FAA-G-8082-19 

INSPECTION AUTHORIZATION 

INFORMATION GUIDE 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Inspection Authorization 

Information Guide 

2010 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

Flight Standards Service 

PREFACE 

This publication provides guidance for persons who conduct 

annual and progressive inspections and approve major repairs 

and/or major alterations of aircraft holding or eligible to hold a 

U.S. type certificate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

intends this information for mechanics who hold an Inspection 

Authorization (IA). This manual stresses the important role that 

certificated mechanics who hold an inspection authorization have 

in air safety. 

Since inspection requirements and regulations change, the FAA 

recommends that you contact your local Flight Standards District 

Office (FSDO) for help with questions regarding inspection, 

alteration, and repair of aircraft. 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, 

Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers, describes 

the privileges of mechanics holding an inspection authorization. 

14 CFR part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, 

and Alteration, describes maintenance rules and standards of 

performance. 

This publication is available free of charge for download, in PDF 

format on the FAA website at www.faa.gov or may also be 

purchased from http://bookstore.gpo.gov. 

Send comments in email form to: afs630comments@faa.gov. 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Preface .........................................................................................i 

Chapter 1. Renewal and Change of Fixed Base......................1 

Notification of Change of Fixed Base ....................................1 

Expiration of an Inspection Authorization ..............................1 

Renewal of an Inspection Authorization ................................1 

Renewal Application Paperwork .....................................1 

Eligibility ..........................................................................2 

Approved Training Renewal Option................................3 

Oral Test Requirement....................................................3 

Renewal Notes................................................................4 

Chapter 2. Basic Functions of the Inspection Authorization...5 

General ..................................................................................5 

Approving Major Repairs and Major Alterations....................5 

What To Look for During an Inspection ..........................5 

Approved Data ................................................................7 

Components of the Inspection ......................................10 

Annual and Progressive Inspections ...................................11 

Configuration.................................................................11 

Condition .......................................................................12 

Minimum Equipment List...............................................13 

Airworthiness Directives................................................15 

Malfunction or Defect Reports ......................................16 

Paperwork Review ........................................................16 

Aircraft Markings ...........................................................17 

Aircraft With Discrepancies or Unairworthy Conditions 18 

Incomplete Inspection ...................................................19 

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Chapter 3. Maintenance Records ...........................................20 

Required Recordation..........................................................20 

FAA Form 337 .....................................................................20 

Completion ....................................................................21 

Disposition.....................................................................21 

Weight and Balance.............................................................22 

Chapter 4. Suggestions for Developing Good Owner/IA 

Relations ...................................................................................24 

Appendix 1. Sample Forms and Records............................ A-1 

Figure 1. FAA Form 8610-1, Mechanic’s Application for 

Inspection Authorization .................................................... A-1 

Figure 2. FAA Form 8310-5, Inspection Authorization ...... A-2 

Figure 3. FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration...... A-3 

Figure 4. Example of an Airworthy Annual Inspection 

Maintenance Record Entry ................................................ A-5 

Figure 5. Airworthiness Directive Compliance Record 

(suggested format)............................................................. A-6 

Figure 6. FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect 

Report ................................................................................ A-7 

Figure 7. Operating Limitations Placard ............................ A-8 

Figure 8. Record entry for an annual inspection in which 

the aircraft was found unairworthy..................................... A-9 

Figure 9. Discrepancy list to be provided to an aircraft 

owner when reporting an aircraft with unairworthy items 

after completing an annual inspection............................. A-10 

Figure 10. Weight and balance revision for a typical 

light, dingle-engine aircraft .............................................. A-11 

Figure 11. One-time Airworthiness Directive 

compliance entry.............................................................. A-12 

Figure 12. Recurrent Airworthiness Directive 

compliance entry.............................................................. A-12 

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Appendix 2. Publications and Technical Data .................. A-13 

1. Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations................ A-13 

2. Type Certificate Data Sheets and Specifications ........ A-13 

3. Summary of Airworthiness Directives for Small 

Aircraft and Rotorcraft...................................................... A-14 

4. Advisory Circulars........................................................ A-15 

5. Additional Sources of Inspection Data ........................ A-16 

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Chapter 1 

RENEWAL AND CHANGE OF FIXED BASE 

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF FIXED BASE 

When the holder of an inspection authorization (IA) moves the 

base of operation to a different Flight Standards District Office 

(FSDO) or International Field Office (IFO) area, the receiving 

office must be notified in writing before exercising the privileges 

of the authorization. 

EXPIRATION OF AN INSPECTION AUTHORIZATION 

The IA expires every odd-numbered year (2015, 2017, etc.) on 

March 31. An IA holder must continue to meet the yearly 

requirements of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 

part 65, section (§) 65.93 in order to retain the authorization. 

Yearly means April 1 through March 31.

RENEWAL OF INSPECTION AUTHORIZATION 

Renewal Application Paperwork 

Application for renewal requires the following: 

1. Evidence the applicant still meets the requirements of 

14 CFR § 65.91(c)(1) through (4). 

2. Completed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 8610-1, 

Mechanic’s Application for Inspection Authorization, in 

duplicate. (Refer to appendix 1, figure 1.) 

3. Evidence the applicant meets the requirements of 14 CFR 

§ 65.93(a) for both the first and second year in the form of an 

activity sheet or log, training certificates, and/or oral test 

results, as applicable. 

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4. Verification of the applicant’s activities by the jurisdictional 

FSDO or IFO for renewal at an office other than the 

jurisdictional office. 

5. Evidence that an applicant employed by a repair station 

personally inspected, performed, and returned aircraft to 

service (in addition to the signed application). 

Eligibility 

Meeting the requirements of 14 CFR § 65.93(a) does not mean 

that the applicant must meet all 5 of the listed requirements. To 

be eligible for renewal of an IA for a 2-year period, “the applicant 

must show completion of one of the activities” by March 31 of the 

first year and completion of one during the second year. For 

instance, the applicant may show evidence of having “performed 

at least one annual inspection for each 90 days” during the first 

year and meet the same requirement for the second year for a 

total of eight annuals prior to the renewal date to qualify for 

renewal. The same logic applies to major repairs and major 

alterations or training. The number of annual inspections, major 

repairs, and major alterations performed cannot be mixed to 

meet a single year’s requirement simply because 14 CFR 

§ 65.93(a) does not provide for such combinations. However, the 

applicant can meet one requirement of 14 CFR § 65.93(a) for the 

first year and a different requirement for the second year to 

qualify for renewal. 

NOTE: An inspection program required under 14 CFR part 91, 

§ 91.409(e) is not acceptable as IA activity. Partial inspections 

such as phases or events on more than one aircraft are not 

acceptable as activity. A progressive inspection is a complete 

inspection on one identified aircraft that completes a cycle each 

12 calendar months. 

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Approved Training Renewal Option 

Successful completion of an 8-hour refresher course, acceptable 

to the Administrator, in one of the 12-month periods preceding 

the renewal application includes the following requirements: 

1. The refresher course must contain subjects directly related 

to aircraft maintenance, inspection, repairs, and alterations. 

In addition, some nontechnical subjects, such as human 

factors or professionalism as they relate to aviation 

maintenance personnel, may be acceptable. Training must 

not be used to promote a new or existing product. 

2. The instructional requirements of § 65.93(a)(4) may be met 

by accumulating at least 8 hours of maintenance training 

each year. 

3. Each person who intends to use 8 hours of instruction each 

year to meet § 65.93(a)(4) must, at the time of renewal, 

provide proof of attendance for instruction received. 

Acceptable proof of attendance consists of a certificate of 

training or similar document showing the name of the 

course, name of attendee, course identification number, 

expiration date, description of the course content, time in 

hours, the date, location, and course instructor’s name and 

signature. 

All FSDOs and IFOs must accept, without further showing 

maintenance, technical training conducted by a manufacturer 

or its authorized representative on its type-certificated (TC), 

Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), Technical Standard 

Order (TSO), or Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) product, 

component, or accessory that is considered acceptable to 

the Administrator and in compliance with this policy. 

Oral Test Requirement 

If an IA holder does not meet the renewal requirements at the 

end of the first year, the holder must take and pass an oral test 

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administered at their local Flight Standards District Office or 

International Field Office prior to exercising the privileges of their 

certificate in the second year. 

The oral test given by an aviation safety inspector (ASI) is to 

ensure that the applicant’s knowledge of regulations and 

standards are current (requires a passing grade of 70 percent). A 

failure of the oral test will result in nonrenewal of the IA. The ASI 

administering the oral test will provide the IA with evidence of 

passing or failing the test in the form of written documentation. 

The applicant should retain the oral test results. 

Renewal Notes 

1st YEAR NOTE: The holder of an IA issued less than 90 days 

before March 31 of the first year (even year) need not comply 

with § 65.93(a)(1) through (5) for the first year of the 2-year 

authorization period. 

2nd YEAR NOTE: The holder of an IA issued less than 90 days 

before the expiration date March 31 (odd year) does not need to 

comply with § 65.93(a)(1) through (5) for that quarter, but the IA 

holder still needs to apply for a renewal. 

A completed example of the IA authorization card, FAA 

Form 8310-5, is shown in appendix 1, figure 2. 

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Chapter 2 

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE INSPECTION 

AUTHORIZATION 

GENERAL 

The basic functions of the holder of an inspection authorization 

(IA) are set forth in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations 

(14 CFR) part 65, § 65.95. With the exception of aircraft 

maintained in accordance with a Continuous Airworthiness 

Maintenance Program under part 121, an IA may inspect and 

approve for return to service any aircraft or related part or 

appliance after a major repair or major alteration. Also, the 

holder of an IA may perform an annual inspection and he or she 

may supervise or perform a progressive inspection. 

APPROVING MAJOR REPAIRS AND MAJOR ALTERATIONS 

What To Look for During an Inspection 

A primary responsibility of the holder of an IA is to determine 

airworthiness by inspecting repairs or alterations for conformity 

to approved data, and assuring that the aircraft is in a condition 

for safe operation. During inspection of major repairs or major 

alterations, the holder of an IA must also determine that they are 

compatible with previous repairs and alterations that have been 

made to the aircraft. 

The holder of an IA must personally perform the inspection. The 

regulations do not provide for delegation of this responsibility. 

Approving major repairs and major alterations is a serious 

responsibility. The approval action should consist of a detailed 

investigation to establish at least that: 

1. All replacement parts installed conform to approved design 

and/or have traceability to the original equipment 

manufacturer (OEM). 

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2. As installed, the installation conforms to approved data that 

is applicable to the installation. 

3. Workmanship meets the requirements of 14 CFR part 43, 

§ 43.13 (the aircraft or product is equal to its original or 

properly altered condition). 

4. The data used is appropriate to the aircraft certification rule 

(CAR 3, 14 CFR part 23, etc.). 

5. Work is complete and compatible with other structures or 

systems. 

The holder of an IA cannot approve the data for major repairs or 

major alterations. He or she may, however, inspect to see that 

alterations conform to data previously approved by the 

Administrator (14 CFR part 65, § 65.95). This means the holder 

of an IA ensures that approved data is available and is used as 

the basis for the approval. This availability determination should 

be made prior to beginning the repair or alteration. If data is 

unavailable, or if the holder of an IA is unsure of the acceptability 

of the available data, the local Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) 

should be consulted. The ASI may, as the circumstances 

warrant, be able to: 

1. Establish an acceptable basis for approval, 

2. Approve the data, or 

3. Recommend application for a supplemental type certificate. 

Quite often major repairs are performed that are eventually 

covered by fabric, metal skin, or another structure. When this 

situation exists, the holder of an IA should have a clear 

understanding with the mechanic performing the repair that a 

precover inspection is necessary. The inspection should assure 

that the repair was made in accordance with acceptable 

methods, techniques, and practices prescribed by 14 CFR 

part 43 and that the structure to be covered is free from defects, 

corrosion, or wood rot, and is protected from the elements. In 

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addition, the holder of an IA should inspect other affected areas 

for hidden damage if the aircraft has been involved in an 

accident or incident. An entry is required to be made in the 

maintenance record and FAA Form 337, Major Repair and 

Alteration, must be completed. (Refer to appendix 1, figure 3, 

showing typical entries on the front and back of FAA Form 337.) 

Minor deviation from approved data is permissible if the change 

is one that could be approved as a minor alteration when 

considered alone. Be sure to list the deviations on FAA 

Form 337 and make an entry in the maintenance record when 

completing the aircraft records. When in doubt, contact the local 

ASI who may decide the change is not minor and would need 

specific approval or an amendment of the original approval. 

Approved Data 

Substantiating and descriptive technical data sources used to 

make a major repair or alteration that is approved by the 

Administrator include those on the following list: 

1. Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS). 

2. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) data, provided it 

specifically applies to the item being repaired/altered. Such 

data may be used in whole or part as included within the 

design data associated with the STC. 

3. Appliance manufacturer’s manuals or instructions, unless 

specifically not approved by the Administrator, are approved 

for major repairs. 

4. Airworthiness Directives (ADs). 

5. FAA Form 337, which has been used to approve multiple 

identical aircraft (only by the original modifier). 

NOTE: Aviation safety inspectors (ASI) no longer approve 

data for use on multiple aircraft. 

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6. U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Form 337, dated before 

October 1, 1955. 

7. FAA-approved portions of SRMs. 

8. Designated Engineering Representative (DER)-approved 

data, only when approval is authorized under his or her 

specific delegation. 

9. Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)-approved 

data, when the major alteration is performed specific to the 

authorization granted. 

10. Data in the form of an Appliance Type Approval issued by 

the Minister of Transport Canada for those parts or 

appliances for which there is no current Technical Standard 

Order (TSO) available. The installation manual provided with 

the appliance includes the Transport Canada certificate as 

well as the date of issuance and an environmental 

qualification statement. 

11. Foreign bulletins, for use on U.S.-certificated foreign aircraft, 

when approved by the foreign authority. 

12. Data describing an article or appliance used in an alteration 

which is FAA-approved under a TSO. As such, the 

conditions and tests required for TSO approval of an article 

are minimum performance standards. The article may be 

installed only if further evaluation by the operator (applicant) 

documents an acceptable installation which may be 

approved by the Administrator. 

13. Data describing a part or appliance used in an alteration 

which is FAA-approved under a Parts Manufacturer Approval 

(PMA). An STC may be required to obtain a PMA as a means 

of assessing Airworthiness and/or performance of the part. 

NOTE: Installation eligibility for subsequent installation or 

reinstallation of such part or appliance in a type-certificated 

(TC) aircraft, other than the aircraft for which airworthiness 

was originally demonstrated, is acceptable, provided the part 

or appliance meets its performance requirements and is 

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operationally compatible for installation. The operator/applicant 

must provide evidence of previously approved installation by 

TC, STC, or field approval on FAA Form 337 that will serve 

as a basis for follow-on field approval. 

14. Any FAA-approved Service Bulletins (SB) and letters or 

similar documents, including DER approvals. 

15. Foreign bulletins as apply to a U.S.-certificated product 

made by a foreign manufacturer located within a country with 

whom a Bilateral Agreement (BA) is in place and by letter of 

specific authorization issued by the foreign civil air authority. 

The Bilateral Web site is located at: http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/

air_cert/international/bilateral_agreements/baa_basa_listing. 

16. Other data approved by the Administrator. 

17. Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1, current edition, for FAAapproved major repairs on nonpressurized areas of aircraft 

only when the user determines that it is: 

a. Appropriate to the product being repaired; 

b. Directly applicable to the repair being made; and 

c. Not contrary to the airframe, engine, propeller, product, 

or appliance manufacturer’s data. 

18. AC 43.13-2, current edition, for FAA-approved major 

alterations on nonpressurized areas of aircraft 12,500 pounds 

gross weight or less only when the user determines that it is: 

a. Appropriate to the product being repaired; 

b. Directly applicable to the alteration being made; and 

c. Not contrary to the airframe, engine, propeller, product, 

or appliance manufacturer’s data. 

19. Service and repair data provided by small airplane 

manufacturers (although, in most cases, not specifically 

approved) has provided for continued airworthiness of their 

product. Service experience in using this data when performing 

major repairs to nonpressurized small airplanes that were 

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originally type certificated before January 1, 1980, has 

proven to be very reliable if followed with no deviations. 

When the data is used in this manner, the manufacturer’s 

data (with page, paragraph, etc.) must be referenced on FAA 

Form 337 in block 8. 

Components of the Inspection 

Inspecting repairs or alterations consists of these basic 

operations: 

1. Determine that the repair or alteration data has FAA 

approval. 

2. Inspect the configuration of the repair or alteration for 

conformity to the approved data and the performance 

standards of 14 CFR part 43. At the same time, the aircraft 

should still comply with applicable airworthiness requirements, 

and the repair or alteration should be compatible with all 

other installations. 

3. Ensure that all operating limitations affected by an alteration 

are appropriately revised. Sometimes, limitations are in the 

form of flight manual supplements, instrument range 

markings, placards, or combinations of these. See the local 

ASI for limitations on changes which can be made. 

4. Determine that aircraft record entries have been made and 

the weight and balance data and equipment list have been 

revised, when appropriate. There should be a statement on 

the FAA Form 337 to the effect that the weight and balance 

data and equipment list have been revised. When an 

alteration results in a change in the center-of-gravity (CG) 

position, the affected CG limit should be investigated under 

adverse loading conditions unless the new CG falls within an 

approved empty CG range. For instance, if the CG has 

shifted aft, the loading conditions should be computed to see 

that the aircraft does not exceed the aft CG limit. It is the 

pilot’s responsibility to have the aircraft correctly loaded. 

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However, when approving an alteration, it is the IA’s 

responsibility to see that weight and balance data have been 

revised. The aircraft record entries may refer to the FAA 

Form 337 for details, such as: “Installed STOL kit in 

accordance with STC SA 940 CE drawing number 5084 

dated April 24, 1996. See FAA Form 337, this date, for 

details.” 

5. Indicate approval in block 7 of FAA Form 337, and return 

both copies to the person who performed the work, for 

disposition in accordance with 14 CFR part 43, appendix B. 

ANNUAL AND PROGRESSIVE INSPECTIONS 

The procedures and scope for annual inspections are set forth in 

14 CFR part 43, appendix D, and should be followed in detail. 

The scope and detail for a progressive inspection is established 

by the owner or operator in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, 

§ 91.409(d). There are additional requirements for annual and 

progressive inspections listed in 14 CFR part 43, § 43.15. The 

scope and detail of 100-hour and annual inspections are the 

same. Record entries are very important as they are the only 

evidence an aircraft owner has to show compliance with the 

inspection requirements of 14 CFR part 91, § 91.409. (Refer to 

appendix 1, figure 4, of this manual.) 

The following reminders should help determine aircraft 

compliance with all airworthiness requirements. (Refer to 

14 CFR part 43, § 43.15.) 

Configuration 

The aircraft should conform to the aircraft specification or type 

certificate data sheet, any changes by supplemental type 

certificates, and/or its properly altered condition. When the 

aircraft does not conform, use the procedures for “unairworthy” 

items listed in 14 CFR part 43, § 43.11(a)(5). 

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1. Alterations to the product may have changed some of the 

operating limitations. 

2. Unrecorded alterations or repairs may have been made in 

the past and warrant one of the following: 

a. Contacting the owner for pertinent information 

b. Conducting an inspection and personally approving for 

return to service by completing FAA Form 337, if 

approved data is available 

c. Contacting the local ASI for assistance 

3. The aircraft specification or type certificate data sheet 

indicates when a flight manual is required. It also identifies 

limitations which must be displayed in the form of markings 

and placards. 

4. Unlike the specifications, type certificate data sheets do not 

contain a list of equipment approved for a particular aircraft. 

The list of required and optional equipment can be found in 

the equipment list furnished by the manufacturer of the 

aircraft. Sometimes a later issue of the list is needed to 

cover recently approved items. Serial number eligibility 

should always be considered.

Condition 

The holder of an IA may use the checklist in 14 CFR part 43, 

appendix D, the manufacturer’s inspection sheets, or a checklist 

designed by the holder of an IA, that includes the scope and 

detail of the items listed in appendix D, to check the condition of 

the entire aircraft. This includes checks of the various systems 

listed in 14 CFR part 43, § 43.15. 

Routine servicing is not a part of the annual inspection. The 

inspection itself is essentially a visual evaluation of the condition 

of the aircraft and its components and certain operational 

checks. The manufacturer may recommend certain services to 

be performed at various operating intervals. These services can 

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often—in fact, should—be done conveniently during an annual 

inspection, but are not considered to be a part of the inspection 

itself. 

It is very important that the holder of an IA be familiar with the 

manufacturer’s service manuals, bulletins, and letters for the 

product being inspected. Use these publications to avoid 

overlooking problem areas. 

AC 43-16A, Aviation Maintenance Alerts, is also an important 

source of service experience. The articles for the alerts are taken 

from selected service difficulties reported to the FAA on Form 

8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Reports. Monthly copies of the 

alerts are provided on the Internet at www.faa.gov under the 

Aircraft tab, and then under “Aircraft Safety.” Comments may be 

sent by letter, with name and address typed or legibly printed to: 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Aviation Data Systems Branch, AFS-620 

P.O. Box 25082 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

When the holder of an IA approves an aircraft for return to 

service, he or she will be held responsible for the condition of the 

aircraft as of the time of approval. 

Minimum Equipment List 

The minimum equipment list (MEL) is intended to permit 

operations with certain inoperative items of equipment for the 

minimum period of time necessary until repairs can be 

accomplished. It is important that repairs are accomplished at 

the earliest opportunity in order to return the aircraft to its design 

level of safety and reliability. Be mindful of the following points 

with respect to MELs: 

1. When inspecting aircraft operating with an MEL, the holder 

of an IA should review the document where inoperative 

13 
items are recorded (aircraft maintenance record, logbook, 

discrepancy record, etc.) to determine the state of 

airworthiness with regard to those recorded discrepancies. 

Inspections of aircraft with approved MELs will be in 

accordance with 14 CFR under which the MEL was issued. 

2. Those MELs specifying repair intervals through the use of A, 

B. C, D codes require repairs of deferred items at or prior to 

the repair times established by the letter designated 

category. In such instances, some items previously deferred 

may not be eligible for continued deference at the inspection 

or may require additional maintenance. Where repair 

intervals are not specified by codes in the MEL, all MELauthorized inoperative instruments and/or equipment should 

be repaired or inspected and deferred before approval for 

return to service. 

3. Aircraft established on a progressive inspection program 

require that all MEL-authorized inoperative items be repaired 

or inspected and deferred at each inspection whether or not 

the item is encompassed in that particular segment. 

4. When inspecting aircraft operating without an MEL, 14 CFR 

part 91, § 91.213(d), allows certain aircraft not having an 

approved MEL to be flown with inoperative instruments 

and/or equipment. These aircraft may be presented for annual 

or progressive inspection with such items previously deferred 

or may have inoperative instruments and equipment deferred 

during an inspection. In either case, the holder of an IA is 

required by 14 CFR part 43, § 43.13(b) to determine that: 

a. The deferrals are eligible within the guidelines of that rule. 

b. All conditions for deferral are met, including proper 

recordation in accordance with 14 CFR part 43, sections 

(§§) 43.9 and 43.11. 

c. Deferral of any item or combination of items will not 

affect the intended function of any other operable 

instruments and/or equipment, or in any manner constitute 

14 
a hazard to the aircraft. When these requirements are 

met, such an aircraft is considered to be in a properly 

altered condition with regard to those deferred items. 

Airworthiness Directives 

The holder of an IA is required by 14 CFR part 43, § 43.13, to 

determine that all applicable ADs for aircraft, powerplants, 

propellers, instruments, and appliances have been 

accomplished. You must consider the following: 

1. If the maintenance records indicate compliance with an AD, 

the holder of an IA should make a reasonable attempt to 

verify the compliance. It is not uncommon for a component 

to have compliance with an AD accomplished and properly 

recorded then later be replaced by another component on 

which the AD has not been accomplished. The holder of an 

IA is not expected to disassemble major components 

(cylinders, crankcases, etc.) if adequate records of 

compliance exist. 

2. When the maintenance records do not contain indications of 

AD compliance, the holder of an IA should: 

a. Make the AD an item on a discrepancy list provided to 

the owner, in accordance with 14 CFR part 43, § 43.11(b); 

b. With the owner’s concurrence, do whatever disassembly 

is required to determine the status of compliance; or 

c. Obtain concurrence of the owner to comply with the AD. 

3. Often, an AD calls for an inspection, with a modification or 

inspection required at a later date. It is very important to 

identify, in the maintenance record entry, the portion of the 

AD complied with and the exact method of compliance. 

4. 14 CFR part 91, § 91.417(a)(2)(v) requires each registered 

owner or operator to keep a record of the current status of 

applicable ADs. This status includes for each the method of 

compliance, AD number, and revision date. If the AD involves 

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recurring action, the time and date should be recorded when 

the next action is required. As a vital part of the services 

performed, the holder of an IA may wish to provide the 

owner with information he or she is expected to keep. (Refer 

to appendix 1, figure 5.) 

5. The owner should also be informed of any subsequent 

requirements of an AD or whether a reinspection is required 

at operating intervals other than at annual inspections. 

Often, the subsequent requirements are at 100-hour 

intervals and will need to be done whether or not the aircraft 

is required to have 100-hour inspections. Where a 

progressive inspection is involved, the approved program 

should state how and when the AD review will be 

accomplished. However, as a mechanic or IA, you should be 

aware of an AD that is pending or due, and is not in the area 

you are inspecting. It is good customer relations to inform 

the owner or pilot of the situation. 

Malfunction or Defect Reports 

All malfunctions or defects that come to the attention of the 

holder of an IA should be reported on FAA Form 8010-4. (Refer 

to appendix 1, figure 6.) Copies of the self-addressed form are 

available at all Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs). It is 

easy to complete and requires no postage. The form can also be 

completed on line at www.faa.gov under the Aircraft tab, and 

then under Report Safety Issues. Prompt reporting will contribute 

much toward improving air safety by helping correct unsafe 

conditions. 

Paperwork Review 

The owner or operator is responsible for maintaining the 

equipment list, CG and weight distribution computations, and 

loading schedules, if necessary. The following items must be 

considered: 

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1. The holder of an IA as required by 14 CFR part 43, § 43.13, 

determines that the required placards and documents set 

forth in the aircraft specification or type certificate data sheet 

are available and current. The aircraft should be reported as 

being in an unairworthy condition if these placards and 

documents are not available. A missing, incorrect, or 

improperly located placard is considered an unairworthy 

item, and the owner or operator should be informed that, 

under the requirements of 14 CFR part 91, § 91.9, the 

aircraft may not be operated until a correct and properly 

placed placard is available. 

2. The holder of an IA should refer to the registration and 

airworthiness certificates for the owner’s name and address; 

the aircraft make, model, registration, and serial numbers 

needed for recording purposes. Be sure not to use 

manufacturer trade names as they do not always coincide 

with the actual model designation (Cessna Skylane model 

designation is 182, Piper Seneca III is PA 34 220T, etc.). If 

registration and airworthiness certificates are not available, 

the aircraft does not need to be reported in unairworthy 

condition; however, the owner or operator should be informed 

that the documents required by 14 CFR part 91, § 91.203(a)(2), 

should be in the aircraft and the airworthiness certificate 

displayed when the aircraft is operated. 

3. On aircraft for which no approved flight manual is required, 

the operating limitations prescribed during original certification, 

and as required by 14 CFR part 91, § 91.9, must be carried 

in or be affixed to the aircraft. Range markings on the 

instruments, placards, and listings must be worded and 

located as specified in the type certificate data sheet. (Refer 

to appendix 1, figure 7.) 

Aircraft Markings 

Required aircraft identification markings are discussed in 14 CFR 

part 45. It is the owner’s or operator’s responsibility to have the 

17 
nationality and registration markings properly displayed on the 

aircraft (14 CFR part 91, § 91.9(c)). The holder of an IA can and 

should offer advisory service to owners and operators in regard 

to any deficiencies in markings; however, such deficiencies are 

not cause to report an aircraft in “unairworthy” condition. 

Aircraft With Discrepancies or Unairworthy Conditions 

If the aircraft is not approved for return to service after a required 

inspection, use the procedures specified in 14 CFR part 43, 

§ 43.11. This will permit an owner to assume responsibility for 

having the discrepancies corrected prior to operating the aircraft. 

Discrepancies or unairworthy conditions can be resolved in the 

following ways: 

1. The discrepancies can be cleared by a person who is 

authorized by 14 CFR part 43 to do the work. Preventive 

maintenance items could be cleared by a pilot who owns or 

operates the aircraft, provided the aircraft is not used under 

14 CFR part 121, 129, or 135; except that approval may be 

granted to allow a pilot operating a rotorcraft in a remote 

area under 14 CFR part 135 to perform preventive 

maintenance. 

2. The owner may want the aircraft flown to another location to 

have repairs completed, in which case the owner should be 

advised that the issuance of FAA Form 8130-7, Special 

Flight Permit, is required. This form is commonly called a 

ferry permit and is detailed in 14 CFR part 21, § 21.197. The 

certificate may be obtained in person or by fax at the local 

FSDO or from a Designated Airworthiness Representative. 

3. If the aircraft is found to be in an unairworthy condition, an 

entry will be made in the maintenance records that the 

inspection was completed and a list of unairworthy items 

was provided to the owner. When all unairworthy items are 

corrected by a person authorized to perform maintenance 

and that person makes an entry in the maintenance record 

18 
for the correction of those items, the aircraft is approved for 

return to service. (Refer to appendix 1, figures 8 and 9.) 

Incomplete Inspection 

If an annual inspection is not completed, the holder of an IA 

should: 

1. Indicate any discrepancies found in the aircraft records. 

2. Not indicate that an annual inspection was completed. 

3. Indicate in the aircraft records the extent to which the 

inspection was completed and all work accomplished. 

19 
Chapter 3 

MAINTENANCE RECORDS 

REQUIRED RECORDATION 

The holder of an IA and other maintenance personnel or 

agencies are required to record maintenance, inspections, or 

alterations performed or approved in accordance with the 

requirements of 14 CFR part 43, §§ 43.9 and 43.11. The owner 

or operator is required by 14 CFR part 91, § 91.417 to keep 

maintenance records. The holder of an IA is also required to 

indicate the total aircraft time in service when a required 

inspection is done. 

Responsibility for maintenance work performed rests with the 

person whose signature and certificate number is entered on the 

appropriate maintenance record and/or forms. The responsibility 

for annual and progressive inspections and approval for return to 

service after major repairs or major alterations is assumed by the 

holder of an IA whose signature and certificate number appears 

on the appropriate maintenance records. 

FAA FORM 337 

FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, 

Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance), serves two purpose. It 

provides: 

1. Owners and operators with a record of major repairs and 

major alterations, indicating details and approval. 

2. The FAA with a copy for the aircraft records. 

An example of a typical completed FAA Form 337 is provided in 

appendix 1, figure 3. 

20 
Completion 

The person who performed or supervised the major repair or 

major alteration prepares the original FAA Form 337 (two 

originals). Instructions for the completion of FAA Form 337 

appear in AC 43.9-1 (as revised), Instructions for Completion of 

FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, 

Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance). The holder of an IA then 

further processes the forms when they are presented for 

approval. If the IA holder finds a major alteration or a major 

repair to be in conformity with FAA-approved data, the IA holder 

must review the FAA Form 337 for completeness and accuracy, 

and complete item 7. The IA holder should ensure that the 

duplicate is an exact and legible reproduction of the original. 

Signatures should be original in ink, and not carbon copies. 

Disposition 

In accordance with 14 CFR part 43, the person performing a 

major repair or major alteration must make the proper entry in 

the maintenance records and distribute the originals of the 

completed and signed FAA Form 337 to the: 

1. Aircraft owner and, 

2. FAA in one of the following two forms: 

a. One completed hardcopy form within 48 hours to: 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Aircraft Registration Branch, AFS-751 

PO Box 25724 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

b. An electronic form (with electronic signature) automatically 

through the Web site at eformservice.faa.gov/eForm337.aspx. 

If the FAA Form 337 is completed for extended-range fuel tanks 

installed within the passenger compartment or a baggage 

compartment, the person who performs the work and the person 

21 
authorized to approve the work by 14 CFR part 43, § 43.7, must 

execute an FAA Form 337 in at least triplicate, as required by 

14 CFR part 43, appendix B. One copy of the FAA Form 337 

must be placed on board the aircraft, as specified in 14 CFR 

part 91, § 91.417(d). The remaining copies are distributed as 

previously mentioned. 

If FAA Form 337 has been completed for engines, propellers, 

spare parts or components, both copies of the form, with the 

approval portion completed, should be attached to the part or 

component until it is installed on an aircraft. The mechanic who 

makes the installation will, in accordance with 14 CFR part 43, 

§ 43.9(a)(4), complete both copies of FAA Form 337 by filling in 

blocks 1 and 2, and sign for the installation in the aircraft 

records, making reference to the FAA Form 337 in the record 

entry. The copies are distributed as previously mentioned. 

WEIGHT AND BALANCE 

Weight and balance data is not required on the FAA Form 337. 

However, it is imperative that weight and balance checks be 

made very carefully. Since aircraft manufacturers use varying 

methods of weight and balance control, it not feasible to provide 

a universally adaptable method. The example provided in 

appendix 1, figure 10, of this guide is general in nature and can 

be modified to suit the aircraft involved. When revising weight 

and balance data, the following general guidelines should be 

used: 

1. The weight and balance data should be kept together in the 

aircraft records. 

2. When making revisions, use a permanent, easily identified 

method with full-size sheets of paper large enough to contain 

complete computations and to minimize the possibility of 

becoming detached or lost. 

3. Each page should be identified with the aircraft by make, 

model, serial number, and registration number. 

22 
4. The pages should be signed and dated by the person 

making the revision. 

5. The nature of the weight change should be described. 

6. The old weight and balance data should be marked 

“superseded” and dated. 

7. A new page should show the date of the old figures it 

supersedes. 

8. Appropriate fore and/or aft extreme loading conditions 

should be investigated and the computations shown. 

9. Example loading computations may be helpful. 

10. On large aircraft, be careful to distinguish between empty 

weight and operating weights that may include commissary 

supplies, spare parts, lavatory water, etc. 

11. On small aircraft, it is often convenient to post a placard in 

the aircraft indicating the empty weight, useful load, empty 

CG, and example loadings or general instructions to cover 

the most likely loading conditions. (Refer to 14 CFR 

§ 91.9(b)(2).) AC 120-27 (as revised), Aircraft Weight and 

Balance Control, and FAA-H-8083-1 (as revised), Aircraft 

Weight and Balance Handbook, contain useful information 

applicable to the functions performed by the holder of an IA 

on general aviation aircraft. 

23 
Chapter 4 

SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVELOPING 

GOOD OWNER/IA RELATIONS 

Be sure to come to a mutual agreement with the aircraft owner 

concerning exactly what work is to be performed. Misunderstandings 

usually result from a lack of clear communication. Get it straight. 

Attention to the following details will usually avoid the ill will a 

later disagreement could generate. 

1. Itemize the work to be done so the owner will have a clear 

understanding of the work order. 

2. Establish a firm understanding about the cost, or range of 

cost, anticipated for the job. 

3. If an annual inspection is involved, indicate that certain 

maintenance is required to perform the inspection, such as: 

a. Removing cowling and fairing, and opening inspection 

plates. 

b. Cleaning the aircraft and engine. 

c. Disassembling wheels and other components to 

determine their condition. 

4. Advise the owner that an annual inspection involves 

determination of compliance with aircraft specifications and 

ADs. 

5. Agree whether routine servicing is to be included as part of 

the inspection or if it is to be performed separately. Such 

servicing is not a part of the inspection, but may be 

conveniently done while conducting the inspection. Items 

might include: 

a. Cleaning spark plugs, 

b. Servicing landing gear shock struts, 

c. Changing oil, 

24 
d. Making minor adjustments, 

e. Servicing brakes, 

f. Dressing nicked propeller blades, 

g. Lubricating where necessary, or 

h. Stop-drilling small cracks and minor patching of cowling 

and baffles. 

6. The owner should be made aware that the annual or 

progressive inspection does not include correction of 

discrepancies or unairworthy items and that such maintenance 

will be additional to the inspection. Maintenance and repairs 

may be accomplished simultaneously with the inspection by 

a person authorized to perform maintenance if the owner 

and the IA holder agree. This method would result in an 

aircraft that is approved for return to service upon completion 

of the inspection. A written list of discrepancies and 

unairworthy items not repaired concurrently with the 

inspection must be made and given to the owner. Record 

uncorrected discrepancies and unairworthy items in the 

maintenance records. The owner must make arrangement 

for correction or deferral of items on the list of discrepancies 

and unairworthy items with a person authorized to perform 

maintenance prior to returning the aircraft to service. The 

holder of the IA ensures that any item permitted to be 

inoperative by a MEL or under 14 CFR part 91, § 91.213(d)(2) 

is properly placarded and any maintenance for deferral has 

been performed. Any deferred items are to be included on 

the list of discrepancies and unairworthy items. The owner 

should be informed that the aircraft should not be operated 

until the discrepancies and unairworthy items are corrected 

or are appropriately deferred. 

7. Establish a reasonable time frame to accomplish the 

inspection. 

8. Request the owner to supply the complete aircraft records 

(airframe, engines, and propellers) for study, review, and entries. 

25 
Point out that this is necessary to conduct an annual 

inspection properly. 

9. Complete the inspection as soon as practicable. An aircraft 

can sit idle in a shop waiting for parts, even though the 

inspection has actually been completed. In this case, it is 

advisable to officially report the aircraft unairworthy. (Refer to 

14 CFR part 43, § 43.11(a)(5).) When the parts arrive, the 

repairs can be completed and the aircraft approved for return 

to service in the usual manner by the person who makes the 

repairs. The time lapse may represent several weeks or 

months, and conditions can deteriorate on the aircraft. Also, 

there is the chance that an AD involving some part of the 

aircraft may have been issued in the interim. In these cases, 

it might be unwise to complete the repairs originally intended 

and sign off the aircraft as airworthy without doing another 

complete inspection. 

10. Complete the aircraft record entries as required by 14 CFR 

part 43, §§ 43.9 and 43.11 and provide sufficient information 

for the owner to comply with 14 CFR part 91, § 91.417(a)(2)(i). 

Make adequate descriptions of repairs or alterations if 

accomplished along with the inspection. 

11. Record compliance with all ADs actually accomplished. 

Provide sufficient information for the owner to comply with 

14 CFR part 91, § 91.417(a)(2)(v). A general statement such 

as “All ADs complied with” is not an adequate entry and 

should be avoided. Many owners keep a separate record of 

AD compliance in the back of the logbook or in a section 

specifically provided for this record. This is a good place to 

identify the ADs of a recurring nature and show when the 

next compliance is required. (Refer to appendix 1, figures 12 

and 13, for typical entries.) 

12. When approving repairs and alterations, the IA holder should 

be available as work progresses on major jobs; affected areas 

and structures can be seen and repairs can be inspected and 

improved more readily than after completion of the entire job. 

26 
13. Remind the owners or operators that they are responsible for 

operational requirements, such as: 

a. Very high frequency (VHF) omnidirectional range (VOR) 

equipment checked in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, 

§ 91.171. 

b. Altimeter and altitude reporting equipment test and 

inspections in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, § 91.411. 

c. Air traffic control (ATC) transponder inspection in 

accordance with 14 CFR part 91, § 91.413. These tests 

and inspections are not part of the annual inspection. 

27 
28 
Appendix 1 

SAMPLE FORMS AND RECORDS 

Figure 1. FAA Form 8610-1, Mechanic’s Application for 

Inspection Authorization. 

A-1 
Figure 2. FAA Form 8310-5, Inspection Authorization. 

A-2 
Figure 3. FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration 

(Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance) (front view). 

Note the FAA inspector’s data approval for a major repair (block 3). 

A-3 
Figure 3 (cont’d). FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration 

(Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance) (back view).

A-4 
March 22, 20XX 

Total Aircraft Time 1,502.0 Hours 

Tach Time 972.4 Hours 

I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with 

an annual inspection as per Air Tractor AT502 owner’s manual 

and was determined to be in an airworthy condition. 

Joseph P. Kline 

A&P 123467899 IA 

NOTE: This is an example of a record entry for an annual 

inspection determining the aircraft to be in airworthy condition. 

The date, aircraft total time, and tachometer (tach) or recorder 

reading are included. The tach or recorder readings should not 

be confused with the total time and should only be shown in 

addition to the total time entry. The mechanic’s certificate 

number is suffixed by the letters “IA” indicating that the mechanic 

is the holder of an inspection authorization. Maintenance done in 

conjunction with the inspection should be entered as a separate 

entry. 

Figure 4. Example of an airworthy annual inspection 

maintenance record entry.

A-5 
Figure 5. Airworthiness Directive Compliance Record 

(suggested format). 

A-6 
NOTE: This is a typical FAA Form 8010-4 (revised 10-92). The 

holder of an IA is urged to use this form for all malfunctions or 

defects that cannot be attributed to poor maintenance procedures. 

Provide the information requested on the form. Note that item 8 

requests information concerning how the defect can be corrected. 

The form may be obtained at the local Flight Standards District 

Office or online at the FAA’s web site (FAA.gov). At the web site 

the form is found under the Aircraft tab and under the Advisories 

& Guidance—Service Difficulty Reports (SDR) heading. The form 

may be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to the addresses or telephone 

fax number noted under Service Difficulty Reporting System 

(SDRS) Submissions on the web site. 

Figure 6. FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report. 

A-7 
Operating Limitations: Zeph-Air 63-1A N40023 

RPM Do not exceed 2,300 

Oil temperature 212 oF max. 

Airspeed limits—do not exceed: 

 Level flight or climb 95 knots 

 Glide or dive 130 knots 

Gross weight 1,200 lb 

Empty CG 14.4 inches aft of datum 

Useful load 453 lb 

Kinds of operation VFR—day 

Figure 7. Operating limitations placard. 

A-8 
March 22, 20XX 

Total Aircraft Time 3,202.5 hours 

Hobbs Meter Reading 975.5 hours 

I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with an 

annual inspection, and a list of discrepancies and unairworthy 

items dated March 22, 20XX, have been provided for the aircraft 

owner. 

Joseph P. Kline 

A&P 1123456789 IA 

Figure 8. Example of an unairworthy annual inspection 

maintenance record entry. 

A-9 
Academy Aviation 

Hangar 4 

North Philadelphia Airport 

Philadelphia, PA 19114 

Mr. Morris McCall 

1450 W. Cheltenham Ave. 

Philadelphia, PA 19125 

Mr. McCall: 

This is to certify that on March 22, 20XX, I completed an annual 

inspection on your aircraft, Condor 191B, S/N 3945, N1234, and 

found the following unairworthy items: 

Compression in No. 3 cylinder read 30 over 80, which is below the 

manufacturer’s recommended limits. 

The muffler has a broken baffle plate which is blocking the engine 

exhaust outlet. 

There is a 6-inch crack on bottom of the left wing just aft of the 

main landing gear attach point. 

Jospeh P. Kline 

A&P 123456789 IA 

Figure 9. Discrepancy list to be provided to an aircraft 

owner when reporting an aircraft with unairworthy items 

after completing an annual inspection. 

A-10 
Weight and Balance Revision Date: 05/06/20XX

N44933 Cessna 182L Supersedes Computations 

found on FAA Form 337, 

Serial Number 18234329 dated 10/22/20XX. 

Removed the following equipment: Weight Arm Moment

1. Turn coordinator P/N C661003-0211 2.50 lb 15.0 37.50 

2. Directional gyro P/N 0760099 +3.12 13.5 +42.12

 Total 5.62 79.62 

 1,709.60 35.26 60,282.20 

 –5.62 –79.62

Aircraft after removal 1,703.98 35.20 60,202.58 

Installed the following equipment: Weight Arm Moment

1. Vector2 Autopilot system including 13.0 lb 32.7 425.13 

 turn coordinator and directional gyro. 

 1,703.98 60,202.20 

 +13.00 +425.13

*REVISED LICENSED EMPTY WEIGHT 1,716.98 60,627.71

*NEW USEFUL LOAD: 1,083.02

Forward Limit Check (Limit +38.4) Rearward Limit Check (Limit +47.4) 

Wt Arm Moment Wt Arm Moment 

A/C Empty 1,716.98 35.31 60,627.21 A/C Empty 1,716.98 35.31 60,627.21

Fwd Seats 170.00 36.00 6,120.00 Fwd Seats 170.00 36.00 6,120.00

Aft Seats Aft Seats 340.00 71.00 24,140.00

Fuel (min.) 115.00 48.00 5,520.00 Fuel (max.) 360.00 48.00 17,280.00

Oil 22.00 –15.00 –330.00 Oil 22.00 –15.00 –330.00

Baggage Baggage 120.00 97.00 11,640.00

 

2,023.98 35.50 71,937.71 2,728.98 43.78 119,477.71

Joseph P Kline 

Joseph P Kline 

A&P 123456789 IA 

NOTE: Computations are shown. Form is signed, dated, and identifies the 

computations or figures it supersedes. It is recommended that the manufacturer’s 

weight and balance data forms be used for specific aircraft. 

Figure 10. Weight and balance revision for a typical light, 

single-engine aircraft. 

A-11 
July 12, 20XX 

Aircraft Total Time: 1,566 hours 

Complied with Airworthiness Directive (AD) 20XX-12-10R1, 

effective date June 30, 20XX. Modified the airplane by 

compliance with paragraph 2(b) of AD. Installed FleetWing 

Service Kit SK 1910 as required by AD. No recurring action 

required. 

Bill Quinlan 

A&P 143298671 

Figure 11. One-time Airworthiness Directive compliance 

entry. 

May 23, 20XX 

Engine Total Time: 720 hours 

Complied with Airworthiness Directive (AD) 20XX-10-12, Alcon 

Turbo Chargers by inspection as required by paragraphs (b) 

through (g) of AD. Turbine housing found satisfactory, next 

inspection due at 920 hours. 

Joe Knight 

A&P 279387792 

Figure 12. Recurrent Airworthiness Directive compliance 

entry. 

A-12 
Appendix 2 

PUBLICATIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA 

The following publications and technical data provide 

information for aircraft inspection. 

1. TITLE 14 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS 

The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general 

and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the 

Executive departments and agencies of the Federal 

Government. The Code is divided into 50 titles, which represent 

broad areas subject to Federal regulation. Each title is divided 

into chapters, which usually bear the name of the issuing 

agency. Title 14—Aeronautics and Space (14 CFR) is composed 

of four chapters. Chapter 1 of this title is the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). This 

chapter contains parts 1–199. The following 14 CFR parts are of 

particular interest to the holder of an Inspection Authorization. 

14 CFR 

PART 

NUMBER TITLE 

 1 Definitions and Abbreviations 

 11 General Rulemaking Procedures 

 21 Certification Procedures for Products and Parts 

 23 Airworthiness Standards: Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and 

Commuter Category Airplanes 

 25 Airworthiness Standards: Transport Category Airplanes 

 27 Airworthiness Standards: Normal Category Rotorcraft 

 29 Airworthiness Standards: Transport Category Rotorcraft 

 31 Airworthiness Standards: Manned Free Balloons 

 33 Airworthiness Standards: Aircraft Engines 

 35 Airworthiness Standards: Propellers 

 39 Airworthiness Directives 

A-13 
 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and 

Alteration 

 45 Identification and Registration Marking 

 47 Aircraft Registration 

 65 Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers 

 91 General Operating and Flight Rules 

119 Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators 

125 Certification and Operations: Airplanes Having a Seating 

Capacity of 20 or More Passengers or a Maximum 

Payload Capacity of 6,000 Pounds or More 

135 Operating Requirements: Commuter and On-Demand 

Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board 

Such Aircraft 

183 Representatives of the Administrator 

The Code of Federal Regulations may be obtained from the 

Regulatory and Guidance Library at the FAA web site, 

www.faa.gov, for the official FAA copy or the U.S. Government 

Printing Office (GPO) web site www.gpo.gov. 

2. TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEETS AND SPECIFICATIONS 

Type Certificate Data Sheets and Specifications (TCDS) set forth 

essential factors and other conditions, which are necessary for 

U.S. airworthiness certification. Aircraft, engines, and propellers 

which conform to a U.S. type certificate (TC) are eligible for U.S. 

airworthiness certification when found to be in a condition for 

safe operation and ownership requisites are fulfilled. 

There are two kinds of certification documents contained in the 

TCDS file: (1) Type Certificate Data Sheets and (2) Specifications. 

Type Certificate Data Sheets were originated and first published 

in January 1958. 14 CFR part 21, section 21.41, indicates they 

are part of the type certificate. As such, a type certificate data 

sheet is evidence the product has been type certificated. 

Generally, type certificate data sheets are compiled from details 

supplied by the type certificate holder; however, the FAA may 

A-14 
request and incorporate additional details when conditions 

warrant. 

Specifications were originated during implementation of the Air 

Commerce Act of 1926. Specifications are FAA recordkeeping 

document issued for both type certificated and non-type 

certificated products which have been found eligible for U.S. 

airworthiness certification. Although they are no longer issued, 

specifications remain in effect and will be further amended. 

Specifications covering type-certificated products may be 

converted to type certificate data sheets at the option of the type 

certificate holder. However, to do so requires the type certificate 

holder to provide an equipment list. A specification is not part of 

a type certificate. 

The official FAA copy is available on the Internet at the FAA web 

site under Regulatory and Guidance Library at http://rgl.faa.gov. 

This is a free service. 

3. SUMMARY OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FOR 

SMALL AIRCRAFT AND ROTORCRAFT 

An airworthiness directive (AD) contains information regarding 

an unsafe condition that exists in an aircraft, aircraft engine, 

propeller, or appliance when that condition is likely to exist or 

develop in other products of the same type design. No person 

may operate a product to which an AD applies, except in 

accordance with the requirements of the AD. 

All ADs are summarized and issued by the FAA. New and 

revised ADs are published biweekly and mailed to registered 

owners of affected equipment and to subscription holders. ADs 

are issued in two weight categories: 

1. Small aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight 

aircraft of 12,500 pounds or less, and all rotorcraft 

regardless of weight. 

A-15 
2. Large aircraft over 12,500 pounds maximum certificated 

takeoff weight. 

The official FAA copy is available on the Internet at the FAA web 

site under Regulatory and Guidance Library (RGL) at 

http://rgl.faa.gov. 

The ADs are totally searchable and easily located. The individual 

airworthiness directives and the AD biweeklies on the website 

are considered approved FAA copy and may be used in lieu of 

purchasing paper copies. This is a free service. Questions 

concerning the RGL may be directed to AIR-140, Delegation and 

Airworthiness Programs Branch, at (405) 954-4103. 

4. ADVISORY CIRCULARS 

The Federal Aviation Administration issues Advisory Circulars 

(ACs) to inform the aviation public in a systematic way of 

nonregulatory material. Unless incorporated into a regulation by 

reference, the contents of an Advisory Circular are not binding 

on the public. Advisory Circulars are issued in a numberedsubject system corresponding to the numerical part of the 

subject regulation (FAA AC 39-7 would deal with a subject 

related to 14 CFR part 39, Airworthiness Directives). 

An Advisory Circular is issued to provide guidance and 

information in a designated subject area or to show a method 

acceptable to the Administrator for complying with a related 

Federal Aviation Regulation. Electronic versions are available on 

the Internet at the FAA web site. 

The following Advisory Circulars are of interest to mechanics: 

AC 39-7, Airworthiness Directives 

AC 43-4, Corrosion Control for Aircraft 

AC 43-11, Reciprocating Engine Overhaul Terminology and 

Standards 

A-16 
AC 43.13-1, Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices—

Aircraft Inspection and Repair 

AC 43.13-2, Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—

Aircraft Alterations 

AC 43-9, Maintenance Records 

AC 43.9-1, Instructions for Completion of FAA Form 337, Major 

Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or 

Appliance) 

AC 43-18, Fabrication of Aircraft Parts by Maintenance 

Personnel 

AC 43-210, Standardized Procedures for Requesting Field 

Approval of Data, Major Alterations, and Repairs 

AC 91-67, Minimum Equipment Requirements for General 

Aviation Operations Under FAR Part 91 

Additional information of particular interest to the holder of an 

inspection authorization is found in FAA-H-8083-1, Aircraft 

Weight and Balance Handbook. 

5. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INSPECTION DATA 

Several commercial publishers offer subscription services that 

include the Airworthiness Directives, Advisory Circulars, and 

Type Certificate Data Sheets, along with other inspection data. 

They may be found in aviation trade paper and magazines.

A-17