Aircraft Maintenance Questions and Answers

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Please remember that this is not legal advice. It is general information about the aircraft certification process. If you need legal advice, you should contact an aviation attorney.

Questions That Others Have Asked

Differences Between MRB & MPD What are the differences between the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) and Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) and which one should be used as a basis for ...

Compass Swing Requirements What FAR requires a compass swing?

ANSWER: The compass calibration requirements for small aircraft (less than 12,500 lbs maximum take-off weight)...

Foreign Mechanics Are foreign mechanics allowed to do maintenance on U.S. registered airplanes?

ANSWER: Foreign mechanics are allowed to perform maintenance on U....

Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins What are the differences between Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins?

ANSWER: Airworthiness Directives (AD) are issued when the FAA ...

AC 43.13-1B and 2B For large aircraft over 12,500 lbs. is there anything preventing the use of the following documents in the absence of specifics called out in the manufactures ...

First Time Buyer - Due Diligence I am working with a first time buyer and I myself know just enough to be dangerous. What steps do you recommend to become better informed about previous ...

Aircraft Weight and Balance Under what situation would an aircraft weight and balance be required?

ANSWER: There are a few reasons why you would be required to do a reweigh ...

Propeller Overhaul The aircraft maintenance manual chapter 5 refers to McCauley Service Bulletin SB137AC for recommended overhaul times. The time between overhaul (TBO) of ...

Aircraft Maintenance Organization Approval What are the FAA Requirements in applying for an Aircraft Maintenance Organization Approval?

ANSWER: FAR 145 governs the application, certification ...

Replacing Seat Belts When you replace your seat belts in a Cessna 172, what belts can you use?

ANSWER: You must use seat belts that are FAA approved. That approval is ...

Repairs on N Registed Aircraft Can foreign aircraft mechanics perform repairs such as the removal and replacement of switches on N registered aircraft?

ANSWER: Foreign aircraft ...

Aircraft Maintenance Programs How do I prepare an aircraft maintenance program?

ANSWER: The FAA defines a maintenance program as "the performance of tasks required to ensure ...

Compass Overhaul I have a Cessna 150L that I use for fun flying. The compass (Airpath) is in need of an overhaul. Can I do this myself using a kit from Aircraft Spruce?...

Fabrication of Aircraft Parts Can an aircraft maintenance technician fabricate passenger windows for a Beech 1900D, using MIL5425 acrylic sheet?

ANSWER: No. Even if MIL5425 acrylic ...

Major Repairs If a repair is called out in the manufactures maintenance manual but is also listed in FAR 43 appendix A (Major Repair) would this drive a FAA Form 337 ...

Aircraft Compass Swing Is it required to do a compass swing when both engines of an aircraft have been changed at same time?

ANSWER: I cant see any reason why you would ...

Overhaul Requirements for Aircraft Components I am completing an annual inspection on a turbine powered, single-engine aircraft which weighs less than 12,500 lbs. The aircraft is operated under FAR ...

EASA Parts on FAA Registered Aircraft Is it possible for a set of main rotor blades to be removed mid life from an EASA registered helicopter and recertified for fitment onto an FAA registered ...

Galley Cart Repairs To perform repairs on galley carts, are you required to have a repair station certificate?

ANSWER: A person who holds a mechanic certificate with ...

Inoperative Rotating Beacon I fly a 1968 Cessna 206, which has an operable white strobe light system installed on the wing tips and tail cone. I have been reading FAR Part 91.205(...

Engine Removal and Recertification As an A&P Can i remove and certify an engine from a transport catagory aircraft and refit it to another aircraft at the same location assuming correct ...

A & P Mechanic Maintenance Certification In Europe a U.S. registered helicopter (AS350-B2) has been maintained by a U.S. foreign repair station (FAR 145) maintenance organisation using the maufacturer’...

FAA Repair Station Functions What functions may be performed by an FAA certified repair station?

ANSWER: An FAA repair station can perform the functions (tasks) necessary to ...

King Air 200 maintenance What type of maintenance organization can do phase inspections and major servicing on a King Air 200?

ANSWER: Mechanics, IA's or properly rated ...