[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20004]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 17, 1994]


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Part VI





Department of Transportation





_______________________________________________________________________



Federal Aviation Administration



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14 CFR Parts 65 and 66




Revision of Certification Requirements: Mechanics and Repairmen; 
Proposed Rule
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 65, and 66

[Docket No. 27863; Notice No. 94-27]
RIN 2120-AF22

 
Revision of Certification Requirements: Mechanics and Repairmen

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This notice proposes to amend the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(FAR) that prescribe the certification and training requirements for 
mechanics and repairmen. Current regulations prescribing these 
certification requirements do not reflect the significant technological 
advances that have occurred in the aviation industry and the 
enhancements in training and instructional methods that have affected 
all aviation maintenance personnel. The proposed rule would consolidate 
and clarify all certification, training, experience, and currency 
requirements for aviation maintenance personnel in a newly established 
Part 66 of the FAR. The proposal would enhance aviation safety by 
establishing new training programs for aviation maintenance personnel 
and would decrease the regulatory burden on these personnel by 
providing alternatives for meeting experience and currency 
requirements. The proposed rule would enhance the technical 
capabilities and increase the level of professionalism among aviation 
maintenance personnel. All proposals are based on recommendations 
developed by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC).

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before October 17, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this notice should be mailed, in triplicate, to: 
Federal Aviation Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket (AGC-10), Docket No. 27863, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591. Comments delivered must be marked 
Docket No. 27863. Comments may be examined in Room 915G weekdays 
between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., except on Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Leslie K. Vipond, AFS-302, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Flight 
Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, telephone (202) 267-3269.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Comments relating to the environmental, energy, 
federalism, or economic impact that might result from adopting the 
proposals in this notice are also invited. Substantive comments should 
be accompanied by cost estimates, if appropriate. Comments should 
identify the regulatory docket or notice number and should be submitted 
in triplicate to the Rules Docket address specified above. All comments 
received on or before the closing date for comments specified will be 
considered by the Administrator before action is taken on this proposed 
rulemaking. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of comments received. All comments received will be available, 
both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules 
Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each 
substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this 
rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to 
acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this 
notice must include a preaddressed, stamped postcard on which the 
following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. 27863.'' The 
postcard will be date stamped and mailed to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Public Affairs, 
Attention: Public Inquiry Center, APA-220, 800 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-3484. Communications 
must identify the notice number of this NPRM.
    Persons interested in being placed on the mailing list for future 
NPRMs should request from the above office a copy of Advisory Circular 
(AC) No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, 
which describes the application procedure.

Background

    In keeping with the FAA's policy of reviewing and upgrading 
regulations to ensure that they are consistent with changes in the 
aviation environment, the FAA is conducting a two-phase regulatory 
review to amend Part 65, Subparts D and E (14 CFR Part 65) of the FAR, 
which pertain to mechanics, mechanics holding inspection 
authorizations, and repairmen. Since the recodification requirements 
for these airmen has not been accomplished and few significant 
revisions to the subparts have been made. However, numerous 
technological advances in the aviation industry, recent FAA and 
international regulatory activities, concerns over aging aircraft, and 
enhancements in training methods have significantly affected all 
aspects of maintenance operations. Additionally, various and often 
conflicting interpretations of the existing regulations periodically 
have resulted in confusion among the airmen for whom this part was 
intended. Because of these factors, the FAA has instituted this 
complete regulatory review of Part 65, Subparts D and E.
    In November 1989, a joint industry/FAA Part 65 review group was 
formed to evaluate and review certification requirements for mechanics 
and repairmen. The review group's objective was to develop and present 
a unified position on Part 65. The group comprised representatives from 
several aviation associations and was coordinated by the Professional 
Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). FAA interests were represented 
by the Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS-300) of the FAA.
    The review group conducted a series of panel discussions throughout 
the United States and, as a result, drafted the Industry/FAA Part 65 
Review Group Working Paper, which was published on January 31, 1991. 
This paper presented the issues of general agreement within the review 
group and also presented those issues that the group believed would 
require further discussion.
    Further impetus for the Part 65 review came with ARAC's 
establishment. The ARAC charter became effective on February 5, 1991. 
ARAC was established to assist the FAA in the rulemaking process by 
providing input from outside the Government on major regulatory issues 
affecting aviation safety. ARAC includes representatives of air 
carriers, manufacturers, general aviation, labor groups, universities, 
associations, airline passenger groups, and the general public. Under 
the framework provided by ARAC, the previously established Part 65 
review group became a working group of ARAC. ARAC's formation has given 
the FAA additional opportunities to solicit information directly from 
significantly affected parties who meet and exchange ideas about 
proposed rules and existing rules that should either be revised or 
eliminated.
    The issues agreed upon by the review group in the January 31, 1991, 
working paper and the consensus achieved at subsequent meetings of the 
Part 65 working group have become the basis for the changes proposed in 
this NPRM, which constitute phase I of the Part 65 regulatory review. 
The issues that require further discussion and agreement by the members 
of the working group (such as the evaluation of any potential for 
additional certificates and ratings and the expansion of aviation 
repair specialist privileges) will become the basis for phase II of the 
regulatory review and a subsequent NPRM.
    In support of this regulatory review, the FAA completed a 
historical review of Part 65, Subparts D and E, on October 22, 1991. 
This review revealed that there have been 17 amendments (1 of which was 
rescinded), 3 petitions for rulemaking, and 100 exemption actions to 
these subparts since recodification. In addition, one accident, the 
Aloha Airlines Boeing 737 structural failure on April 28, 1988, 
generated National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations 
related to these subparts.
    The three petitions for rulemaking addressed issues associated with 
establishing certificates and ratings for avionics and instrument 
technicians, recertifying mechanics, and allowing applicants for 
mechanic certificates who desire to qualify on the basis of experience 
and have not graduated from an approved Part 147 aviation maintenance 
technician school to take the oral and practical tests for a 
certificate or rating before completing the required written tests.
    The majority of requests for exemption, FAA policy letters, and 
legal interpretations regarding mechanics pertained to inspection 
authorization renewal or the general eligibility and experience 
requirements. The majority of actions concerning repairmen involved 
certificate privileges and limitations.
    The FAA also conducted a survey of FAA regional offices on the 
certification of mechanics, holders of inspection authorizations, and 
repairmen during 1991. A copy of this survey has been placed in docket 
number 27863. The survey questions were derived from issues that 
surfaced during FAA participation in listening sessions with aviation 
industry associations and the International Civil Aviation Organization 
(ICAO) Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licensing Panel and from issues 
identified in legal interpretations, petitions for exemption, petitions 
for rulemaking, and enforcement actions.
    Results of this survey showed clear support for: (1) replacing the 
term ``mechanic'' with ``aviation maintenance technician''; (2) 
developing a system for granting additional privileges and limitations 
for mechanics; (3) encouraging additional FAA participation with ICAO 
and other aviation authorities to standardize training and 
certification of maintenance personnel; (4) using aviation maintenance 
instructor experience to satisfy recent experience requirements; (5) 
clarifying Sec. 65.75(b), written test requirements; (6) adding 
``facsimile'' to Sec. 65.16; and (7) developing a separate certificate 
or rating for balloon repairmen. The majority of the respondents 
supported changes in the English-language requirements for both 
mechanics and repairmen, the continued acceptance of military aircraft 
maintenance experience as the basis for airframe and powerplant 
mechanic certification, and changing the units of time used in 
Sec. 65.77 to designate experience requirements for mechanics from 
months to hours.

General Discussion of the Proposal

    The proposals developed during phase I of the Part 65 regulatory 
review and set forth in this NPRM cover a broad range of issues 
affecting the certification of aviation maintenance personnel. The 
proposals included in this NPRM would: (1) establish a separate part 
for aviation maintenance personnel; (2) remove gender-specific terms 
from the current regulation; (3) change the term ``mechanic'' to 
``aviation maintenance technician''; (4) change the term ``repairman'' 
to ``aviation repair specialist''; (5) establish the equivalency of the 
aviation maintenance technician and aviation repair specialist 
certificates with current certificates; (6) allow facsimiles to be used 
in the process of replacing lost or destroyed aviation maintenance 
technician and aviation repair specialist certificates; (7) require 
applicants to demonstrate English-language proficiency by reading and 
explaining appropriate maintenance publications and by writing defect 
and repair statements; (8) discontinue the certification of aviation 
maintenance personnel who are employed outside the United States and 
are not proficient in the English language; (9) require all aviation 
maintenance technician applicants to pass a written test that would 
examine their knowledge of all applicable maintenance regulations; (10) 
clarify the requirement that each applicant for an aviation maintenance 
technician certificate pass all sections of the written test before 
applying for oral and practical tests; (11) recognize new computer-
based testing methods; (12) specify all experience requirements in 
hours instead of months; (13) establish a basic competency requirement 
for aviation maintenance technicians; (14) allow aviation maintenance 
technicians to use equipment-specific training as an additional means 
to qualify for the exercise of certificate privileges; (15) permit 
aviation maintenance instructors to use instructional time to satisfy 
currency requirements; (16) establish training requirements for 
aviation maintenance technicians who desire to use their certificates 
for compensation or hire; (17) extend the duration of an inspection 
authorization from 1 to 2 years; and (18) expand the renewal options 
available to the holder of an inspection authorization.
    This preamble addresses the proposed changes through a discussion 
of the principal issues and in a section-by-section general analysis of 
the proposed rule.

Principal Issues

Establishment of a Separate Subpart for Aviation Maintenance Personnel

    The FAA proposes to establish a new Part 66 under the title, 
Certification: Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Aviation Repair 
Specialists. This new part would be created by removing Subparts D 
(Mechanics) and E (Repairmen) from the current Part 65 and using these 
existing subparts as the nucleus for the newly created Subparts B 
(Aviation Maintenance Technicians) and C (Aviation Repair Specialists) 
under Part 66. The sections of the current Part 65 Subpart A (General) 
that apply only to aviation maintenance personnel would be included in 
Subpart A of the proposed Part 66.
    In addition to regulating the certification requirements for 
aviation maintenance personnel, Part 65 also currently regulates the 
certification of airmen such as aircraft dispatchers, air traffic 
controllers, and parachute riggers, whose certification requirements 
and duties differ markedly from those of aviation maintenance 
personnel. Currently, there are more than 145,000 certificated 
mechanics and repairmen. The number of certificated aviation 
maintenance personnel is second only to the number of certificated 
pilots. Aviation maintenance personnel work in all aspects of the 
aviation environment, perform tasks vastly different from those 
performed by other airmen, and are affected by training and currency 
requirements that are substantially more extensive than those affecting 
other airmen currently regulated by Part 65.
    The aviation maintenance sector is one of the most complex sectors 
of the aviation community and all aviation maintenance personnel must 
possess many technical skills. The addition of this part to the FAR is 
warranted because of the complexity of the certification and training 
requirements affecting aviation maintenance personnel. In addition, the 
certification requirements for aviation maintenance personnel are 
expanding under this proposed rule, and additional certificates and 
ratings are proposed for creation under phase II of the regulatory 
review.

Removal of Gender-Specific Terms

    In accordance with the FAA's policy of implementing gender-neutral 
regulations and maintaining conformity with other recently revised 
airman certification regulations that are now gender-neutral, and in 
view of the increased role of women in the aviation maintenance 
profession, the FAA proposes to eliminate all gender-specific 
references in current Part 65 and proposed Part 66. These changes are 
reflected in the proposed amendment; however, specific changes are not 
listed in the section-by-section general analysis.

Redesignation of the Term ``Mechanic''

    Because of changes in aircraft technology, the amount of 
specialized training required to perform aviation maintenance has 
increased significantly since the introduction of the term 
``mechanic.'' The highly complex and technical field of contemporary 
aviation maintenance requires substantially more than the manual skills 
typically associated with individuals classified as mechanics. The FAA 
asserts that the term ``aviation maintenance technician'' more 
completely describes the type of skills necessary to maintain today's 
complex aircraft and more accurately reflects the level of 
professionalism found in the aviation maintenance industry. 
Additionally, adoption of the term ``aviation maintenance technician'' 
would standardize terminology throughout the aviation industry and make 
Part 66 consistent with Part 147 of the FAR (which regulates Aviation 
Maintenance Technician Schools), aviation maintenance trade 
publications, and many ICAO member states. These changes are reflected 
in the proposed amendment, however, specific changes have not been 
listed in the section-by-section general analysis.

Redesignation of the Term ``Repairman''

    In view of the specialized nature of aviation maintenance tasks 
performed by currently certificated repairmen, the FAA proposes that 
the term ``aviation repair specialist'' replace the current term 
``repairman.'' The FAA contends that the term ``aviation repair 
specialist'' more accurately reflects the level of expertise required 
to maintain today's highly complex aviation systems. In addition, the 
use of the term ``aviation repair specialist'' would serve to increase 
the level of professionalism among aviation maintenance personnel. 
Adoption of the term would also be consistent with the FAA's policy of 
implementing gender-neutral regulations. These changes are reflected in 
the proposed amendment; however, specific changes have not been listed 
in the section-by-section general analysis.

Equivalency of Ratings

    Any valid mechanic or repairman certificate would be equivalent to 
an aviation maintenance technician or aviation repair specialist 
certificate, respectively. After implementation of this regulation, the 
holder of a current mechanic or repairman certificate may continue to 
exercise the privileges of the corresponding aviation maintenance 
technician or aviation repair specialist certificate and may exchange a 
current mechanic or repairman certificate for an aviation maintenance 
technician or aviation repair specialist certificate respectively. 
Phase I of the regulatory review does not create additional 
certificates or ratings.

Replacement of Lost or Destroyed Certificates by Facsimile

    The proposal would revise current procedures by permitting an 
airman who has lost a certificate issued under proposed Part 66 to 
request a facsimile of the certificate from the FAA as confirmation of 
the certificate's original issuance. The proposal would also allow any 
request to the FAA to be made by facsimile and would permit the FAA to 
send directly to the airman a facsimile that the airman may carry as 
proof of the original certificate's issuance for a period not to exceed 
60 days. Adoption of the proposed change would make the rule consistent 
with current practices implemented by the Airman Certification Branch 
(AVN-460) at the Aviation Standards National Field Office in Oklahoma 
City. Current regulations specify the use of telegrams only.
    This change reflects advancements in communications technology and 
would speed access to FAA services by permitting the use of other 
means, such as telephone facsimile or computer modem, to obtain a 
replacement certificate. The use of these means would speed the 
replacement of lost certificates to the airman, thereby decreasing the 
time during which the airman may not exercise the privileges of a 
certificate of rating. Similar provisions are under consideration for 
adoption in other parts of the FAR.

Demonstration of English-Language Proficiency and Removal of Exception 
Criteria for Applicants Employed Outside the United States Who Are Not 
Proficient in the English Language

    The proposal would require an applicant for an aviation maintenance 
technician certificate or aviation repair specialist certificate to 
read, write, speak, and understand the English language, as is 
currently required for applicants desiring to exercise the privileges 
of the certificate within the United States. The proposal would require 
the applicant to demonstrate this knowledge by reading and explaining 
appropriate maintenance publications and by writing defect and repair 
statements. The proposal also would eliminate the issuances of 
certificates to individuals who cannot meet this requirement and are 
employed solely outside the United States by a certificated U.S. repair 
station, or a certificated U.S. air carrier.
    This proposal recognizes the highly technical nature of aviation 
maintenance in today's aviation industry. Proficiency with the general 
terminology of the English language is not sufficient to ensure the 
competency of an aviation maintenance technician or repair specialist. 
The individual must be able to understand and master the complex and 
often very specialized language of airworthiness instructions and other 
terminology associated with the maintenance of highly sophisticated 
aviation equipment. In operations conducted at certificated U.S. air 
carriers, certificated U.S. commercial operators, and U.S.-certificated 
repair stations, the vast majority of technical information is conveyed 
in the English language. The FAA has determined that the proposed rule 
would guarantee a level of competency that would ensure that an 
applicant for either certificate is able to use all relevant 
maintenance publications effectively.
    The FAA also proposed that the current exception, which permits the 
certification of mechanics (aviation maintenance technicians) who are 
employed outside the United States and are not proficient in the 
English language, be deleted. The current airframe, powerplant, and 
general written tests for mechanics are all written in the English 
language. Applicants taking these tests must be proficient in the 
English language to complete these examinations successfully; 
therefore, the exception is not necessary.
    Although repairmen (aviation repair specialists) are not required 
to take written tests, these individuals also work in environments that 
require more than mere proficiency in the English language. Because the 
FAA does not certify repairmen working under U.S.-certificated foreign 
repair stations and because of the need for all certificated repairmen 
to understand technical material written in English, the FAA also 
proposed that all repairmen (aviation repair specialists) demonstrate 
proficiency in the English language and that the exception allowing 
individuals who are not proficient in the English language to be 
certificated to work only outside the United States be deleted.
    Current holders of a mechanic or repairman certificate, who do not 
meet the English language requirement and are employed outside of the 
United States by a certificated U.S. air carrier or a certificated U.S. 
repair station, would continue to exercise the privileges of their 
certificate without a further showing of competency. Their certificates 
would remain endorsed ``Valid only outside of the United States.''

Establishment of a Requirement for Aviation Maintenance Technicians To 
Pass a Written Test on all Applicable Provisions of Chapter 14

    Current regulations require an applicant for a mechanic (aviation 
maintenance technician) certificate to pass a written test that 
includes the applicable provisions of Parts 43 and 91 of this chapter. 
Because contemporary maintenance operations require the applicant to 
understand certification and maintenance regulations other than those 
found solely in Parts 43 and 91, the FAA proposes amending the 
knowledge requirements for the certificate to require an applicant to 
pass a written test on the applicable provisions of the entire chapter.

Clarification of Requirement To Pass all Sections of the Written Test 
Before Applying for the Oral and Practical Tests

    There has been some confusion among applicants for the mechanic 
(aviation maintenance technician) certificate who are not enrolled at 
Part-147-approved aviation maintenance technician schools regarding the 
language of Sec. 65.75(b). This section requires an individual to pass 
each section of the written test before applying for the oral and 
practical tests prescribed by Sec. 65.79. The FAA believes that it is 
essential that the applicant display knowledge of the equipment and 
procedures to be used by the applicant before the oral and practical 
tests are given. The applicant must possess adequate knowledge before 
being permitted to take the oral and practical tests, because it is 
this knowledge that enables an applicant to solve practical problems 
and demonstrate the ability to perform the work of a certificated 
aviation maintenance technician. In addition, when taking an oral or 
practical test, an applicant for a certificate must handle complex 
equipment; a lack of knowledge about the use of that equipment could 
injure the applicant or others. Therefore, the FAA has clarified the 
current requirement by proposing amendatory language that would require 
all applicants, except students at an approved Part 147 aviation 
maintenance school, to pass all sections of the written test before 
applying for the oral and practical tests.

Recognition of New Written Testing Methods

    In the area of written testing, the FAA recognizes recent 
developments in training and testing technology. Because the results of 
some written tests, such as those from recently approved computer-based 
testing, can be made immediately available to the applicant, the FAA 
proposes that a report of the written test be made available, as 
opposed to sent, to an applicant who has taken the examination using 
computer-based testing.

Specification of Experience Requirements in Hours

    The FAA proposes that experience requirements for aviation 
maintenance personnel, currently expressed in months, be expressed in 
an equivalent number of hours. A change to the hourly experience 
requirements would give the FAA and the aviation industry a simpler 
method of measuring and verifying work experience. The proposed 
revision also would enable aviation maintenance personnel working in 
part-time positions to better quantify their work experience. FAA Order 
8300.10, Airworthiness Inspector's Handbook, currently permits the 
practice of measuring part-time experience requirements in hours. The 
proposed rule would expand this current practice by measuring both 
part-time and full-time experience in hours. Equivalent levels of full 
time experience are: 6 months/1000 hours; 18 months/3000 hours; 30 
months/5000 hours.

Establishment of Basic Competency Requirements

    Currently Sec. 65.79, Skill requirements, requires an applicant for 
a mechanic certificate to pass an oral and practical test covering the 
applicant's skills in performing practical projects covered by the 
written test. Because of the complexity of current aviation maintenance 
operations, the FAA proposes to establish a broad-based competency 
requirement in Sec. 66.79 that encompasses more than the skill 
requirements included in the current regulation.
    Current interpretations of the existing regulation tend to 
emphasize the evaluation of basic skills that often concentrate solely 
on tasks involving manual dexterity. Although mastery of these basic 
skills is invaluable, the FAA asserts that a more comprehensive level 
of competency, based on current aviation maintenance practices, is 
required of aviation maintenance technicians. The proposed rule would 
expand the evaluation of aviation maintenance technician applicants to 
include a demonstration of competency in technical tasks and aircraft 
maintenance more appropriate to the current aviation environment and 
the certificate and rating sought.

Use of Equipment-Specific Training to Qualify for Certificate 
Privileges

    Through the use of equipment-specific training, the proposal would 
provide the holder of an aviation maintenance technician certificate 
with an additional means to remain qualified to approve and return to 
service any aircraft, appliance, or part for which that person is rated 
and to supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, alteration, 
and return to service of these aircraft, appliances, and parts.
    Under the current regulation, a certificate holder may supervise 
maintenance operations or approve and return to service an aircraft, 
appliance, or part if the certificate holder has: (1) previously 
performed the work; (2) performed the work to the satisfaction of the 
Administrator; or (3) performed the work under the direct supervision 
of a certificated mechanic or repairman who has had previous experience 
with that specific task.
    The proposal would allow the aviation maintenance technician to use 
equipment-specific training to obtain the competency necessary to 
supervise these operations or approve an item for return to service 
without previously having performed the work that is anticipated. 
Through the adoption of equipment-specific training to satisfy this 
experience requirement, the FAA recognized enhancements in aviation 
maintenance training that can provide the aviation maintenance 
technician with technical knowledge equal to knowledge gained in the 
work environment. However, in allowing training to replace actual work 
experience, the FAA would require a high level of specificity between 
the training and the actual work to be preformed or supervised. 
Therefore, the proposal would require that the training used to satisfy 
this requirement be unique to the specific equipment on which the work 
is to be performed. A course of instruction detailing the maintenance 
practices for the same make and model aircraft on which an aviation 
maintenance technician will perform work, or a course of instruction 
detailing the overhaul procedures for a specific part or appliance, for 
example, would satisfy the provisions of the proposed rule. Such 
courses may be provided by any manufacturer, individual, or 
organization whose training has been found acceptable to the 
Administrator.
    Training of a more general nature, which may be used to satisfy 
currency requirements as proposed in Sec. 66.83, may not be 
sufficiently specific to allow an aviation maintenance technician to 
perform work on a specific aircraft, part, or appliance. For example, a 
course in the FAR applicable to maintenance procedures would not 
satisfy the provisions of proposed Sec. 66.81 but could be used to 
satisfy the provisions of proposed Sec. 66.83.
    The FAA also proposes to clarify the intent of the current 
regulation by proposing amendatory language that would allow a 
certificate holder, who desires to exercise supervisory, return to 
service, or approval responsibilities, to demonstrate the ability to 
perform the work to the satisfaction of the Administrator. The current 
regulation requires actual performance of the work.

Use of Instructional Time by Aviation Maintenance Instructors to 
Satisfy Currency Requirements

    Under current Sec. 65.83, there are no provisions for allowing 
individuals involved in aviation maintenance instruction to use that 
experience for maintaining the currency required to exercise the 
privileges of their certificate and ratings. The FAA recognizes that 
the experience gained while providing aviation maintenance instruction 
or directly supervising other aviation maintenance instructors is 
commensurate with the experience obtained while directly performing 
aviation maintenance. The FAA already recognizes this experience in 
current Sec. 65.91(c)(2). Within that section the phrase ``actively 
engaged'' includes instructors who are exercising the privileges of 
their certificate and ratings at an aviation maintenance school 
certificated under Part 147 of this chapter. Therefore, the FAA 
proposes to allow the use of instructional time also to satisfy 
currency requirements.
    Under the proposed rule, a certificate holder would qualify to 
maintain currency by serving as an aviation maintenance instructor or 
by directly supervising other aviation maintenance instructors under 
his or her certificate or rating. The instruction concerned would have 
to be directly related to aviation maintenance and acceptable to the 
Administrator, so that the time an individual spends providing 
instruction or directly supervising other instructors is equivalent to 
the experience gained while performing aviation maintenance tasks. For 
example, instructional time provided at Part 147 aviation maintenance 
technician schools or under an approved air carrier maintenance 
training program would be acceptable and would meet the intent of the 
proposed rule.
    The purpose of currency requirements is to ensure that all aviation 
maintenance technicians are familiar with current maintenance practices 
and the applicable FAR. The aviation maintenance instructor must keep 
abreast of current maintenance practices in a wide variety of 
disciplines to provide the high quality instruction required. Aviation 
maintenance instructors perform a critical function in the aviation 
maintenance education process, and the FAA believes that the adoption 
of the proposed rule would recognize this importance.

Establishment of Training Requirements for Certificated Aviation 
Maintenance Technicians Exercising the Privileges of their Certificates 
for Compensation or Hire

    Under current Part 65, there are no specific provisions that 
require the training of certificated mechanics. Current regulations 
ensure that certificated aviation maintenance technicians supporting 
operations under Parts 121, 127, 135, and 145.2(a) are informed fully 
about procedures, techniques, and new equipment in use through 
participation in maintenance and preventive maintenance training 
programs. In an effort to ensure that all aviation maintenance 
technicians are informed of current maintenance practices in the 
rapidly changing aviation maintenance environment, the FAA proposes the 
adoption of refresher training, requalification training, and other 
training appropriate to the duties of the aviation maintenance 
technician, for aviation maintenance technicians who use their 
certificates for compensation or hire and do not participate in the 
maintenance and preventive maintenance training programs referenced 
above. This proposal would ensure that all aviation maintenance 
technicians who exercise the privileges of their certificates for 
compensation or hire and have the sole responsibility for ensuring the 
airworthiness of the equipment on which they perform maintenance meet 
training requirements similar to those currently in place for aviation 
maintenance technicians supporting operations under Parts 121, 127, 
135, and 145.2(a). In addition, this proposal would also ensure that 
aviation maintenance technicians who support U.S. certificated repair 
stations that do not have maintenance and preventive maintenance 
training programs receive comparable training.
    Under the proposed rule, an aviation maintenance technician who 
meets the prescribed work experience requirements and wishes to 
exercise the privileges of the certificate or rating for compensation 
or hire would be required to complete refresher training or other 
training appropriate to the duties of an aviation maintenance 
technician.
    An aviation maintenance technician refresher course, inspection 
authorization refresher course, or a series of such courses that are 
acceptable to the Administrator and consist of a total of not less than 
16 hours of instruction within a 24-month period could be used to 
satisfy the refresher training requirement. The completion of an 
inspection authorization refresher course by an aviation maintenance 
technician who does not hold a current inspection authorization would 
also constitute completion of the mandatory aviation maintenance 
technician training requirement. Adoption of such a provision would 
increase the range of training options available to the aviation 
maintenance technician and would enhance the individual's understanding 
of the inspection authorization process.
    As an alternative to refresher training, an aviation maintenance 
technician wishing to exercise the privileges of the certificate and 
ratings for compensation or hire may complete other training 
appropriate to the duties of an aviation maintenance technician. This 
training may be broad based and would consist of a course or courses of 
instruction, acceptable to the Administrator, of not less than 16 hours 
within a 24-month period. Completion of courses dealing with general 
maintenance practices or regulations applicable to maintenance 
operations, for example, would satisfy the intent of this proposed 
rule.
    The FAA recognizes that many certificated aviation maintenance 
technicians, who support Part 91 operations or other maintenance 
facilities without maintenance or preventive maintenance training 
programs in place, receive periodic maintenance training. For example, 
these aviation maintenance technicians may receive training through 
aviation training centers or manufacturer's courses. The proposed rule 
would permit this type of maintenance instruction to be credited toward 
the hours needed to complete the proposed training requirements, 
provided the instruction is acceptable to the Administrator.
    The training required under this provision, as set forth in 
proposed Sec. 66.83, encompasses more types of training than the 
training that may be used to satisfy the provision of the proposed 
Sec. 66.81. Therefore, compliance with proposed Sec. 66.83 does not 
automatically authorize the aviation maintenance technician to perform 
a specific task. Additionally, equipment-specific training is 
encompassed within the concept of ``training appropriate to the duties 
of an aviation maintenance technician.'' Equipment-specific training 
used by the aviation maintenance technician to satisfy the requirements 
of proposed Sec. 66.81 also may be used to satisfy the proposed 
currency requirements. For example, an aviation maintenance technician 
who received maintenance training on a Gulfstream IV aircraft that 
enabled the aviation maintenance technician to perform work on that 
specific aircraft may credit the hours of instruction received toward 
the training required in proposed Sec. 66.83.
    An individual who exercises the privileges of the certificate, but 
not for compensation or hire, would not need to complete these training 
requirements. Many of the individuals who do not exercise their 
privileges for compensation or hire perform only limited work on 
aircraft that they own or on a limited range of aeronautical equipment. 
In such cases, knowledge of a broad range of current maintenance 
technologies is not necessarily required. Although the FAA encourages 
these personnel to attend refresher training, the FAA has determined 
that a mandatory training requirement for these individuals is not 
warranted.
    The proposal also sets forth a provision that would permit an 
aviation maintenance technician who has not exercised the privileges of 
the certificate within the preceding 24 months to exercise the 
privileges of the certificate including for compensation or hire by 
completing requalification training acceptable to the Administrator. A 
specific minimum time for requalification training has not been 
specified in the proposed regulation in order to provide instructors 
and examiners with greater flexibility in assisting non-current 
aviation maintenance technicians to achieve the required proficiency.
    An additional change to the current rule would enhance the ability 
of non-current aviation maintenance technicians to regain the currency 
required to exercise the privileges of their certificate and ratings. 
The proposed rule would allow these individuals to credit the time they 
work under the supervision of a certificated aviation maintenance 
technician toward currency requirements.
    The holder also may continue to exercise the privileges of the 
certificate and associated ratings if the Administrator finds that the 
aviation maintenance technician is competent to exercise those 
privileges. Passing an oral and practical test with a designed aviation 
maintenance technician examiner (currently, a designated mechanic 
examiner (DME)) would satisfy this requirement.
    Sections 121.375, 127.137, and 135.433 require that an operator 
have a training program to ensure that persons performing maintenance 
or preventive maintenance functions are informed fully about procedures 
and techniques and new equipment in use. Additionally, Sec. 145.2(a) 
requires that repair stations performing maintenance for a Part 121 or 
127 operator comply with either Part 121, Subpart L (which includes the 
requirements of Sec. 121.375) or Part 127, Subpart I (which includes 
the requirements of Sec. 127.137). Compliance with any of these 
sections meets the intent of the proposed rule. Individuals exercising 
the privileges of their certificates under the provisions of these 
sections, therefore, need not comply with the training requirements set 
forth in the proposed rule.
    In addition, an aviation maintenance instructor teaching under an 
aviation maintenance training program acceptable to the Administrator 
need not comply with these proposed training requirements. As a result 
of their position as aviation maintenance instructors, these 
individuals continually are exposed to current maintenance practices 
and often disseminate information about new practices, techniques, and 
equipment to the aviation maintenance community. The intent of the 
proposed rule would be satisfied because their position requires these 
individuals to be fully informed about current maintenance practices.
    In recognition of enhancements in training technology, the proposed 
rule also requires successful completion of these courses rather than 
attendance and successful completion. Therefore, the Administrator may 
find home study or video courses acceptable for fulfilling the 
requirements specified in the proposed Sec. 66.83. However, any 
training should include a substantial review of regulations pertinent 
to the exercise of the privileges and limitations of the aviation 
maintenance technician certificate.
    This proposal for continued aviation maintenance training addresses 
concerns such as those expressed in recent proposals to require formal 
training for all aircraft mechanic applicants. In conjunction with the 
issuance of a proposed final rule, the FAA will develop policy on the 
content and conduct of any aviation maintenance technician refresher 
course, other training appropriate to the duties of the aviation 
maintenance technician (including equipment-specific training), and 
requalification training.

Extension of Inspection Authorization Duration

    Under the proposed rule, the duration of an inspection 
authorization would be extended from the current 12 months to 24 
months. Extending the duration of the inspection authorization would 
make the authorization consistent with FAA practices regarding the 
issuance of other renewable certificates, such as the flight instructor 
certificate, which is renewed every 24 months. A 24-month renewal cycle 
would relieve the public of a significant regulatory burden and FAA 
Flight Standards District Offices of a considerable administrative 
burden without compromising safety. Modifying the existing training and 
currency requirements to coincide with the adoption of a 24-month 
renewal cycle would give holders greater flexibility in meeting 
regulatory requirements.

Expansion of Inspection Authorization Renewal Options

    The proposal would permit the holder of an inspection authorization 
to use a combination of annual inspections, inspections of major 
repairs or major alterations, and progressive inspections to satisfy 
the renewal requirements for the inspection authorization. Such a 
provision would give the holder of an inspection authorization much 
greater flexibility in meeting renewal requirements. To better 
facilitate the combination of these inspections for the purpose of 
certificate renewal with other inspection periods currently designated 
in months, the proposal would change the currently specified 90-day 
periods for inspections to 3-month periods.
    The proposed rule would also permit the holder of an inspection 
authorization to use participation in current inspection programs 
recommended by the manufacturer or other inspection programs 
established by the registered owner or operator under Sec. 91.409(f)(3) 
or (4) to satisfy renewal requirements. Although an inspection 
authorization is not required by an aviation maintenance technician in 
order to participate in these inspection programs, the FAA asserts that 
the experience gained through participation in such inspection programs 
is commensurate with the experience currently accepted to obtain the 
inspection authorization renewal. This proposal would benefit holders 
of an inspection authorization who are employed by operators that 
maintain aircraft under a current inspection program yet also maintain 
an insufficient number of aircraft under other annual inspection 
programs to provide the holder of the inspection authorization with 
sufficient renewal options under the current rule. The proposed rule 
would neither change the privileges of the inspection authorization nor 
compromise safety because the types of aircraft normally maintained 
under a current inspection program are often more complex than those 
maintained under an annual inspection program.
    Under the current regulation, the holder of an inspection 
authorization may renew the inspection authorization by attending and 
successfully completing a refresher course, acceptable to the 
Administrator, of not less than 8 hours during the 12-month period 
preceding the application for renewal. Because the proposal would 
modify the duration of the inspection authorization to 24 months, it 
would require that an inspection authorization refresher course or 
series of courses consisting of a total of not less than 16 hours be 
taken in the 24 months preceding the application for renewal. The 
proposed rule would not change the total amount of instruction an 
applicant is required to complete in the 24-month period preceding the 
application for renewal.

Section-by-Section Analysis

Part 65

    Under the proposal, the title of Part 65 would be amended to 
reflect the removal of Subparts D (Mechanics) and E (Repairmen) from 
this part. The proposal would amend the title of Part 65 by revising 
the title of the part and would specifically list airmen whose 
certification would continue to be regulated by this part. The title 
would be changed from ``Certification: Airmen Other than Flight 
Crewmembers'' to ``Certification: Air-Traffic Control Tower Operators, 
Aircraft Dispatchers, and Parachute Riggers.''

Section 65.1

    Section 65.1 currently states that Part 65 is applicable to air 
traffic control tower operators, aircraft dispatchers, mechanics, 
repairmen, and parachute riggers. Under the proposal, certification of 
mechanics and repairmen (aviation maintenance technicians and aviation 
repair specialists under the proposed rule would be regulated by Part 
66. The proposal would revise Sec. 65.1 by limiting the applicability 
of this part to air traffic control tower operators, aircraft 
dispatchers, and parachute riggers.

Section 65.3

    Section 65.3 prescribes the certification requirements for foreign 
mechanics. Because the proposal would place the certification for all 
mechanics under Part 66, this section would be removed from Part 65 and 
reserved. An equivalent section, Sec. 66.3, is proposed for inclusion 
in Part 66.

Section 65.11

    Currently, Sec. 65.11(d)(2) prohibits a person whose repairman or 
mechanic certificate is revoked from applying for either of those kinds 
of certificates for 1 year after the date of revocation, unless the 
order of revocation provides otherwise. Because the proposal would 
place the certification of all mechanics and repairmen under Part 66, 
this paragraph would be removed from Part 65; an equivalent paragraph, 
Sec. 66.11(d), has been proposed for inclusion in Part 66.

Part 65 Subpart D and Subpart E

    The proposal would completely remove Subpart D (Mechanics) and 
Subpart E (Repairmen) from Part 65 and would establish Subpart B 
(Aviation Maintenance Technicians) and Subpart C (Aviation Repair 
Specialists) under Part 66. The new subparts would be based upon the 
subparts originally found in Part 65.

Part 66

    Under the proposal, a new Part 66 prescribing the certification 
requirements solely for aviation maintenance personnel would be 
created. Part 66 would include Subpart A (General), Subpart B (Aviation 
Maintenance Technicians), and Subpart C (Aviation Repair Specialists). 
Subpart A (General) would be based on Part 65, Subpart A and modified 
to address regulatory concerns applicable to aviation maintenance 
technicians and aviation repair specialists. The proposal would 
establish the new part under the title ``Certification: Aviation 
Maintenance Technicians and Aviation Repair Specialists.''

Section 66.1

    The proposed Sec. 66.1 sets forth the applicability of Part 66. 
This proposed section is based upon Sec. 65.1 of the current FAR. This 
section would limit the applicability of this new part to aviation 
maintenance technicians and aviation repair specialists.

Section 66.3

    The proposed Sec. 66.3 prescribes the certification requirements 
for foreign aviation maintenance technicians. This proposed section is 
based on Sec. 65.3 of the current FAR. There are no substantive 
differences between the proposed section and the current Sec. 65.3.

Section 66.11

    The proposed Sec. 66.11 prescribes the application and issuance 
procedures for a certificate and ratings under this part. This proposed 
section is based on Sec. 65.11 of the current FAR. There are no 
substantive differences between paragraphs (a) through (c) of the 
proposed section and the current Sec. 65.11. Paragraph (d) of the 
proposed rule would not change the substantive provisions of Sec. 65.11 
as it applies to aviation maintenance personnel; however, it differs 
from the current Sec. 65.11 in that it removes provisions that are only 
applicable to air traffic control operators, aircraft dispatchers, and 
parachute riggers.

Sections 66.12, 66.13

    The proposed Secs. 66.12 and 66.13 are based on current Secs. 65.12 
and 65.13. These sections refer to offenses involving alcohol or drugs 
and temporary certificates. There are no substantive differences 
between these proposed sections for Part 66 and current corresponding 
sections in Part 65.

Section 66.15

    The proposed Sec. 66.15 is based upon the current Sec. 65.15 and 
establishes the duration of certificates issued under this part. The 
proposed rule corrects an earlier omission by including the aviation 
repair specialist certificate (experimental aircraft builder) among 
those certificates that are effective until surrendered, suspended, or 
revoked.

Section 66.16

    The proposal would revise current procedures by permitting an 
airman who has lost a certificate issued under Part 66 to request a 
facsimile of the certificate from the FAA as confirmation of the 
certificate's original issuance. The proposal also would allow any 
request to the FAA to be made by facsimile and would permit the FAA to 
send directly to the airman a facsimile that may be carried by the 
airman, for a period not to exceed 60 days, as proof of the original 
certificate's issuance.

Sections 66.17, 66.18, 66.19, 66.20, 66.21, 66.23

    The proposed Secs. 66.17, 66.18, 66.19, 66.20, 66.21, and 66.23 are 
based on current Secs. 65.17, 65.18, 65.19, 65.20, 65.21, and 65.23. 
These sections refer to written test general procedures, cheating or 
other unauthorized conduct on written tests, retesting after failure, 
falsification of documents, changes of address, and the refusal to 
submit to a drug test. There are no substantive differences between 
these proposed sections for Part 66 and current corresponding sections 
in Part 65.

Part 66 Subpart B

    The structure of Part 66, Subpart B, is based upon the current 
structure of Part 65, Subpart D. Under the proposed rule, the title of 
Part 66, Subpart B, would become ``Aviation Maintenance Technicians.''

Section 66.71

    The proposed Sec. 66.71 is based upon the current Sec. 65.71 and 
differs from that section solely in the language of subparagraph 
(a)(2). The proposal differs from current Sec. 65.71, because in 
addition to requiring an applicant for an aviation maintenance 
technician certificate to read, write, speak, and understand the 
English language, as is currently required, it would require the 
applicant to demonstrate this knowledge by reading and explaining 
appropriate maintenance publications and by writing defect and repair 
statements. The proposal also differs from the current section in that 
it would eliminate the issuance of certificates to individuals who 
cannot meet this requirement and who are employed solely outside the 
United States by a U.S. air carrier.

Section 66.73

    The proposed Sec. 66.73 would establish the ratings issued under 
this subpart. This proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.73. The 
proposal would revise current paragraph (b), to establish the 
equivalency of the current mechanic certificate and the proposed 
aviation maintenance technician certificate. The proposal also provides 
for the exchange of corresponding certificates and ratings.

Section 66.75

    The proposed Sec. 66.75 would establish the knowledge requirements 
for certificates and ratings issued under this part.
    This proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.75. The proposed 
revisions to the current knowledge requirements encompass the current 
requirement that the applicant be tested in the applicable provisions 
of Parts 43 and 91 of this chapter and also expand the knowledge 
required of an applicant by requiring the applicant to pass a written 
test that includes material on all applicable provisions of this 
chapter.
    To clarify the existing language of Sec. 65.75, the proposed 
revisions would require the applicant to pass all sections of the 
written test (as opposed to each section) before applying for the oral 
and practical tests for the certificate or rating sought.
    Because of the increased use of computer-based testing, the 
proposal would require a report of the written test to be made 
available to the applicant upon completion of the test. The current 
section requires the FAA to send the applicant a report.

Section 66.77

    The proposed Sec. 66.77 would establish the experience requirements 
for certificates and ratings issued under this part. This proposed 
section is based on current Sec. 65.77. The proposed revisions to the 
current experience requirements would result in experience requirements 
being specified in hours instead of months. All proposed experience 
requirements are approximate equivalents of the current full-time 
experience requirements.

Section 66.79

    The proposed Sec. 66.79 would establish the competency requirements 
for applicants attempting to obtain a certificate or rating under this 
part. This proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.79. The 
proposed revisions to the current section establish a basic competency 
requirement for an aviation maintenance technician by requiring the 
applicant to demonstrate competency in performing tasks appropriate to 
the rating sought. The proposal would also clarify the existing 
regulation to ensure that an applicant passes both an oral and a 
practical test appropriate to the rating sought.

Section 66.80

    The proposed Sec. 66.80 prescribes specific requirements for the 
testing of certified aviation maintenance technician school students. 
This proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.80 with no 
substantive differences.

Section 66.81

    The proposed Sec. 66.81, based on current Sec. 65.81, would define 
the privileges and limitations of a certificate holder under this part. 
The proposed revision to the current privileges and limitations of 
certificate holders would clarify and expand the manner in which an 
aviation maintenance technician may become qualified to supervise the 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of any aircraft, or 
approve and return to service any aircraft or appliance, or part 
thereof, for which that person is rated. The proposal would provide the 
holder of an aviation maintenance technician certificate with 
additional means to qualify for the exercise of these privileges. In 
addition to the means specified in the current Sec. 65.81, the holder 
may exercise the privileges mentioned above if the aviation maintenance 
technician has received the equipment-specific training or has 
performed the work under the direct supervision of a certificated and 
appropriately rated aviation maintenance technician or certificated 
aviation repair specialist who has also received equipment-specific 
training.
    Additionally, the proposal would clarify Sec. 65.81 by permitting 
the holder of an aviation maintenance technician certificate to 
exercise the privileges of the certificate and ratings by demonstrating 
the ability to perform the work to the satisfaction of the 
Administrator. The current regulation requires actual performance of 
the work.
    The proposed regulation would require that the work recognized 
under proposed Sec. 66.81 be performed after the individual has been 
certificated as an aviation maintenance technician. Work performed 
while an individual is in training for certification as an aviation 
maintenance technician may not necessarily be of the same quality 
required for the return to service of an article, and therefore would 
not be credited toward satisfying the requirements specified in 
Sec. 66.81.
    The proposal also would require that a certificated aviation 
maintenance technician understand all current maintenance instructions 
(as opposed to maintenance manuals) for the specific operation 
concerned in order to exercise the privileges of the certificate and 
rating.

Section 66.83

    The proposed Sec. 66.83 would prescribe the specific currency 
requirements for aviation maintenance technicians. This proposed 
section is based on current Sec. 65.83, Recent experience requirements. 
The proposal would provide the holder of an aviation maintenance 
technician certificate with additional means to maintain the currency 
required to exercise the privileges of the certificate and ratings. In 
addition to the means currently specified in Sec. 65.83(a), the 
proposal would allow the aviation maintenance technician to maintain 
the currency required to exercise the privileges of the certificate, if 
the person served as an aviation maintenance instructor under an 
aviation maintenance training program acceptable to the Administrator, 
directly supervised other aviation maintenance instructors, who are 
serving under an aviation maintenance training program acceptable to 
the Administrator, or served under the supervision of a certificated 
aviation maintenance technician. The proposal also would allow the use 
of any combination of the proposed and current methods to maintain 
currency.
    The proposal would create a new subparagraph that would require the 
successful completion of refresher training or training appropriate to 
the duties of an aviation maintenance technician if the individual 
desires to exercise the privileges of the certificate or ratings for 
compensation or hire. The refresher training may consist of an aviation 
maintenance technician refresher course, an inspection authorization 
course, or a series of courses, acceptable to the Administrator, of not 
less than 16 hours of instruction. Training appropriate to the work to 
be performed must also be acceptable to the Administrator and consist 
of not less than 16 hours of instruction.
    The proposal would not require all aviation maintenance technicians 
to complete the new training requirements. An aviation maintenance 
technician, who within the preceding 24 months exercised the privileges 
of the certificate and ratings for a certificate holder authorized to 
operate under the provisions of Parts 121, 127, 135, or for a U.S.-
certificated repair station that performed work in accordance with 
Sec. 145.2(a) or conducted a maintenance and preventive maintenance 
training program, would not be subject to the proposed training 
requirements. Additionally, aviation maintenance instructors teaching 
under an aviation maintenance training program that is acceptable to 
the Administrator need not complete the proposed training requirements.
    The proposal sets forth an additional provision that would permit 
the aviation maintenance technician to exercise the privileges of the 
certificate for compensation or hire if the certificate holder 
successfully completes a requalification course acceptable to the 
Administrator.
    The proposed revision to the current regulation would change the 6-
month currency requirement to be specified in hours instead of months. 
The 1,000 hours of experience specified in the proposal approximately 
equal the current 6-month full-time experience requirement.

Sections 66.85, 66.87, 66.89, 66.91

    The proposed Secs. 66.85, 66.87, 66.89, and 66.91 are based on 
current Secs. 65.85, 65.87, 65.89, and 65.91, respectively. These 
sections refer to the additional privileges of the airframe rating, the 
powerplant rating, the display of certificates, and the inspection 
authorization, respectively. There are no substantive difference 
between these proposed sections for Part 66 and current corresponding 
sections in Part 65.

Section 66.92

    The proposed Sec. 66.92 prescribes the duration of an inspection 
authorization. This proposed section is based on Sec. 65.92 of the 
current FAR. There is one substantive difference between the proposed 
section and the current Sec. 65.92. Under the proposal, the expiration 
date of the inspection authorization would be extended to March 31 of 
the second year after its issuance. Under the current regulation, the 
inspection authorization expires on March 31 of each year.

Section 66.93

    The proposed Sec. 66.93 prescribed the renewal procedures for an 
inspection authorization and is based on current Sec. 65.93. The 
proposed section would extend the inspection authorization renewal 
requirement to every 2 years so that it would corresponds to the 
extension of the inspection authorization as proposed in Sec. 66.92 
above.
    The proposal would permit the holder of an inspection authorization 
to use a combination of annual inspections, inspections of major 
repairs on major alterations, and progressive inspections to satisfy 
the renewal requirements for the inspection authorization. 
Participation in current inspection programs recommended by the 
manufacturer of other inspection programs established by the registered 
owner or operator under Sec. 91.409(f)(3) or (4) now also may be used 
to satisfy renewal requirements. To better facilitate the combination 
of these inspections, the proposal would change the currently specified 
90-day period to a 3-month period.
    Under the current regulation, the holder of an inspection 
authorization may renew the authorization by attending and successfully 
completing a refresher course of not less than 8 hours, acceptable to 
the Administrator, during the 12-month period preceding the application 
for renewal. Because the proposal would change the duration of the 
inspection authorization to 24 months, the proposal would require that 
an inspection authorization refresher course or series of course 
consisting of a total of not less than 16 hours be taken in the 24 
months preceding the application for renewal. The proposed rule does 
not change the total amount of instruction the applicant must complete 
in the 24-month preceding the application for renewal. The proposed 
rule also differs from the current regulation in that it only requires 
successful completion (as opposed to attendance and successful 
completion) of an inspection authorization refresher course. The 
proposal recognizes recent developments in instructional techniques and 
permits instruction methods, acceptable to the Administrator, that may 
differ from the standard classroom or lecture format.

Section 66.95

    The proposed Sec. 66.95 prescribes the privileges and limitations 
of an inspection authorization and is based on current Sec. 65.95 with 
no substantive differences.

Part 66 Subpart C

    The structure of part 66, Subpart C, is based upon the current 
structure of Part 65, Subpart D. Under the proposed rule, the title of 
Part 66, Subpart C, would become ``Aviation Repair Specialists''

Section 66.101

    The proposed Sec. 66.101 would prescribe the general eligibility 
requirements for the aviation repair specialist certificate. This 
proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.101. The proposal would 
specify the current 18-month experience requirement in hours instead of 
months. The 3,000 hours of experience specified in the proposal 
approximately equal the current full-time 18-month experience 
requirement.
    The proposal differs from the current Sec. 65.101 in the language 
of paragraph (a)(6). The proposal would not only require an applicant 
for an aviation repair specialist certificate to read, write, speak, 
and understand the English language, as is currently required, but also 
would require the applicant to demonstrate this knowledge by reading 
and explaining appropriate maintenance publications and by writing 
defect and repair statements. The proposal also differs from the 
current section in that it would eliminate the issuance of certificates 
to individuals who cannot meet this requirement and who are employed 
solely outside the United States by a certificated U.S. repair station, 
a certificated U.S. commercial operator, or a certificated U.S. air 
carrier. The language in this portion of the proposed rule corresponds 
with the language proposed in Sec. 66.71(a)(2), which similarly amends 
the eligibility requirements for the aviation maintenance technician 
certificate.
    The proposal adds to this section paragraph (c), which establishes 
the equivalency of the current repairman certificate and the proposed 
aviation repair specialist certificate. The proposal also provides for 
the exchange of corresponding certificates and ratings.

Section 66.103, 66.104, 66.105

    The proposed Secs. 66.103, 66.104, and 66.105 are based on current 
Secs. 65.103, 65.104, and 66.105, respectively. These sections refer to 
aviation repair specialist certificate privileges and limitations, the 
experimental aircraft builder privileges and limitations, and the 
display of certificates, respectively. There are no substantive 
differences between these proposed sections for Part 66 and current 
corresponding sections in Part 65.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements in the proposed amendment 
to Part 65 and the newly established Part 66 have previously been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under provisions 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1990 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 
have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0022.

Regulatory Evaluation Summary

    Executive Order 12866 dated September 30, 1993, directs Federal 
agencies to promulgate new regulations and maintain current regulations 
only if they are required by law, are necessary to interpret the law, 
or are made necessary by a ``compelling public need.'' The order also 
requires that agencies assess all costs and benefits of available 
regulatory alternatives and select the alternative that maximizes the 
net benefits and imposes the least burden on society.
    Additionally, the order requires agencies to submit a list of all 
rules, except those specifically exempted by the Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) because they respond to emergency 
situations or other narrowly defined exigencies, to determine whether 
any rule is a ``significant regulatory action.''
    ``Significant regulatory action'' means an action that is likely to 
result in a rule that may: (1) have an annual effect on the economy of 
$100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, 
a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal 
governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; 
(3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user 
fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order. A ``significant regulatory action'' is submitted 
for centralized regulatory review by OIRA. OIRA and the FAA have 
determined that this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action.''
    This section contains the benefits and costs analyzed in the 
preliminary regulatory evaluation. In addition, it includes an initial 
regulatory flexibility determination required by the 1980 Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and an international trade impact assessment. The 
complete regulatory evaluation, which contains more detailed economic 
information that this summary provides, is available in the docket.
    This proposed rule change would revise the regulations that 
prescribe the certification and training requirements for mechanics and 
repairmen. The proposal would enhance the professionalism of the 
aviation maintenance workforce by expanding the means for aviation 
maintenance personnel to satisfy training, experience, and currency 
requirements. Employers would also benefit from the increased supply of 
potential employees who are expected to maintain their currency because 
of the wider range of options for achieving this objective that would 
be permitted under the proposal. Another benefit for employers is 
expected to be an increase in the quality of new hires, thereby 
lessening the need for initial training to assure that these employees 
have basic skills and knowledge. Recurrent training is also expected to 
assist aviation maintenance personnel in staying abreast of the rapid 
changes in technology that are expected to occur. The expected 
magnitude of these benefits cannot be quantified with any certainty, 
however, because of their intangible nature.
    Only one of the provisions would impose significant costs on the 
industry. This provision would require mechanics who use their 
certificates for compensation or hire to receive refresher or 
requalification training. At present, certified mechanics working under 
Parts 121, 127, and 135 and Sec. 145.2(a) must be fully informed about 
procedures, techniques, and new equipment in use through participation 
in maintenance and preventive maintenance training programs. These 
mechanics are, therefore, already in compliance with the proposed rule. 
This proposed requirement for recurrent training would primarily affect 
those mechanics who work on general aviation aircraft rather than 
aircraft used by the air carriers. The FAA estimates that this proposed 
rule would affect from 14,000 to 23,000 mechanics of a total workforce 
of about 145,000.
    Taking an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) refresher courts, 
an inspection authorization refresher course, or a series of such 
courses that are acceptable to the Administrator, would satisfy the 
requirements of this proposed rule. However, the course or courses 
taken within a 2-year time period must consist of a total of not less 
than 16 hours of instruction. This training may be broad based or 
narrowly focused but must be acceptable to the Administrator. For 
example, courses dealing with general maintenance practices of 
regulations applicable to maintenance operations as well as equipment-
specific training would be acceptable. Some home study or video courses 
may also be acceptable for fulfilling this requirement.
    The FAA estimates that the total expected cost of recurrent 
training over a 10-year period would range between $37.28 million and 
$66.53 million on an undiscounted basis and between $25.94 million and 
$46.48 million on a discounted basis. The midpoints of these ranges are 
$51.91 million (undiscounted) and $36.21 million (discounted).
    The bulk of the expected benefits are expected to accrue from 
productivity gains. Productivity is expected to increase because 
recurrent training in troubleshooting techniques or general maintenance 
practices should reduce the amount of time required to diagnose 
problems and lower the incidence of unnecessary repairs, which inflate 
repair costs. The lack of information regarding the prevalence of 
inefficient or ineffective repairs makes it difficult to project the 
potential magnitude of the benefits expected to result from this 
factor. The adoption of the conservative assumption that productivity 
would increase by only .5 percent per year, however, would result in an 
annualized benefit range (undiscounted) of $4.17 million to $6.39 
million, the midpoint of which ($5.28 million) would exceed the 
expected magnitude of undiscounted annual costs, making the rule change 
cost beneficial.
    Administrative cost savings are expected to add to the benefits. 
The most substantial component of these savings should result from 
reducing the current annual requirement for IA renewal to a biennial 
one. The FAA estimates that these cost savings for the FAA would amount 
to $.71 million on a discounted basis over a 10-year period. A 
provision that would allow mechanics to substitute a requalification 
course for the requirement to work at least 6 months over the previous 
2 years in order to maintain one's currency would benefit employers by 
not only increasing the pool of available qualified mechanics, but also 
by saving them the administrative costs involved in checking an 
applicant's qualifications for the job. These benefits could not be 
quantified.

Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) was enacted by Congres 
to ensure that small entities are not unnecessarily and 
disproportionately burdened by government regulations. The RFA requires 
agencies to review rules which may have a ``significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities.'' Small entities include 
businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government jurisdictions.
    The proposed regulation will affect individuals only and is, 
therefore, not expected to have a significant impact on a substantial 
number of small businesses.

International Trade Impact

    The proposed rule would have a negligible impact on trade 
opportunities for U.S. firms doing business overseas or on foreign 
firms doing business in the United States. The proposed rule primarily 
affects individuals, not businesses involved in the sale of aviation 
products or services.

Federalism Implications

    The regulation proposed herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the states, on the relationship between the national 
government and the states, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among various levels of government. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Conclusion

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, and based on the 
findings in the Regulatory Flexibility Determination and the 
International Trade Impact Analysis, the FAA has determined that this 
proposed regulation is not a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866. In addition, the FAA certifies that this 
proposal, if adopted, would not have a significant economic impact, 
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under 
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. This proposal is not 
considered significant under DOT Order 2100.5, Policies and Procedures 
for Simplification, Analysis, and Review of Regulations. A draft 
regulatory evaluation of the proposal, including an initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Determination and International Trade Impact Analysis, has 
been placed in the docket. A copy may be obtained by contacting the 
person identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

List of Subjects

14 CFR Part 65

    Air safety, Air transportation, Aircraft, Airmen, Aviation safety, 
Drug abuse, Narcotics, Parachutes, Transportation.

14 CFR Part 66

    Air safety, Air transportation, Aircraft, Airmen, Aviation safety, 
Drug abuse, Narcotics, Transportation.

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend part 65 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 65) and to add part 66 (14 CFR part 66) as 
follows:

PART 65--CERTIFICATION: AIRMEN OTHER THAN FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS

    1. The authority citation for part 65 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1355, 1421, 1422, and 1427; 
49 U.S.C. 106(g) (Revised 56 FR 27163, 56 FR 65653).

    2. The title of part 65 is revised to read as follows:

PART 65--CERTIFICATION: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER OPERATORS, 
AIRCRAFT DISPATCHERS, AND PARACHUTE RIGGERS

    3. Section 65.1 is amended by removing paragraphs (c) and (d) and 
redesignating paragraph (e) as paragraph (c).


Sec. 65.3  [Removed and Reserved]

    4. Section 65.3 is removed and reserved.
    5. Section 65.11 is amended by revising paragraphs (c) and (d) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 65.11  Application and issue.

* * * * *
    (c) Unless authorized by the Administrator, a person whose air 
traffic control tower operator or parachute rigger certificate is 
suspended may not apply for any rating to be added to that certificate 
during the period of suspension.
    (d) Unless the order of revocation provides otherwise, a person 
whose air traffic control tower operator, aircraft dispatcher, or 
parachute rigger certificate is revoked may not apply for the same kind 
of certificate for 1 year after the date of revocation.
    6. Section 65.15 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 65.15  Duration of certificates.

    (a) A certificate or rating issued under this part is effective 
until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
    (b) The holder of a certificate issued under this part that is 
suspended, revoked, or no longer effective shall return it to the 
Administrator.
    7. Part 65, subpart D consisting of Secs. 65.71 through 65.95, is 
removed and reserved.

Subpart D [Reserved]

    8. Part 65, subpart E consisting of Secs. 65.101 through 65.105 is 
removed and reserved.

Subpart E [Reserved]

    9. Part 66 is added to read as follows:

PART 66--CERTIFICATION: AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS AND 
AVIATION REPAIR SPECIALISTS

Subpart A--General

Sec.
66.1  Applicability.
66.3  Certification of foreign aviation maintenance technicians.
66.11  Application and issue.
66.12  Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
66.13  Temporary certificate.
66.15  Duration of certificates.
66.16  Change of name: Replacement of lost or destroyed certificate.
66.17  Tests: General procedure.
66.18  Written tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct.
66.19  Retesting after failure.
66.20  Applications, certificates, logbooks, reports and records: 
Falsification, reproduction, or alteration.
66.21  Change of address.
66.23  Refusal to submit to a drug test.

Subpart B--Aviation Maintenance Technicians

66.71  Eligibility requirements: General.
66.73  Ratings.
66.75  Knowledge requirements.
66.77  Experience requirements.
66.79  Competency requirements.
66.80  Certificated aviation maintenance technician school students.
66.81  General privileges and limitations.
66.83  Currency requirements.
66.85  Airframe rating; additional privileges.
66.87  Powerplant rating; additional privileges.
66.89  Display of certificate.
66.91  Inspection authorization.
66.92  Inspection authorization: Duration.
66.93  Inspection authorization: Renewal.
66.95  Inspection authorization: Privileges and limitations.

Subpart C--Aviation Repair Specialists

66.101  Eligibility requirements: General.
66.103  Aviation repair specialist certificate: Privileges and 
limitations.
66.104  Aviation repair specialist certificate--experimental 
aircraft builder--Eligibility, privileges and limitations.
66.105  Display of certificate.

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1355, 1421, 1422, and 1427; 
49 U.S.C. 106(g) (Revised 56 FR 27163, 56 FR 65653).

Subpart A--General


Sec. 66.1  Applicability.

    (a) This part prescribes the requirements for issuing the following 
certificates and associated ratings and the general operating rules for 
the holders of those certificates and ratings:
    (1) Aviation Maintenance Technicians.
    (2) Aviation Repair Specialists.
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec. 66.3  Certification of foreign aviation maintenance technicians.

    A person who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien is 
issued a certificate under subpart B of this part, outside the United 
States, only when the Administrator finds that the certificate is 
needed for the operation or continued airworthiness of a U.S.-
registered civil aircraft.


Sec. 66.11  Application and issue.

    (a) Application for a certificate and rating, or for an additional 
rating, under this part must be made on a form and in a manner 
prescribed by the Administrator. Each person who is neither a U.S. 
citizen nor a resident alien and who applies for a written or practical 
test to be administered outside the United States or for any 
certificate or rating issued under this part must show evidence that 
the fee prescribed in Appendix A of part 187 of this chapter has been 
paid.
    (b) An applicant who meets the requirements of this part is 
entitled to an appropriate certificate and rating.
    (c) Unless authorized by the Administrator, a person whose aviation 
maintenance technician certificate is suspended may not apply for any 
rating to be added to that certificate during the period of suspension.
    (d) Unless the order of revocation provides otherwise, a person 
whose aviation maintenance technician or aviation repair specialist 
certificate is revoked may not apply for either of those kinds of 
certificates for 1 year after the date of revocation.


Sec. 66.12  Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.

    (a) A conviction for the violation of any Federal or state statute 
relating to the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition, 
possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, 
marijuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances is grounds 
for:
    (1) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued 
under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of final 
conviction; or
    (2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued 
under this part.
    (b) The commission of an act prohibited by Sec. 91.19(a) of this 
chapter is grounds for:
    (1) Denial of an application for a certificate or rating issued 
under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of the act; 
or
    (2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued 
under this part.


Sec. 66.13  Temporary certificate.

    A certificate and ratings effective for a period of not more than 
120 days may be issued to a qualified applicant, pending review of his 
or her application and supplementary documents and the issue of the 
certificate and ratings for which the applicant applied.


Sec. 66.15  Duration of certificates.

    (a) An aviation maintenance technician certificate, an aviation 
repair specialist certificate issued to an experimental aircraft 
builder, or any rating issued under this part is effective until it is 
surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
    (b) Unless it is sooner surrendered, suspended, or revoked, an 
aviation repair specialist certificate issued to an individual other 
than an experimental aircraft builder is effective until the holder is 
relieved from the duties for which the holder was employed and 
certificated.
    (c) The holder of a certificate issued under this part that is 
suspended, revoked, or no longer effective shall return it to the 
Administrator.


Sec. 66.16  Change of name: Replacement of lost or destroyed 
certificate.

    (a) An application for a change of name on a certificate issued 
under this part must be accompanied by the applicant's current 
certificate and the marriage license, court order, or other document 
verifying the change. The documents are returned to the applicant after 
inspection.
    (b) An application for a replacement of a lost or destroyed 
certificate is made by letter to the Department of Transportation, 
Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Certification Branch, Post 
Office Box 25082, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125. The letter must:
    (1) Contain the name in which the certificate was issued, the 
permanent mailing address (including zip code), social security number 
(if any), and date and place of birth of the certificate holder and any 
available information regarding the grade, number, and date of issue of 
the certificate, and the ratings on it; and
    (2) Be accompanied by a check or money order for $2, payable to the 
Federal Aviation Administration.
    (c) A person whose certificate issued under this part has been lost 
may obtain a telegram or facsimile from the FAA confirming that it was 
issued. The telegram or facsimile may be carried as a certificate for a 
period not to exceed 60 days pending the receipt of a duplicate 
certificate under paragraph (b) of this section, unless the airman has 
been notified that the certificate has been suspended or revoked. The 
request for such a telegram or facsimile may be made by prepaid 
telegram or facsimile, stating the date upon which a duplicate 
certificate was requested, or including the request for a duplicate and 
a money order for the necessary amount. The request for a telegraphic 
or facsimile certificate should be sent to the office prescribed in 
paragraph (b) of this section.


Sec. 66.17  Tests: General procedure.

    (a) Tests prescribed by or under this part are given at times and 
places, and by persons, designated by the Administrator.
    (b) The minimum passing grade for each test is 70 percent.


Sec. 66.18  Written tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct.

    (a) Except as authorized by the Administrator, no person may:
    (1) Copy, or intentionally remove, a written test under this part;
    (2) Give to another, or receive from another, any part or copy of 
that test;
    (3) Give help on that test to, or receive help on that test from, 
any person during the period that test is being given;
    (4) Take any part of that test in behalf of another person;
    (5) Use any material or aid during the period that test is being 
given; or
    (6) Intentionally cause, assist, or participate in any act 
prohibited by this paragraph.
    (b) No person who commits an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of 
this section is eligible for any airman or ground instructor 
certificate or rating under this chapter for a period of 1 year after 
the date of that act. In addition, the commission of that act is a 
basis for suspending or revoking any airman or ground instructor 
certificate or rating held by that person.


Sec. 66.19  Retesting after failure.

    An applicant for a written, oral, or practical test for a 
certificate and rating, or for an additional rating under this part, 
may apply for retesting:
    (a) After 30 days after the date the applicant failed the test; or
    (b) Before the 30 days have expired if the applicant presents a 
signed statement from an airman holding the certificate and rating 
sought by the applicant, certifying that the airman has given the 
applicant additional instruction in each of the subjects failed and 
that the airman considers the applicant ready for retesting.


Sec. 66.20  Applications, certificates, logbooks, reports, and records: 
Falsification, reproduction, or alteration.

    (a) No person may make or cause to be made:
    (1) Any fraudulent or intentionally false statement on any 
application for a certificate or rating under this part;
    (2) Any fraudulent or intentionally false entry in any logbook, 
record, or report that is required to be kept, made, or used, to show 
compliance with any requirement for any certificate or rating under 
this part;
    (3) Any reproduction, for fraudulent purposes, of any certificate 
or rating under this part; or
    (4) Any alteration of any certificate or rating under this part.
    (b) The commission by any person of an act prohibited under 
paragraph (a) of this section is a basis for suspending or revoking any 
airman certificate or rating held by that person.


Sec. 66.21  Change of address.

    Within 30 days after any change of permanent mailing address, the 
holder of a certificate issued under this part shall notify the 
Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman 
Certification Branch, Post Office Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, 
in writing, of the new address.


Sec. 66.23  Refusal to submit to a drug test.

    (a) This section applies to:
    (1) An employee who performs a function listed in Appendix I to 
part 121 of this chapter for a part 121 certificate holder or a part 
135 certificate holder;
    (2) An employee who performs a function listed in Appendix I to 
part 121 of this chapter for an operator as defined in Sec. 135.1(c) of 
this chapter. An employee of a person conducting operations of foreign 
civil aircraft navigated within the United States pursuant to part 375 
or emergency mail service operations pursuant to section 405(h) of the 
Federal Aviation Act of 1958 is excluded from the requirements of this 
section.
    (b) Refusal by the holder of a certificate issued under this part 
to take a test for a drug specified in Appendix I to part 121 of this 
chapter, when requested by an employer as defined in that appendix or 
an operator as defined in Sec. 135.1(c) of this chapter, under the 
circumstances specified in that appendix is grounds for:
    (1) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued 
under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of that 
refusal; and
    (2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued 
under this part.

Subpart B--Aviation Maintenance Technicians


Sec. 66.71  Eligibility requirements: General.

    (a) To be eligible for an aviation maintenance technician 
certificate and associated ratings, a person must:
    (1) Be at least 18 years of age;
    (2) Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand 
the English language by reading and explaining appropriate maintenance 
publications and by writing defect and repair statements;
    (3) Have passed all of the prescribed tests within a period of 24 
months; and
    (4) Comply with the sections of this subpart that apply to the 
rating the applicant seeks.
    (b) A certificated aviation maintenance technician who applies for 
an additional rating must meet the requirements of Sec. 66.77 and, 
within a period of 24 months, pass the tests prescribed by Secs. 66.75 
and 66.79 for the additional rating sought.


Sec. 66.73  Ratings.

    (a) The following ratings are issued under this subpart:
    (1) Airframe.
    (2) Powerplant.
    (b) A mechanic certificate with an aircraft or aircraft engine 
rating or both, or with an airframe or powerplant rating or both, that 
was issued before, and was valid on, [effective date of final rule], is 
equal to an aviation maintenance technician certificate with an 
airframe or powerplant rating, or both, as the case may be, and may be 
exchanged for such a corresponding certificate and rating or ratings.


Sec. 66.75  Knowledge requirements.

    (a) Each applicant for an aviation maintenance technician 
certificate or rating must, after meeting the applicable requirements 
of Sec. 66.77, pass a written test covering the construction and 
maintenance of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought, the 
regulations in this subpart, and the applicable provisions of this 
chapter. The basic principles covering the installation and maintenance 
of propellers are included in the powerplant test.
    (b) The applicant must pass all sections of the written test before 
applying for the oral and practical tests prescribed by Sec. 66.79. A 
report of the written test will be made available to the applicant.


Sec. 66.77  Experience requirements.

    Each applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate 
or rating must present either an appropriate graduation certificate or 
a certificate of completion from a certificated aviation maintenance 
technician school or documentary evidence, acceptable to the 
Administrator, of--
    (a) At least 3,000 hours of practical experience with the 
procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment 
generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes, or 
powerplants appropriate to the rating sought; or
    (b) At least 5,000 hours of practical experience concurrently 
performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant 
ratings.


Sec. 66.79  Competency requirements.

    Each applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate 
or rating must demonstrate competency in performing tasks appropriate 
to the rating sought by passing both an oral and a practical test. 
These tests will be based upon the subjects covered by the written test 
for that rating. An applicant for a powerplant rating must show the 
ability to make satisfactory minor repairs to, and minor alterations 
of, propellers.


Sec. 66.80  Certificated aviation maintenance technician school 
students

    Whenever an aviation maintenance technician school certificated 
under part 147 of this chapter demonstrates to an FAA inspector that 
one of its students has made satisfactory progress at the school and is 
prepared to take the oral and practical tests prescribed by Sec. 66.79, 
that student may take those tests during the final subjects of that 
student's training in the approved curriculum before meeting the 
applicable experience requirements of Sec. 66.77 and before passing 
each section of the written test prescribed by Sec. 66.75.


Sec. 66.81  General privileges and limitations.

    (a) A certificated aviation maintenance technician may perform or 
supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of an 
aircraft or appliance, or a part thereof, for which that person is 
rated (excluding major repairs to, and major alterations of propellers 
and any repair to, or alteration of, instruments) and may perform 
additional duties in accordance with Secs. 66.85, 66.87, and 66.95.
    (b) A certificated aviation maintenance technician may supervise 
the maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration of, or approve 
and return to service, any aircraft or appliance, or part hereof, for 
which the person is rated, provided the aviation maintenance technician 
has:
    (1) Satisfactorily performed the work concerned at an earlier date; 
or
    (2) Demonstrated the ability to perform the work to the 
satisfaction of the Administrator; or
    (3) Received training acceptable to the Administrator on the 
specific equipment on which the work is to be performed; or
    (4) Performed the work while working under the direct supervision 
of a certificated and appropriately rated aviation maintenance 
technician or certificated aviation repair specialist, who has:
    (i) Had previous experience in the specific operation concerned; or
    (ii) Received training acceptable to the Administrator on the 
specific equipment on which the work is to be performed.
    (c) A certificated aviation maintenance technician may not exercise 
the privileges of the certificate and rating unless the aviation 
maintenance technician understands the current instructions of the 
manufacturer and the maintenance instructions for the specific 
operation concerned.


Sec. 66.83  Currency requirements.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this 
section, a certificated aviation maintenance technician may not 
exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating unless, within 
the preceding 24 months:
    (1) The aviation maintenance technician has for at least 1,000 
hours:
    (i) Served as an aviation maintenance technician under his or her 
certificate and rating; or
    (ii) Served under the supervision of a certificated aviation 
maintenance technician; or
    (iii) Technically supervised other aviation maintenance 
technicians; or
    (iv) Served as an aviation maintenance instructor under an aviation 
maintenance training program acceptable to the Administrator; or
    (v) Directly supervised other aviation maintenance instructors, who 
are serving under an aviation maintenance training program acceptable 
to the Administrator; or
    (vi) Supervised, in an executive capacity, the maintenance or 
alteration of aircraft; or
    (vii) Been engaged in any combination of paragraphs (a)(1) (i) 
through (vi) of this section; and
    (2) successfully completed:
    (i) An aviation maintenance technician refresher course, inspection 
authorization refresher course, or a series of such courses, acceptable 
to the Administrator, consisting of a total of not less than 16 hours 
of instruction; or
    (ii) A course or courses of instruction, appropriate to the duties 
of an aviation maintenance technician and acceptable to the 
Administrator, consisting of a total of not less than 16 hours of 
instruction;
    (b) A certificated aviation maintenance technician who has not met 
the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may exercise the 
privileges of the certificate and rating including for compensation or 
hire if, within the preceding 24 months the aviation maintenance 
technician has:
    (1) Successfully completed a requalification course acceptable to 
the Administrator; or
    (2) The Administrator has found that the aviation maintenance 
technician is competent to exercise the privileges of the certificate 
and rating.
    (c) A certificated aviation maintenance technician who has not 
completed the training specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section 
but has otherwise met the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section may exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating but 
not for compensation or hire.
    (d) Paragraph (a)(2) of this section does not apply to an aviation 
maintenance technician who within the preceding 24 months exercised the 
privileges of the certificate and ratings--
    (1) for a certificate holder authorized to operate under the 
provisions of parts 121, 127, or 135 of this chapter; or
    (2) for a U.S.-certificated repair station that performs work in 
accordance with Sec. 145.2(a), or for a U.S.-certificated repair 
station that conducts a maintenance and preventive maintenance training 
program; or
    (3) as an aviation maintenance instructor for an aviation 
maintenance training program acceptable to the Administrator.


Sec. 66.85  Airframe rating; additional privileges.

    A certificated aviation maintenance technician with an airframe 
rating may approve and return to service an airframe, or any related 
part or appliance, after the aviation maintenance technician has 
performed, supervised, or inspected its maintenance or alteration 
(excluding major repairs and major alterations). In addition, the 
aviation maintenance technician may perform the 100-hour inspection 
required by part 91 of this chapter on an airframe, or any related part 
or appliance, and approve and return it to service.


Sec. 66.87  Powerplant rating; additional privileges.

    A certificated aviation maintenance technician with a powerplant 
rating may approve and return to service a powerplant or propeller or 
any related part or appliance, after the aviation maintenance 
technician has performed, supervised, or inspected its maintenance or 
alteration (excluding major repairs and major alterations). In 
addition, the aviation maintenance technician may perform the 100-hour 
inspection required by part 91 of this chapter on a powerplant or 
propeller, or any part thereof, and approve and return it to service.


Sec. 66.89  Display of certificate.

    Each person who holds an aviation maintenance technician 
certificate shall keep it within the immediate area where the aviation 
maintenance technician normally exercises the privileges of the 
certificate and shall present it for inspection upon the request of the 
Administrator or an authorized representative of the National 
Transportation Safety Board, or of any Federal, State, or local law 
enforcement officer.


Sec. 66.91  Inspection authorization.

    (a) An application for an inspection authorization is made on a 
form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator.
    (b) An applicant who meets the requirements of this section is 
entitled to an inspection authorization.
    (c) To be eligible for an inspection authorization, an applicant 
must:
    (1) Hold a currently effective aviation maintenance technician 
certificate with both an airframe rating and a powerplant rating, each 
of which is currently effective and has been in effect for a total of 
at least 3 years;
    (2) Have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period 
before the date of application, in maintaining aircraft certificated 
and maintained in accordance with this chapter;
    (3) Have a fixed base of operations at which the applicant may be 
located in person or by telephone during a normal working week but it 
need not be the place where the applicant will exercise inspection 
authority;
    (4) Have available the equipment, facilities, and inspection data 
necessary to properly inspect airframes, powerplants, propellers, or 
any related part or appliance; and
    (5) Pass a written test demonstrating the ability to inspect 
according to safety standards for returning aircraft to service after 
major repairs, major alterations, annual inspections, and progressive 
inspections performed under part 43 of this chapter.
    (d) An applicant who fails the test prescribed in paragraph (c)(5) 
of this section may not apply for retesting until at least 90 days 
after the date of the test.


Sec. 66.92  Inspection authorization: Duration.

    (a) Each inspection authorization expires on March 31 of the second 
year after its issuance. However, the holder may exercise the 
privileges of that authorization only while holding a currently 
effective aviation maintenance technician certificate with both a 
currently effective airframe rating and a currently effective 
powerplant rating.
    (b) An inspection authorization ceases to be effective whenever any 
of the following occurs:
    (1) The authorization is surrendered, suspended, or revoked,.
    (2) The holder no longer has a fixed based of operation.
    (3) The holder no longer has the equipment, facilities, and 
inspection data required by Sec. 66.91(c) (3) and (4) for issuance of 
the authorization.
    (c) The holder of an inspection authorization that is suspended or 
revoked shall, upon the Administrator's request, return it to the 
Administrator.


Sec. 66.93  Inspection authorization: Renewal.

    (a) To be eligible for renewal of an inspection authorization for a 
2-year period, an applicant must present biennially, during the month 
of March, at an FAA Flight Standards District Office or an 
International Field Office, evidence that the applicant still meets the 
requirements of Sec. 66.91(c)(1) through (4) and must show that, during 
the current period that the applicant held the inspection 
authorization, the applicant--
    (1) Has performed at least one annual inspection for each 3 months 
that the applicant held the current authority; or
    (2) Has performed inspections of at least two major repairs or 
major alterations for each 3 months that the applicant held the current 
authority; or
    (3) Has performed or supervised and approved at least one 
progressive inspection in accordance with standards prescribed by the 
Administrator for each 12 months that the applicant held the current 
authority; or
    (4) Has maintained an aircraft pursuant to an inspection program 
specified under Sec. 91.409(f) (3) or (4) during each month that the 
applicant held the current authority; or
    (5) Has performed any combination of (a) (1) through (4); or
    (6) Has successfully completed an inspection authorization 
refresher course or series of courses, acceptable to the Administrator, 
consisting of a total of not less than 16 hours of instruction during 
the 24-month period preceding the application for renewal; or
    (7) Has passed an oral test by an FAA inspector to determine that 
the applicant's knowledge of applicable regulations and standards is 
current.
    (b) The holder of an inspection authorization that has been in 
effect for less than 90 days before the expiration date need not comply 
with subparagraphs (a) (1) through (7) of this section.


Sec. 66.95  Inspection authorization: Privileges and limitations.

    (a) The holder of an inspection authorization may:
    (1) Inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft or 
related part or appliance (except any aircraft maintained in accordance 
with a continuous airworthiness program under part 121 or part 127 of 
this chapter) after a major repair or major alteration to it in 
accordance with part 43 of this chapter, if the work was done in 
accordance with technical data approved by the Administrator; and
    (2) Perform an annual, or perform or supervise a progressive 
inspection according to Secs. 43.13 and 43.15 of this chapter.
    (b) When exercising the privileges of an inspection authorization, 
the holder shall keep it available for inspection by the aircraft owner 
and the aviation maintenance technician submitting the aircraft, 
repair, or alteration for approval (if any), and shall present it upon 
the request of the Administrator or an authorized representative of the 
National Transportation Safety Board, or of any Federal, State, or 
local law enforcement officer.
    (c) If the holder of an inspection authorization changes his or her 
fixed base of operation, the holder may not exercise the privileges of 
the authorization until he or she has notified the FAA Flight Standards 
District Office or International Field Office for the area in which the 
new base is located, in writing, of the change.

Subpart C--Aviation Repair Specialists


Sec. 66.101  Eligibility requirements: General.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, to be 
eligible for an aviation repair specialist certificate a person must:
    (1) Be at least 18 years of age;
    (2) Be specially qualified to perform maintenance on aircraft, or 
components thereof, appropriate to the job for which that person is 
employed;
    (3) Be employed for a specific job, requiring those special 
qualifications, by a certificated repair station, or by a certificated 
commercial operator or certificated air carrier, that is required by 
its operating certificate or approved operations specifications to 
provide a continuous airworthiness maintenance program according to its 
maintenance manuals;
    (4) Be recommended for certification by his or her employer, to the 
satisfaction of the Administrator, as able to satisfactorily maintain 
aircraft or components, appropriate to the job for which the person is 
employed;
    (5) Have either:
    (i) At least 3000 hours of practical experience in the procedures, 
practices, inspection methods, materials, tools, machine tools, and 
equipment generally used in the maintenance duties of the specific job 
for which the person is to be employed and certificated; or
    (ii) Completed formal training that is acceptable to the 
Administrator and is specifically designed to qualify the applicant for 
the job in which the applicant is to be employed; and
    (6) Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand 
the English language by reading and explaining appropriate maintenance 
publications and by writing defect and repair statements.
    (b) This section does not apply to the issuance of aviation repair 
specialist certificates (experimental aircraft builder) under 
Sec. 66.104.
    (c) A valid repairman certificate is equal to an aviation repair 
specialist certificate and may be exchanged for such a corresponding 
certificate.


Sec. 66.103  Aviation repair specialist certificate: Privileges and 
limitations.

    (a) A certificated aviation repair specialist may perform or 
supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of 
aircraft or aircraft components appropriate to the job for which the 
aviation repair specialist was employed and certificated but only in 
connection with duties for the certificate holder by whom the aviation 
repair specialist was employed and recommended.
    (b) A certificated aviation repair specialist may not perform or 
supervise duties under the aviation repair specialist certificate 
unless the individual understands the current instructions of the 
certificate holder by whom the aviation repair specialist is employed 
and the manufacturer's instructions for continued airworthiness 
relating to the specific operations concerned.


Sec. 66.104  Aviation repair specialist certificate--experimental 
aircraft builder--eligibility, privileges and limitations.

    (a) To be eligible for an aviation repair specialist certificate 
(experimental aircraft builder), an individual must--
    (1) Be at least 18 years of age;
    (2) Be the primary builder of the aircraft to which the privileges 
of the certificate are applicable;
    (3) Show to the satisfaction of the Administrator that the 
individual has the requisite skill to determine whether the aircraft is 
in a condition for safe operations; and
    (4) Be a citizen of the United States or an individual citizen of a 
foreign country who has lawfully been admitted for permanent residence 
in the United States.
    (b) The holder of an aviation repair specialist certificate 
(experimental aircraft builder) may perform condition inspections on 
the aircraft constructed by the holder in accordance with the operating 
limitations of that aircraft.
    (c) Section 66.103 does not apply to the holder of an aviation 
repair specialist certificate (experimental aircraft builder) while 
performing under that certificate.


Sec. 66.105  Display of certificate.

    Each person who holds an aviation repair specialist certificate 
shall keep it within the immediate area where the individual normally 
exercises the privileges of the certificate and shall present it for 
inspection upon the request of the Administrator or an authorized 
representative of the National Transportation Safety Board, or of any 
Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer.

    Issued in Washington, DC on August 10, 1994.
Thomas C. Accardi,
Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 94-20004 Filed 8-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M