of discrepancies and unairworthy items
dated (insert date) has been provided for the aircraft owner or lessee.

*Lenard N. Moy*, IA 208394560

Figure 6

*Note: The date, total time, and tach reading are included.*

**Logbook Entry: Pilot Owner/Operator Accomplished Preventive
Maintenance**

January 30, 1992. Total aircraft time 1000.00 Hours. Tach reading
500.00. Changed oil and filter and cleaned spark plugs.

J. T. Cirke, ATP 222000847

Figure 7

*Note: Entries are to be made in **each** appropriate airframe,
powerplant and propeller maintenance record.*

6\. RETURN TO SERVICE

6-1 *APPROVAL* FOR RETURN TO SERVICE

43.7(a) \"*Approved for return to service*\" is a maintenance action and
record entry that can only be made by an appropriately authorized
person:

Administrator or his/her representative

Mechanic or IA, as provided in FAR 65

Repair Station, as provided in FAR 145

Manufacturer, as provided in FAR 43.3(h)

Air Carrier, as provided in FAR 121, 127, or 135

Pilot, after preventive maintenance under provisions of FAR 43.3(g)

6-2 RETURN TO SERVICE

*\"Return to service\"* is any action by any person to put an aircraft
or article into an operational status after it has been maintained or
altered.

The signed record entry of a person accomplishing preventive maintenance
does constitute return to service.

91.407(a) No person may return to service an aircraft or article that
has undergone maintenance unless:

It has been approved for return to service

Maintenance record entries have been made. (Including preventive
maintenance)

The major repair or alteration has been executed. (FAA Form 337)

Any change in operating limitations or performance determined by the
test flight prescribed in 91.407(b) is properly recorded.

7\. OPERATION AFTER MAINTENANCE

7-1 OPERATING LIMITATIONS

91.9(a) Operating limitations shall be complied with during operations.

91.9(b) Operating limitations (aircraft flight manual, placards
listings, weight and balance markings, etc.) Must be current and
available in the aircraft during operation, including:

Powerplant markings and placards.

Airspeed markings and placards.

Aircraft weight and balance information.

7-2 OPERATION

91.407(a) No person may operate any aircraft that has undergone
maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration unless:

It has been *approved for return to service* by a person authorized
under sec. 43.7 of this chapter; and

The maintenance *record entry* required by sec. 43.9 or sec. 43.11, as
applicable, of this chapter has been made.

7-3 TEST FLIGHTS

91.407(b) No person may carry any person (other than crewmembers) in an
aircraft that has been maintained, rebuilt, or altered in a manner that
may have *appreciably changed its flight characteristics* or
*substantially affected its operation in flight* until:

an appropriately rated pilot flies the aircraft and makes an operational
check of the maintenance performed or alteration made; and

logs the flight in the aircraft records.

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8\. ADVISORY CIRCULARS

The FAA issues Advisory Circulars (AC\'s) to inform the aviation public
in a systematic way of nonregulatory material of interest. Unless
incorporated into a regulation by reference, the contents of an AC are
not binding on the public. Advisory Circulars are issued in a
numbered-subject system corresponding to the subject areas of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations,
Chapter 1, Federal Aviation Administration). An AC is issued to provide
guidance and information in its designated subject area, or to show a
method acceptable to the Administrator for complying with a related
Federal Aviation Regulation.

The Advisory Circular checklist AC 00-2.7 (or current revision),
contains a list of all available AC\'s, as well as instructions on how
to obtain them. All revision letters and dates shown below are those
contained in AC 00-2.7.

The Advisory Circulars listed below contain guidance for persons
performing or recording inspections, maintenance, preventive
maintenance, repairs, alterations or service to aircraft or aircraft
parts. The revision date current at the time this list was compiled, and
the routing symbol of the FAA organization responsible for publication
of the circular, are shown in parentheses following the circular\'s
title.

**00-2.7 ADVISORY CIRCULAR CHECKLIST**

(10-15-93, AMS-420) Transmits the revised checklist of current FAA
Advisory Circulars as of October 15, 199x.

> **Order from:**
>
> **U.S. Department of Transportation**
>
> **Utilization and Storage Section, M-443.2**
>
> **Washington, D.C. 20590**

**00-34A AIRCRAFT GROUND HANDLING AND SERVICING**

(7-29-74, AFS-340) Contains information and guidance for the servicing
and ground handling of aircraft.

**00-44EE STATUS OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS**

(8/93, AGC-200) This circular sets forth the current publication status
of Federal Aviation Regulations, any changes issued to-date, and
provides a price list.

**00-46C AVIATION SAFETY REPORTING PROGRAM**

(2-4-85, ASF-200) This circular describes the Federal Aviation
Administration\'s Aviation Safety Reporting Program which utilizes the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a third party to
receive and analyze aviation safety reports. This cooperative safety
reporting program invites users to report discrepancies and deficiencies
involving the safety of aviation operations.

**20-5F PLANE SENSE**

(11-12-86, AFS-630) Provides General Aviation information for the
private aircraft owner and outlines requirements of owning and operating
a personal type aircraft

**20-32B CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) CONTAMINATION OF AIRCRAFT DETECTION AND
PREVENTION**

(11-24-72, ACE-110) Provides information on the potential dangers of
carbon monoxide contamination from faulty engine exhaust systems or
carbon heaters of the exhaust gas heat exchange type.

**20-77 USE OF MANUFACTURERS\' MAINTENANCE MANUALS**

(3-22-72, AFS-340) Informs owners and operators about the usefulness of
manufacturer\'s maintenance manuals for servicing, repairing and
maintaining aircraft, engines and propellers.

**20-106 AIRCRAFT INSPECTION FOR THE GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT OWNER**

(April 1978, AFS-340) Describes techniques used in aircraft inspections
designed to familiarize owners, pilots, students, mechanics and others
with inspection procedures. It *does not* qualify an individual to make
airworthiness determinations. (\$5.00, Supt docs.) NSN 050-007-00449-4).

**20-109A SERVICE DIFFICULTY PROGRAM, (GENERAL AVIATION)**

(4-8-93, AFS-634) Describes the service difficulty program as it applies
to general aviation activities and provides instructions for completion
of the Malfunction or Defect Report (M or D), FAA Form 8010-4.

**21-9A MANUFACTURERS REPORTING FAILURES, MALFUNCTIONS OR DEFECTS**

(5-26-82, AIR-200) Provides information to assist manufacturers of
aeronautical products (aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers,
appliances, and parts), in notifying the Federal Aviation Administration
of certain failures, malfunctions, or defects, resulting from design or
quality control problems in the products which they manufacture.

**23.607-1 SELF-LOCKING NUTS ON BOLTS SUBJECT TO ROTATION**

(8-24-84, ACE-111) Provides information and guidance concerning
compliance with FAR 23 for self-locking nuts used on bolts subject to
rotation in operation.

**39-7B AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FOR GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT**

(4-8-87, AFS-340) Provides guidance and information to owners and
operators of general aviation aircraft concerning their responsibility
for complying with Airworthiness Directives (AD\'s), and for recording
AD compliance in the appropriate maintenance records.

**43-4A CORROSION CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT**

(7-25-91, AFS-340) Summarizes current available data regarding
identification and treatment of corrosion attack on aircraft structure
and engine materials.

**43-9B MAINTENANCE RECORDS**

(1-9-84, AFS-310) Discusses maintenance record requirements under FAR\'s
43.9, 43.11, and 91.173, and the related responsibilities of owners,
operators, and persons performing maintenance, preventive maintenance,
and alterations.

**43-10A MECHANICAL WORK PERFORMED ON U.S. AND CANADIAN REGISTERED
AIRCRAFT**

(2-25-83, AFS-310) Provides updated information and guidance to aircraft
owners operators, and maintenance personnel concerning mechanical work
performed on U.S. registered aircraft by Canadian maintenance personnel,
and on Canadian registered aircraft by U.S. maintenance personnel.

**43-12A PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE**

(10-28-83, AFS-340) Provides information concerning preventive
maintenance: who may perform it, the standards of performance, the
authority for approving aircraft for return to service, and the
applicable recording requirements. It also clarifies those areas most
frequently misunderstood, and explains the recent change in the rules
concerning preventive maintenance.

**43-16 GENERAL AVIATION AIRWORTHINESS ALERTS**

(monthly, AFS-632) Issued monthly, the *General Aviation Airworthiness
Alerts* are prepared from information submitted by persons who operate
and maintain civil aeronautical products. The alerts provide a uniform
means through which service experience may be interchanged, thereby
improving the service reliability of aeronautical products. The alerts
are sent automatically by FAA to: mechanics with an inspection
authorization; repair stations; air taxi operators; aviation maintenance
technician schools; designated parachute rigger examiners; designated
manufacturing inspection representatives; and designated engineering
representatives.

Back issues of the alerts are not in stock, but may be requested for the
previous one-year period at a charge of \$1.00 each from:

> U.S. Department of Transportation
>
> Federal Aviation Administration
>
> Flight Standards National Field Office, AVN 110
>
> P.O. Box 26450
>
> Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125

Make check or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States.

**43-17 METHODS, TECHNIQUES, AND PRACTICES ACCEPTABLE TO THE
ADMINISTRATOR GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, REMOVAL OR CHANGES OF
IDENTIFICATION DATA AND IDENTIFICATION PLATES**

(9-5-79, AFS-340) Provides information and guidance concerning the
installation, removal or change of identification data and
identification plates on aircraft, aircraft engines, propeller blades
and hubs.

**43.9-1E INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION OF FAA FORM 337 (OMB 2120-0020),
MAJOR REPAIR AND ALTERATION. (AIRFRAME, POWERPLANT, PROPELLER, OR
APPLIANCE**

(5-21-87, AFS-340) Provides instructions for completion of FAA Form 337,
record of major repairs or alterations (indicating detail and approval)
and provides FAA with copy of the form for inclusion in the aircraft
records.

**43.13-1A ACCEPTABLE METHODS, TECHNIQUES, AND PRACTICES, AIRCRAFT
INSPECTION AND REPAIR**

(4-17-72, AFS-600) Contains methods, techniques, and practices
acceptable to the Administrator for inspection and repair to civil
aircraft. (Consolidated 1973 reprint incorporates changes 1, 2, and 3.)
Available from Superintendent of Documents, *cost \$18.00*. (NSN
050-007.00806-6)

**43.13-2A ACCEPTABLE METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES AIRCRAFT
ALTERATIONS**

(6-9-77, AFS-340) Contains methods, techniques, and practices acceptable
to the Administrator for use in altering civil aircraft. Available from
Superintendent of Documents, *cost \$5.50*. (NSN 050-007000625) Includes
change 1.

9\. MALFUNCTION OR DEFECT REPORTS

Your help is needed to reduce the growing loss of valuable malfunction
or defect information in the Service Difficulty Report and the General
Aviation Airworthiness Alerts Program. About 15 percent of the reports
received each day contain insufficient detail to associate the product
with a specific aircraft, powerplant, or propeller. As a result, there
is no way to bring the problem to the attention of the manufacturer who
has prime interest in the reliable operation of that component,
accessory, or appliance.

Just about every certificated aircraft currently in operation contains a
large number of aeronautical products in the component, accessory, and
appliance categories. Further, a high percentage are not individually
approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Their acceptance is, in
most cases, based on having been installed on the aircraft or powerplant
at the time of type certification or subsequent Supplemental Type
Certification. Under this arrangement, compliance with applicable
regulations is a responsibility of the type certificate holder. For this
reason, it is very important that the Malfunction or Defect Report
contains the identity of the aircraft or powerplant on which the
aeronautical product is installed. The following is an example of an \"M
or D Report\" which provides sufficient information to obtain prompt
action from a manufacturer or vendor.

![](media/image14.emf){width="6.636111111111111in"
height="2.9541666666666666in"}

Figure 8

*Note: Advisory Circular **AC 20-109** Contains an explanation of this
program.*

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APPENDIX A. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

AUTHORIZED TO BE PERFORMED BY PILOTS

(in accordance with FAR 43, Appendix A(c))

***Provided [no disassembly of any primary structure or operating
system]{.underline} is involved, a pilot may:***

Remove, install, and repair landing gear **tires**.

Replace elastic **shock absorber cords** on landing gear.

Service landing gear **shock struts** by adding oil, air, or both.

Service landing gear **wheel bearings**, such as cleaning and greasing.

Replace defective **safety wiring** or **cotter keys**.

**Lubricate** when disassembly, other than removal of nonstructural
items such as cover plates, cowlings, and fairings, is not required.

Make simple **fabric patches** not requiring rib stitching or the
removal of structural parts or control surfaces. In the case of
balloons, the pilot may make small fabric repairs to envelopes (as
defined in, and in accordance with, the balloon manufacturer\'s
instructions) not requiring load tape repair or replacement.

Replenish **hydraulic fluid** in the hydraulic reservoir.

Refinish **decorative coating** of fuselage, balloon baskets, wings tail
group surfaces (excluding balanced control surfaces), fairings,
cowlings, landing gear, cabin, or cockpit interior when removal or
disassembly of any primary structure or operating system is not
required.

**Apply preservative** or protective material to components where such
coating is not prohibited or is not contrary to good practices.

Repair **upholstery and decorative furnishings** of the cabin, cockpit
or balloon basket interior when the repair does not interfere with an
operating system or affect the primary structure of the aircraft.

Make small **simple repairs** to fairings, nonstructural cover plates,
cowlings, and small patches and reinforcements not changing the contour
so as to interfere with proper air flow.

Replace **side windows** where that work does not interfere with the
structure or any operating system such as controls, electrical
equipment, etc.

Replace **safety belts**.

Replace **seats or seat parts** with replacement parts approved for the
aircraft.

Trouble shoot and repair broken circuits in **landing light wiring
circuits**.

Replace **bulbs**, **reflectors**, and **lenses** of position and
landing lights.

Replace **wheel**s and **skis** where no weight and balance computation
is involved.

Replace any **cowling** not requiring removal of the propeller or
disconnection of flight controls.

Replace or clean **spark plugs** and set spark plug gap clearance.

Replace any **hose connection** except hydraulic connections.

Replace prefabricated **fuel lines**.

Clean or replace fuel and oil **strainers** or **filter** elements.

Replace and service **batteries**.

Clean **balloon burner** pilot and main nozzles in accordance with the
balloon manufacturer\'s instructions.

Replace or adjust nonstructural standard **fasteners** incidental to
operations.

Interchange **balloon baskets** and **burners** on envelopes when the
basket or burner is designated as interchangeable in the balloon type
certificate data, and the baskets and burners are specifically designed
for quick removal and installation.

Install **anti-misfueling devices** to reduce the diameter of fuel tank
filler openings, provided the specific device has been made a part of
the aircraft type certificate data by the aircraft manufacturer, the
aircraft manufacturer has provided FAA approved instructions for
installation of the specific device, and installation does not involve
the disassembly of the existing tank filler opening.

Remove, check, and replace **magnetic chip detectors**.

Accomplish inspection and maintenance tasks prescribed and specifically
identified as preventive maintenance in a **primary category aircraft**
type certificate or supplemental type certificate holder\'s approved
special inspection and preventive maintenance program when accomplished
on a primary category aircraft provided:

> They are performed by the holder of at least a private pilot
> certificate issued under part 61 who is the registered owner
> (including co-owners) of the affected aircraft and who holds a
> certificate of competency for the affected aircraft:
>
> Issued by a school approved under Sec. 147.21(f) of this chapter;
>
> Issued by the holder of the production certificate for that primary
> category aircraft that has a special training program approved under
> Sec. 21.24 of this subchapter; or
>
> Issued by another entity that has a course approved by the
> Administrator: and
>
> ­ The inspections and maintenance tasks are performed in accordance
> with instructions contained in the special inspection and preventive
> maintenance program approved as part of the aircraft\'s type design or
> supplemental type design.
>
> **When the preventive maintenance has been completed, each item must
> be properly signed off in accordance with FAR 43.9(a)*.***

***\[See Sections 5.3 and 5.4 of this pamphlet, pp.***

***A Word to . . .***

***[AIR]{.underline} [CARRIERS]{.underline}***

**AIR CARRIERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO:**

**\"PERFORM THEIR SERVICES WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF SAFETY\"**

**The Carrier**

*The certificate holder is **primarily** responsible for the
airworthiness of it\'s aircraft.* (FAR 121.363 And FAR 135.413)

**The Pilot**

The **pilot in command shall ensure** that all mechanical irregularities
occurring during flight time are entered in the maintenance log at the
end of that flight. Before each flight, the **pilot in command shall
ascertain** the status of each irregularity entered in the log at the
end of the preceding flight. (FAR 121.563)

**The pilot in command shall enter** or have entered in the aircraft
maintenance log each mechanical irregularity that comes to his attention
during flight. **Before each flight, the pilot in command shall**,
determine the status of each irregularity entered in the maintenance log
at the end of the preceding flight. (FAR 135.65(b))

**Maintenance Personnel**

**Each person** who takes action in the case of a reported or observed
failure or malfunction of an airframe, engine, propeller, or appliance
that is critical to the safety of flight **shall make**, or have made, a
record of the action in the airplane\'s maintenance log. (FAR
121.701(a))

**Each person** who takes corrective action or defers action concerning
a reported or observed failure or malfunction or an airframe,
powerplant, propeller, rotor, or appliance, **shall record** the action
taken in the aircraft maintenance log under the applicable maintenance
requirements. (FAR 135.65(c))

These are some, but certainly not all, of the FAR\'s pertaining to air
carrier responsibility. We would like to point out one key word:
**primary**. FAR Parts 91, 121, and 135 all state that the *owner* or
*operator* has primary responsibility for maintaining aircraft in an
airworthy condition.

We in the FAA stand ready to join with you, to guide, support, and
assist you in every way possible - but the primary responsibility for
aviation safety rests with ***You*** !

If you have any corrections or suggestions, please contact the Alaskan
Flight Standards AAL-230 branch at (907) 271-5514.

For additional copies of this publication, please contact your local
FSDO.