Source: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=A-96-143
Timestamp: 2019-12-09 10:27:46
Document Index: 572344759

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 145', 'art 145', 'art 145', 'art 145', 'ART 145', 'ART 145', 'ART 145', 'ART 145', 'ART 145', 'ART 145']

Safety Recommendation A-96-143
Recommendation: THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FAA: REVIEW THE NEED TO REQUIRE INSPECTION ("BUY BACK") AFTER THE COMPLETION OF WORK THAT IS PERFORMED BY UNCERTIFICATED MECHANICS AT PART 145 REPAIR STATIONS TO ENSURE THE SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE ASSIGNED TASKS.
Date Closed: 2/26/1998
Response: On September 2, 1997, the FAA issued Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Airworthiness (FSAW) 97-20, "Check for Compliance to 14 CFR Section 145.39(a)." The bulletin directs principal maintenance inspectors (PMI) assigned to 14 CFR Part 145 repair stations to ensure that these repair stations comply with 14 CFR 145.39(a), which requires repair stations to provide personnel who can perform, supervise, and inspect the work for which the station is rated. The Safety Board has reviewed the FSAW 97-20 and notes that although it does direct PMI's attention to the selection, training, and assignment of repair station personnel, it does not provide specific guidance about certificated repairmen as stated in 14 CFR 145.39(d) and 145.41, and described in 14 CFR 65.101. Although the FAA's actions satisfy the intent of the recommendation, the Safety Board suggests that the FAA consider revising the bulletin to include specific guidance to FAA inspectors regarding certificated repairmen at Part 145 repair stations. Based on the FAA's actions that meet the intent of the recommendation, the Safety Board classifies Safety Recommendation A-96-143 as "Closed--Acceptable Action."
Response: On September 2, 1997, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Airworthiness 97-20, Check for Compliance to 14 CFR Section 145.39(a). This bulletin directs principal maintenance inspectors (PMI) assigned to 14 CFR Part 145 repair stations to ensure that these repair stations are in compliance with 14 CFR 145.39(a). The PMI's are directed to ensure that each repair station has a system in place for the selection, training, and assignment of personnel. I have enclosed a copy of the bulletin for the Board's information. I consider the FAA's action to be completed on this safety recommendation.
Response: A-96-143 ASKED THE FAA TO REVIEW THE NEED TO REQUIRE INSPECTION, OR "BUY BACK," AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK THAT IS PERFORMED BY UNCERTIFICATED MECHANICS AT TITLE 14 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR) 145 REPAIR STATIONS TO ENSURE THE SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE ASSIGNED TASKS. THE FAA BELIEVES THAT THE BOARD'S SPECIFIC INTENT OF THIS RECOMMENDATION TO REQUIRE THAT ALL WORK PERFORMED BY AN UNCERTIFICATED TECHNICIAN BE INSPECTED ("BUY BACK") BY A CERTIFICATED MECHANIC IS UNDULY RESTRICTIVE AND DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE ROLE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE HIGHLY SKILLED TECHNICIAN. THE FAA BELIEVES THAT THE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED IN PART 145 PROPERLY ADDRESS THE ISSUES OF UNCERTIFICATED TECHNICIANS WHO PERFORM WORK IN REPAIR STATIONS. THE FAA WILL ISSUE A FLIGHT STANDARDS INFORMATION BULLETIN FOR AIRWORTHINESS TO DIRECT ITS PRINCIPAL MAINTENANCE INSPECTORS ASSIGNED TO PART 145 REPAIR STATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE REPAIR STATIONS ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 145.39(a). THE FAA WILL PROVIDE THE BOARD WITH A COPY OF THE BULLETIN AS SOON AS IT IS ISSUED. BASED ON THIS INFO, THE BOARD CLASSIFIES SAFETY RECOMMENDATION A-96-143 "OPEN--ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATE RESPONSE."
Response: THE FAA REVIEWED THE REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN OVERSIGHT OF MAINTENANCE WORK PERFORMED AT 14 CFR PART 145 REPAIR STATIONS AND THE QUALIFICATION OF REPAIR STATION PERSONNEL. THE FAA BELIEVES THAT 14 CFR PART 145 CURRENTLY PROVIDES ADEQUATE CRITERIA TO DETERMINES THE AIRWORTHINESS OF WORK PERFORMED BY REPAIR STATION. SPECIFICALLY, 14 CFR.45(D) REQUIRES THAT EACH CERTIFICATED REPAIR STATION PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF PRELIMINARY INSPECTION TO DETERMINE THE STATE OF PRESERVATION OR DEFECTS; 14 CFR.59(A) REQUIRES THAT EACH CERTIFICATED REPAIR STATION, BEFORE APPROVING AN AIRFRAME, POWERPLANT, PROPELLER, INSTRUMENT, RADIO, OR ACCESSORY FOR RETURN TO SERVICE AFTER MAINTAINING OR ALTERING IT, HAVE THAT ARTICLE INSPECTED BY A QUALIFIED INSPECTOR; AND 14 CFR 39(A) REQUIRES THAT A REPAIR STATION MUST DETERMINE QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES OF ITS UNCERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES PERFORMING MAINTENANCE OPERATION ON THE BASIS OF PRACTICAL TESTS OR EMPLOYMENT RECORDS. THE FAA BELIEVES THAT THE BOARD'S SPECIFIC INTENT OF THIS RECOMMENDATION IS THAT ALL WORK PERFORMED BY AN UNCERTIFICATED TECHNICIAN MUST BE INSPECTED ("BUY BACK") BY A CERTIFICATED MECHANIC. THE FAA BELIEVES THAT THIS MEASURE IS UNDULY RESTRICTIVE AND DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE ROLE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE HIGHLY SKILLED TECHNICIAN. RATHER, THE FAA BELIEVES THAT THE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED IN 14 CFR 145 PROPERLY ADDRESS THE ISSUES OF UNCERTIFICATED TECHNICIANS WHO PERFORM WORK IN 14 CFR PART 145 REPAIR STATIONS. THE FAA WILL ISSUE A FLIGHT STANDARDS INFO BULLETIN FOR AIRWORTHINESS TO DIRECT ITS PRICIPAL MAINTENANCE INSPECTORS ASSIGNED TO 14 CFR PART 145 REPAIR STATIONS TO ENSURE THAT THE REPAIR STATIONS COMPLY WITH 14 CFR 145.39(A). I WILL PROVIDE THE BOARD WITH A COPY OF THE BULLETIN AS SOON AS IT IS ISSUED.