[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 118 (Monday, June 21, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33142-33173]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15383]



[[Page 33141]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part II





Department of Transportation





_______________________________________________________________________



Federal Aviation Administration



_______________________________________________________________________



14 CFR Parts 11, 91, 121, 135, and 145



Part 145 Review: Repair Stations; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 118 / Monday, June 21, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 33142]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 11, 91, 121, 135, and 145

[Docket No. FAA-1999-5836; Notice No.99-09]
RIN 2120-AC38


Part 145 Review: Repair Stations

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to update 
and revise the regulations for repair stations. This action is 
necessary because many portions of the current repair station 
regulations do not reflect changes in repair station business practices 
and aircraft maintenance practices, or advances in aircraft technology. 
The proposed revisions would reorganize the repair station rules to 
reduce duplication of regulatory language and eliminate obsolete 
information. The proposal also would establish new requirements that 
relate to repair station ratings and classes, manual requirements, 
recordkeeping, and personnel. In addition, the NPRM contains a proposal 
to ensure that the special issues associated with repair stations 
outside the United States are adequately addressed, and it invites 
public comments on this proposal and other measures to ensure proper 
safety oversight of these repair stations.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 19, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Comments on this document should be mailed or delivered, in 
duplicate, to: U.S. Department of Transportation Dockets, Docket No. 
[FAA-1999-5836], 400 Seventh Street SW., Room Plaza 401, Washington, DC 
20590. Comments also may be sent electronically to the following 
Internet address: [email protected]. Comments may be filed and 
examined in Room Plaza 401 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, except 
Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard E. Nowak, Aircraft Maintenance 
Division, Airworthiness Systems and Air Agency Branch (AFS-330), 
Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591, telephone (202) 267-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed action 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 document also are invited. Substantive comments 
should be accompanied by cost estimates. Comments must identify the 
regulatory docket or notice number and be submitted in duplicate to the 
DOT Rules Docket address specified above.
    All comments received, as well as a report summarizing each 
substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed 
rulemaking, will be filed in the docket. The docket is available for 
public inspection before and after the comment closing date.
    All comments received on or before the closing date will be 
considered by the Administrator before taking action on this proposed 
rulemaking. Comments filed late will be considered as far as possible 
without incurring expense or delay. The proposals in this document may 
be changed in light of the comments received.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this document must include a pre-addressed, 
stamped postcard with those comments on which the following statement 
is made: ``Comments to Docket No. FAA-1999-5836.'' The postcard will be 
date stamped and mailed to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem 
and suitable communications software from the FAA regulations section 
of the FedWorld electronic bulletin board service (telephone: (703) 
321-3339), the Government Printing Office (GPO)'s electronic bulletin 
board service (telephone: (202) 512-1661), or, if applicable, the FAA's 
Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee bulletin board service 
(telephone: (800) 322-2722 or (202) 267-5948).
    Internet users may reach the FAA's web page at http://www.faa.gov/
avr/arm/nprm/nprm.htm or the GPO's web page at http://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara access to recently published rulemaking 
documents.
    Any person may obtain a copy of this document by submitting a 
request to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, 
ARM-1, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling 
(202) 267-9680. Communications must identify the notice number or 
docket number of this NPRM.
    Persons interested in being placed on the mailing list for future 
rulemaking documents should request from the above office a copy of 
Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution 
System, which describes the application procedure.

Background

Statement of the Problem

    Aircraft, powerplants, maintenance, alteration concepts, and 
technology have progressed substantially in the past three decades. 
However, the current repair station regulations are based primarily on 
concepts that were developed during the infancy of the aviation 
industry. Very few substantive changes have been made to those repair 
station rules since they were recodified in the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (27 FR 6662, July 13, 1962).
    Portions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 145 
are no longer appropriate or have become increasingly difficult to 
administer. Other portions of the rule no longer make a significant 
contribution to aviation safety or do not warrant the associated 
administrative costs. The FAA and the aviation industry have had to 
change the character and method of operations to keep pace with state-
of-the-art aviation maintenance practices. Also, the FAA has granted 
exemptions and created other special administrative procedures to 
handle situations not provided for adequately in the regulations. To 
ensure that the regulations are appropriate for today's repair station 
industry, the FAA has determined that part 145 should be completely 
revised.

History

    In 1975, the FAA and industry participants in the FAA's First 
Biennial Operations Review recommended that specific and substantial 
requirements of part 145 be revised. Although minor amendments to part 
145 were subsequently adopted, no major revision was made. However, a 
significant amendment to part 145 was adopted on November 22, 1988 
(Amendment No. 145-21, 53 FR 47376), which expanded the scope of work 
that foreign repair stations (i.e., those U.S.-certificated repair 
stations located outside the United States) are authorized to perform, 
and permitted certain repair stations to contract maintenance functions 
to noncertificated repair organizations/facilities under specific 
conditions.

[[Page 33143]]

    As part of a regulatory review of 14 CFR part 43; 14 CFR part 65, 
subpart E; and part 145, the FAA held several public meetings. These 
meetings provided a forum for the public to offer comments concerning 
the possible revision of the rules governing repair stations. More than 
500 representatives of repair stations, airlines, unions, 
manufacturers, foreign governments, industry organizations, and 
individuals attended the meetings.
    The goal of the meetings was to gather enough factual information 
from the public to determine whether the repair station regulations 
should be revised, and if so, to determine what revisions should be 
made.
    In preparation for the meetings, the FAA identified several areas 
of the repair station rules as areas that might need revision. These 
areas were: organization and format; ratings and classes; operations 
and inspection procedures; manufacturers' maintenance facilities; 
contracting of maintenance by repair stations; repair station 
privileges; facility, housing, and equipment requirements; 
recordkeeping and report requirements; and management, inspection 
personnel, and repairmen qualifications. Participants discussed the 
issues at the FAA public meetings and submitted written comments to 
Docket No. 25965, which was established for this regulatory review. 
Responses from participants at the meetings and the comments received 
in the docket indicate a need to revise and update the repair station 
regulations.
    During the review of the repair station rules, the FAA examined 
various documents and related rulemaking actions. These documents 
included FAA Order 8300.10, Airworthiness Inspector's Handbook; 
advisory circulars that relate to repair stations, such as AC No. 145-
3, Guide for Developing and Evaluating Repair Station Inspection 
Procedures Manuals; AC No. 145-4, Inspection, Retread, Repair and 
Alterations of Aircraft Tires; AC No. 145-5, Repair Station Internal 
Evaluation Programs; and 145-6, Repair Stations for Composite and 
Bonded Aircraft Structure; and previous petitions for exemption from 
part 145. The FAA also reviewed Joint Aviation Requirement (JAR) 145: 
Approved Maintenance Organizations, established by the Joint Aviation 
Authorities (JAA), an organization of European Civil Aviation 
Authorities. This NPRM includes efforts toward harmonizing the U.S. 
repair station regulations with those of the JAA.

General Discussion of the Proposals

    Based on the public meetings, comments to Docket No. 25965, and the 
FAA's review of related documents, the FAA is proposing to revise part 
145 completely. The FAA has decided not to include part 43 or part 65, 
subpart E, in this notice, even though these parts were included in the 
original regulatory review. Notice No. 94-27, Revision of Certification 
Requirements: Mechanics and Repairmen (63 FR 37172, July 9, 1998), 
proposes revisions to part 65, subpart E. Any revisions to part 43 
would be addressed in a separate rulemaking action.
    The FAA also considered establishing regulations, which were 
discussed at the public meetings, that would permit certain repair 
stations to manage the maintenance program of an operator certificated 
under part 121 or part 135. However, the FAA decided not to address 
such regulations in this NPRM. Any proposal to permit certain repair 
stations to manage the maintenance program of a part 121 or part 135 
operator would be addressed in a separate rulemaking action.
    The FAA's discussion of the proposed revisions to part 145 is 
organized as follows: organization and format of part 145, 
manufacturers' maintenance facilities, deviation authority, ratings and 
classes, implementation of the proposed ratings and classes, manual 
requirements, quality assurance, capability list, contract maintenance, 
job functions, training, line station maintenance, and recordkeeping 
and reporting. Following these discussions is a section-by-section 
discussion comparing the proposed rule to the current rule.

Organization and Format

    Currently, part 145 separates the requirements for domestic repair 
stations, foreign repair stations, and repair facilities with a limited 
rating for manufacturers. However, the FAA's analysis of current part 
145 revealed that, with few exceptions, no basic distinction exists 
between the regulations governing operations of domestic repair 
stations and those governing operations of foreign repair stations. 
Therefore, the FAA proposes to remove the distinction between domestic 
and foreign repair stations, except for a few instances where 
differences exist. (The limited rating for manufacturers is discussed 
under ``Manufacturers Maintenance Facilities.'')
    The FAA proposes to revise the organization and format of part 145 
to combine current similar requirements of domestic and foreign repair 
stations under the same subpart and section. Proposed part 145 would 
separate requirements according to subject matter in the following way: 
General; Certification; Facilities, Equipment, Materials, and Housing; 
Personnel; Operating Rules; and Job Functions. The proposed 
reorganization would eliminate many of the redundancies found in the 
current rule.

Manufacturers' Maintenance Facilities

    The limited rating for manufacturers was established in 1966 by 
Amendment No. 145-4 (31 FR 5248). The amendment enabled manufacturers 
to obtain a repair station certificate with a limited rating under part 
145 so they could perform maintenance or preventive maintenance on 
articles manufactured by them without meeting certain repair station 
requirements that other nonmanufacturer organizations were required to 
meet. The amendment also broadened the manufacturers' rebuilding and 
alteration authority to include appliances and parts manufactured under 
an FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval. Facilities that obtain such a 
rating are referred to as manufacturers' maintenance facilities (MMFs).
    Currently, the FAA issues repair station certificates with limited 
ratings for manufacturers to the holder or licensee of a Type 
Certificate, the holder of a Production Certificate, the holder of a 
Technical Standard Order authorization, or any person who meets the 
requirements of current 14 CFR 21.303 and who has the prescribed 
fabrication inspection system.
    The FAA proposes to eliminate the limited ratings for manufacturers 
and require that these facilities obtain the appropriate repair station 
certificate. Although MMFs' systems for inspection, recordkeeping, and 
quality control vary considerably from those used by repair stations, 
MMF repair operations do not differ substantially from the operations 
of other certificated repair stations. Because maintenance practices 
and aircraft technologies have evolved since the establishment of 
limited ratings for manufacturers, the FAA has determined that all 
repair facilities' systems for inspection, recordkeeping, and quality 
control should be consistent, and that the issuance of limited ratings 
for manufacturers is no longer appropriate. In granting certification 
for a manufacturer's repair station, however, the FAA proposes that 
full consideration be given to the quality control system established 
by the manufacturer that the manufacturer uses to comply with the 
pertinent provisions

[[Page 33144]]

of 14 CFR part 21. The manufacturer's repair station must operate, 
however, in compliance with the maintenance rules set forth in parts 43 
and 145.

Deviation Authority

    The FAA proposes to include deviation authority to provide 
flexibility to operations subject to part 145 that may be safely or 
satisfactorily conducted as an alternative means of compliance with 
portions of part 145. The FAA envisions that limited deviation would be 
sought from only a few specific sections, and that Letters of Deviation 
Authority would likely be limited in scope.
    Requests for deviation authority would be made in a form and manner 
acceptable to the Administrator, and the FAA would review the 
circumstances of each operator requesting a deviation, during the 
determination process. If a deviation were warranted, the FAA would 
require that operations be conducted subject to certain conditions and 
limitations. These would be placed in the Operations Specifications of 
an operator certificated under part 145. Consistency in granting 
deviation authority would be achieved by the provision that only the 
Associate Administrator for Regulation and Certification (AVR-1) could 
issue letters of deviation authority. The FAA is requesting public 
comments on the practicality of deviation authority in the proposed 
rule, as well as situations under which deviation authority may be 
appropriate.
    In addition, the public also is invited to comment on alternative 
means of compliance for any section of the proposal. Where appropriate, 
alternative means of compliance will be incorporated in the final rule, 
if adopted.

Ratings and Classes

    The FAA proposes to revise the ratings and classes that can be 
issued to certificated repair stations. Although the proposed ratings 
and classes are based on those discussed at the public meetings 
mentioned earlier, the FAA also considered basing the ratings and 
classes strictly on certification standards (i.e., 14 CFR parts 21, 23, 
25, 27, 29, 33, and 35). The FAA requests that commenters specifically 
address whether the proposed system of ratings and classes should be 
prescribed in a separate new regulation. A comparison of the proposed 
ratings to the current ratings follows.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Current rating                      Proposed fating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Airframe Rating                      Aircraft Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1: Composite construction of   Class 6: Aircraft composed
 small aircraft.                      primarily of composite material,
                                      of 12,500 pounds maximum
                                      certificated takeoff weight or
                                      less.
Class 2: Composite construction of   Class 7: Aircraft composed
 large aircraft.                      primarily of composite material,
                                      over 12,500 pounds maximum
                                      certificated takeoff weight.
Class 3: All-metal construction of   Class 1: Aircraft (other than
 small aircraft.                      rotorcraft and aircraft composed
                                      primarily of composite material)
                                      of 12,500 pounds maximum
                                      certificated takeoff weight or
                                      less.
                                     Class 4: Rotorcraft (other than
                                      rotorcraft composed primarily of
                                      composite material) of 6,000
                                      pounds maximum certificated
                                      takeoff weight or less.
                                     Class 5: Rotorcraft (other than
                                      rotorcraft composed primarily of
                                      composite material) over 6,000
                                      pounds maximum certificated
                                      takeoff weight.
Class 4: All-metal construction of   Class 2: Aircraft (other than
 large aircraft.                      rotorcraft and aircraft composed
                                      primarily of composite material)
                                      over 12,500 pounds maximum
                                      certificated takeoff weight and up
                                      to, and including, 75,000 pounds
                                      maximum certificated takeoff
                                      weight.
                                     Class 3: Aircraft, by make and
                                      model, (other than rotorcraft and
                                      aircraft composed primarily of
                                      composite material) over 75,000
                                      pounds maximum certificated
                                      takeoff weight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Powerplant Rating                    Powerplant Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1: Reciprocating engines of    Class 1: Reciprocating engines.
 400 horsepower or less.
Class 2: Reciprocating engines of    Class 1: Reciprocating engines.
 more than 400 horsepower.
Class 3: Turbine engines...........  Class 2: Turbopropeller and
                                      turboshaft engines.
                                     Class 3: Turbojet and turbofan
                                      engines.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Propeller Rating                     Propeller Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1: All fixed-pitch and ground- Class 1: Fixed-pitch and ground-
 adjustable propellers of wood,       adjustable propellers.
 metal, or composite construction.
Class 2: All other propellers, by    Class 2: Variable-pitch propellers.
 make.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Radio Rating                       Avionics Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1: Communication equipment...  Class 1: Communication equipment.
Class 2: Navigational equipment....  Class 2: Navigational equipment.
Class 3: Radar equipment...........  Class 3: Pulsed equipment.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    No Equivalent Current Rating           Computer Systems Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Class 1: Aircraft computer systems.
                                     Class 2: Powerplant computer
                                      systems.
                                     Class 3: Avionics computer systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 33145]]

 
         Instrument Rating                    Instrument Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1: Mechanical................  Class 1: Mechanical.
Class 2: Electrical................  Class 2: Electrical.
Class 3: Gyroscopic................  Class 3: Gyroscopic.
Class 4: Electronic................  Class 4: Electronic.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Accessory Rating                     Accessory Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class 1: Mechanical accessories      Class 1: Mechanical accessories
 that depend on friction,             that depend on friction,
 hydraulics, mechanical linkage, or   hydraulics, mechanical linkage, or
 pneumatic pressure for operation,    pneumatic pressure for operation.
 including aircraft wheel brakes,
 mechanically driven pumps,
 carburetors, aircraft wheel
 assemblies, shock absorber struts,
 and hydraulic servo units.
Class 2: Electrical accessories      Class 2: Electrical accessories
 that depend on electrical energy     that depend on or produce
 for their operation, and             electrical energy.
 generators, including starters,
 voltage regulators, electric
 motors, or similar electrical
 accessories.
Class 3: Electronic accessories      Class 3: Electronic accessories
 that depend on an electron tube,     that depend on transistors;
 transistor, or similar device,       lasers; fiber optics; solid-state,
 including supercharger,              integrated circuits; vacuum tubes;
 temperature, air conditioning        or similar devices.
 controls, or similar electronic
 controls.
                                     Class 4: Auxiliary power units
                                      (APUs) that may be installed on
                                      aircraft as self-contained units
                                      to supplement the aircraft's
                                      engines as a source of hydraulic,
                                      pneumatic, or electrical power.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Limited Rating                       Limited Rating
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airframes; engines; propellers;  For aircraft, airframes,
 instruments; radio equipment;        powerplants, propellers, avionics,
 accessories; landing gear;           computer systems, instruments, and
 components; floats; nondestructive   accessories by make and model.
 inspection, testing, and
 processing; emergency equipment;
 rotor blades by make and model;
 aircraft fabric work; and other
 purposes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Limited Rating for Specialized         Specialized Service Rating
              Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For example, landing gear            For any specialized service the
 components; nondestructive           Administrator finds appropriate
 inspection, testing, and             for this rating.
 processing; emergency equipment;
 aircraft fabric work; and any
 other specialized service the
 Administrator finds appropriate
 for this rating.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Limited Rating for Manufacturers     No Equivalent Rating in Proposed
                                                     Rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To holder or licensee of Type
 Certificate or to holder of
 Production Certificate, Parts
 Manufacturer Approval, or
 Technical Standard Order.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aircraft Class Rating
    Currently, the FAA issues an airframe rating with any of four 
separate class ratings to repair stations: Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4. 
Under the proposal, the FAA would eliminate the airframe rating and its 
associated class ratings and establish an aircraft rating with seven 
associated class ratings.
    Under the current system, airframe class ratings are based on 
aircraft weight (large or small as defined in current 14 CFR 1.1) and 
construction (composite or all-metal). Many modern aircraft have an 
airframe that is constructed of metal and composite materials; the 
airframe structure is metal and certain portions, such as control 
surfaces and fairings, are manufactured from composite materials. The 
FAA proposes to continue to separate ratings based on weight and 
construction; however, to accurately reflect modern aircraft 
construction, aircraft ratings would be separated by whether the 
aircraft is constructed primarily of metal or composite material. Those 
aircraft on which significant amounts of the structure is constructed 
of composite materials, such as the fuselage, empennage, wings, or 
structure that the manufacturer has designated as a primary structure 
or principal structural element, would be considered primarily 
constructed of composite materials. Those aircraft with a metal 
structure and small composite pieces such as fairings, radomes, and so 
forth would be considered not composed primarily of composite 
materials. For repair stations that intend to perform work on aircraft 
that have significant structural components of both metal and composite 
material, certification under Class 2 and Class 7 may be necessary.
    For repair stations that want to perform maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations on all aircraft, including rotorcraft that 
are primarily composed of composite materials, the FAA proposes to 
establish the Class 6 and Class 7 aircraft ratings. The Class 6 rating 
would be for small aircraft, and the Class 7 rating would be for large 
aircraft.
    As noted above, current airframe ratings are based on aircraft 
weight. The current Class 2 and Class 4 airframe ratings apply to 
``large'' aircraft (those of more than 12,500 pounds maximum 
certificated takeoff weight). Because today's large aircraft vary 
significantly in complexity, the FAA proposes to establish three 
aircraft class ratings to separate them: Classes 2, 3, and 7.
    The proposed Class 2 and Class 7 aircraft ratings would apply to 
large aircraft, other than rotorcraft, based on the aircraft's 
construction (Class 2: not composed primarily of composite materials; 
or Class 7: composed primarily of composite materials). The proposed 
Class 3 aircraft rating would apply to aircraft (other than rotorcraft 
or aircraft composed primarily of composite material) over 75,000 
pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight and would be granted only by 
make and

[[Page 33146]]

model. The FAA chose to establish the proposed Class 3 rating because 
these aircraft are usually more complex than other aircraft and are 
transport category airplanes.
    Currently, a repair station with an airframe rating that wants to 
perform maintenance on powerplants must obtain a powerplant rating; 
however, a repair station that meets the requirements of the proposed 
aircraft rating would be permitted to perform maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, and alterations to each aircraft's associated 
powerplant(s) up to, but not including, an ``overhaul.'' Because 
overhauls require additional training, data, facilities, housing, and 
equipment, a repair station that wants to overhaul powerplants would 
continue to be required to obtain a powerplant rating with an 
appropriate class rating. Those repair stations that meet the 
requirements for performing maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations on airframes, but do not want to, or cannot, perform any 
work on powerplants, would be certificated with a limited rating for 
airframes.
    Under the current rating system, separate class ratings do not 
exist for rotorcraft. However, a repair station that performs 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on rotorcraft must 
meet certain requirements. The requirements to perform work on 
rotorcraft are unique enough to require separate class ratings for 
rotorcraft. Therefore, the FAA proposes to establish the Class 4 and 
Class 5 aircraft ratings for rotorcraft, excluding those composed 
primarily of composite material. (Composite rotorcraft would be 
included in either the proposed Class 6 or Class 7 rating.) The 6,000 
pound division used in rotorcraft certification would be maintained as 
the dividing line between the proposed Class 4 and Class 5 aircraft 
ratings. Rotorcraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 6,000 
pounds or less are certificated under 14 CFR part 27, Airworthiness 
standards: normal category rotorcraft. Rotorcraft with a maximum 
certificated takeoff weight of greater than 6,000 pounds are 
certificated under 14 CFR part 29, Airworthiness standards: transport 
category rotorcraft. Transport category rotorcraft certificated under 
part 29 must meet more stringent certification requirements; therefore, 
repair stations that wish to perform work on these aircraft may require 
different tooling, equipment, personnel, and so forth from those repair 
stations performing work on normal category rotorcraft certificated 
under part 27.
    The FAA considered establishing separate aircraft class ratings for 
free balloons, airships, and gliders. Many repair stations that perform 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on these aircraft 
currently hold a limited rating. However, the FAA does not choose to 
establish separate aircraft class ratings for these aircraft because 
these aircraft are less common than airplanes and rotorcraft. As 
proposed, repair stations that want to perform work only on these 
aircraft would continue to apply for a limited rating.
Powerplant Rating
    The current regulations define three classes that are associated 
with a powerplant rating: Class 1 Reciprocating engines of 400 
horsepower or less, Class 2 Reciprocating engines of more than 400 
horsepower, and Class 3 Turbine engines. The FAA proposes to revise the 
powerplant ratings by combining all reciprocating engine ratings into 
the same class and dividing the turbine engine rating into two ratings.
    When the current powerplant ratings were established, reciprocating 
engines of more than 400 horsepower were common. Today, these 
reciprocating engines usually are found on older aircraft and are less 
common. Therefore, the FAA has determined that a separate class rating 
for reciprocating engines of more than 400 horsepower is no longer 
necessary.
    Conversely, when the current powerplant ratings were established, 
turbine engines were just beginning to be used on civil aircraft. 
Today, turbine engines are the most commonly used engines on transport 
category aircraft. In addition, more types of turbine engines exist 
today with technological differences between each type. Therefore, 
establishing two turbine class ratings is appropriate. Because 
turbopropeller and turboshaft engines have many technological 
similarities, the Class 2 powerplant rating has been proposed for these 
engines. The proposed Class 3 powerplant rating would be used for 
turbojet and turbofan engines because of the technological similarities 
of these types of engines.
Propeller Rating
    Under the current regulations, a repair station that holds a 
propeller rating with a Class 1 rating is permitted to perform 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on all fixed-pitch 
and ground-adjustable propellers of wood, metal, or composite 
construction. A repair station that holds a propeller rating with a 
Class 2 rating is permitted to perform maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations on all other propellers, by make.
    Because of advances in propeller construction technologies, the 
current propeller class ratings would be revised. Proposed 
Sec. 145.59(c) would revise the current Class 1 rating by eliminating 
the references to the types of materials of which fixed-pitch and 
ground-adjustable propellers are constructed. The proposed Class 2 
propeller rating would no longer require propellers to be designated by 
make and would permit a repair station to perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations on any variable-pitch propellers 
regardless of make.
Avionics Rating
    The FAA proposes to replace the current radio rating with an 
avionics rating to address more appropriately today's avionics 
technology. The current radio class ratings are: Class 1 Communication 
equipment, Class 2 Navigation equipment, and Class 3 Radar equipment. 
The FAA proposes the following avionics class ratings: Class 1 
Communication equipment, Class 2 Navigation equipment, and Class 3 
Pulsed equipment.
    The proposed Class 1 avionics rating would be unchanged from the 
current radio class rating (communication equipment) and would apply to 
radio transmitting equipment and receiving equipment used in aircraft 
to send or receive communications, regardless of carrier frequency or 
type of modulation used.
    The proposed Class 2 avionics rating would apply to any system used 
in aircraft for en route or approach procedures, except navigation 
equipment operated on pulsed radio frequency principles. This proposed 
class differs from the current Class 2 radio rating, which includes 
equipment operated on pulsed radio principles. (Pulsed frequency 
equipment would be included in the proposed Class 3 avionics rating.) 
Under the proposal, a repair station with a Class 2 avionics rating 
would be permitted to perform maintenance on the following equipment: 
very high frequency omnirange (VOR), automatic direction finder (ADF), 
localizer, glide slope, marker beacon, loran C, omega, inertial 
navigation system, microwave landing system (MLS), global positioning 
system (GPS), and similar devices.
    The FAA proposes to replace the current Class 3 radio rating for 
radar equipment with a Class 3 avionics rating for pulsed equipment. 
The proposed rating would include aircraft electronic systems operated 
on pulsed radio frequency principles. A repair station with a Class 3 
avionics rating would be permitted to perform maintenance on

[[Page 33147]]

distance measuring equipment (DME), transponders, weather radar, radar 
altimeters, ground proximity warning systems (GPWS), and similar 
devices.
Computer Systems Rating
    The FAA proposes to establish a new rating for computer systems to 
include technology that was not used in aircraft when the current 
rating system was instituted. Under the proposal, three classes for the 
computer rating would be established: Class 1 Aircraft computer systems 
such as flight management and flight control systems, Class 2 
Powerplant computer systems such as fuel control and electronic engine 
control systems, and Class 3 Avionics computer systems such as traffic 
alert and collision avoidance systems (TCAS) and electronic flight 
instrument systems (EFIS).
    Participants at the public meetings expressed concern that 
confusion could exist about whether accessories, instruments, and 
avionics equipment that may include a computer system would fall under 
the proposed computer rating. The FAA recognizes that maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations on such articles should not be 
performed under the proposed computer rating. The proposed computer 
rating would apply to self-contained, separate computer systems that 
can be removed as a unit from an aircraft for maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration. For example, a fuel control unit can be 
removed from an aircraft, but its internal computer system is a portion 
of the fuel control unit. In this case, the computer system is not a 
self-contained, separate system that can be removed as a unit from the 
aircraft. Under the proposed ratings, a repair station still would 
require an accessory rating to perform work on a fuel control unit. 
Possessing an accessory rating would include the capability to maintain 
the computer portion of the fuel control unit.
Instrument Rating
    Currently, the class ratings associated with an instrument rating 
are: Class 1 Mechanical, Class 2 Electrical, Class 3 Gyroscopic, and 
Class 4 Electronic. The FAA proposes that these ratings be retained 
except for a change to the description of the Class 4 instrument 
rating. The description would be revised by adding references to 
lasers, fiber optics, and solid-state, integrated circuits.
Accessory Rating
    Currently, there are three class ratings associated with 
accessories: Class 1 Mechanical accessories that depend on friction, 
hydraulics, mechanical linkage, or pneumatic pressure for operation; 
Class 2 Electrical accessories that depend on electrical energy for 
their operation and generators; and Class 3 Electronic accessories that 
depend on the use of an electron tube, transistor, or similar devices. 
Under the proposal, these class ratings basically would remain 
unchanged; however, the current practice of including auxiliary power 
units (APUs) in the Class 1 rating would be discontinued. The proposal 
would establish a new accessory rating (Class 4) for APUs.
    Because APUs were not widely used when current part 145 was 
established, no provisions for them were specifically included in the 
regulations. Repair stations that currently work on APUs perform that 
work under a Class 1 accessory rating for lack of a more appropriate 
rating under part 145. Because APUs are similar in many respects to 
aircraft engines, facilities wishing to approve them for return to 
service should meet specific requirements before receiving 
authorization to do so. Repair stations meeting these requirements 
would operate under the proposed Class 4 accessory rating.
    The scope of work that currently may be performed by a repair 
station that holds an accessory rating with either a Class 2 or Class 3 
rating would not be revised; however, the FAA proposes to revise the 
descriptions for each to include more modern accessories. A Class 2 
rating would consist of electrical accessories that depend on or 
produce electrical energy, and a Class 3 rating would consist of 
electronic accessories that depend on the use of transistors; lasers; 
fiber optics; solid-state, integrated circuits; vacuum tubes; and other 
similar electronic devices.
Limited and Specialized Service Ratings
    Currently, the FAA issues limited ratings to repair stations to 
perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations to 
airframes, engines, propellers, instruments, radio equipment, 
accessories, landing gear components, emergency equipment, rotor 
blades, and floats. In addition, limited ratings are issued to perform 
nondestructive testing, inspection and processing, aircraft fabric 
work, and for other purposes. The FAA proposes to revise this list by 
changing the term ``engines'' to ``powerplants'' and ``radio 
equipment'' to ``avionics equipment'', respectively; adding aircraft 
and computer systems; and deleting rotor blades, landing gear 
components, and floats. Current limited ratings for rotor blades, 
landing gear components, and floats would be included in the proposed 
limited rating for an airframe, because airframe as defined in current 
Sec. 1.1 includes those items.
    In addition, the FAA currently issues (as a subset of limited 
ratings) limited ratings for specialized services such as 
nondestructive inspection, testing, and processing; servicing of 
emergency equipment; aircraft fabric work; and any other purposes for 
which the Administrator finds the applicant's request appropriate. The 
FAA proposes to replace the current limited rating for a specialized 
service with the proposed specialized service rating.
    The proposed specialized service rating would apply to specific 
equipment or processes. The rating would permit a repair station to 
perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on items 
such as emergency equipment or audiovisual and nonessential equipment 
(e.g., in-flight telephones or television and movie equipment). This 
proposed rating also would permit a repair station to perform specific 
types of work, such as nondestructive inspection and testing, plating 
and machining, aircraft and engine welding, and oxygen equipment 
servicing.
    Under this proposal, a holder of a specialized service rating would 
continue to be required to state in its Operations Specifications the 
specification or standards used for performing the specialized service. 
The specification could be a civilian or military specification that is 
currently used by industry and approved by the Administrator or a 
specification developed by the repair station and approved by the 
Administrator.

Implementation of the Proposed Ratings and Classes

    The FAA proposes to establish a new Sec. 145.61, ``Transition to 
new system of ratings.'' This proposed section would require all repair 
stations to meet the requirements in this proposal within specified 
periods of time. The transition process and the deadlines for 
compliance with the proposed regulation would be dictated by one of 
three possible cases as described below.
    The first case involves a repair station (to include an MMF) that 
makes no changes to its certificates between the effective date of this 
rule, if adopted, and the proposed 2-year compliance date. Under 
proposed Sec. 145.61(a), a repair station that takes no action to 
affect its certificate (such as adding or deleting a class rating) 
would be permitted to continue meeting only the requirements of current 
part 145 for up to 2 years. However, repair stations in

[[Page 33148]]

this situation would not be required to wait until the end of the 2-
year period to make the transition to operations under the proposed 
rule. These repair stations would be encouraged to apply for their new 
certificate well before the end of the 2-year transition period to 
avoid any potential administrative delays.
    The second case involves a repair station (to include an MMF) that 
wishes to make a change to its repair station certificate during the 2-
year transition period. Proposed Sec. 145.61(b) would require a repair 
station that desires to amend, revise, or add a rating to its 
certificate to obtain a completely new repair station certificate and 
meet all new applicable requirements as set forth in proposed part 145. 
The new repair station certificate would reflect each of the new 
ratings under which the repair station is authorized to either begin or 
continue exercising privileges. The following example illustrates this 
case: A repair station currently holds a repair station certificate 
with an airframe Class 3 rating and instrument Class 1 and 2 ratings, 
and decides to apply for an accessory Class 1 rating. At the time of 
its application, this repair station would be required to meet the new 
requirements and apply for all of the ratings for which it wishes to 
exercise privileges. Therefore, the repair station would apply for 
instrument Class 1 and 2 ratings, the accessory Class 1 rating, and the 
aircraft Class 1 rating. The repair station would not be permitted to 
continue to exercise the privileges of its old airframe Class 3 rating 
following the change to its certificate.
    The third case involves a repair station (to include an MMF) that 
is sold, leased, or otherwise conveyed following the adoption of this 
proposal. Regardless of whether the repair station is operating under 
the old or new system of ratings and classes, at the time of such 
conveyance, the receiving entity would be required to meet proposed 
part 145 and apply for and receive a new repair station certificate. 
Transfers such as these would be conducted in the same manner as under 
the current rule, except the receiving entity would not be able to 
apply for a certificate under the old system of ratings and classes. As 
under the current rule, the conveying entity's repair station 
certificate would expire at the time of asset transfer.
    The FAA recognizes the administrative burden of applying for a new 
repair station certificate as well as the complexity of the proposed 
transition to the new system of ratings and classes. The FAA also 
recognizes the potential burden on its own personnel and the potential 
administrative backlog if, in the interest of their own advertising 
efforts, many repair stations quickly attempt to transition to the new 
system. Therefore, the FAA is requesting public comments on alternative 
methods for achieving a smooth transition from the current system to 
the new system.

Establishment of the Repair Station Manual

    Currently, a repair station must maintain an Inspection Procedures 
Manual (IPM) describing the repair station's inspection system. Repair 
stations also must meet requirements in part 145 that currently are not 
required to be documented in the IPM (e.g., recordkeeping and 
personnel). Because of the complexity of many repair stations' 
operations, the repair stations should document additional aspects of 
their operations and not limit the manual to a description of the 
inspection system.
    The FAA proposes to eliminate the requirement that repair stations 
maintain an IPM and, as proposed in Sec. 145.205, replace it with a 
requirement that repair stations maintain an approved repair station 
manual that covers all of the repair station's technical operations. 
The proposed manual would cover items currently described as acceptable 
in AC No. 145-3, Guide for Developing and Evaluating Repair Station 
Inspection Procedures Manuals, which are proposed as repair station 
manual requirements in this NPRM. The proposed manual would be required 
to include the repair station's procedures and policies that cover the 
operation of the repair station. All repair station personnel would be 
required to follow the manual while conducting operations. Repair 
stations with non-English speaking personnel may therefore have to 
translate all or certain portions of the proposed manual into the 
native language of personnel using the manual. Specific requirements 
for the repair station manual are described throughout the section-by-
section discussion and listed in the proposed rule.
    Current Sec. 145.45(f) requires a repair station to provide each of 
its supervisory and inspection personnel with a copy of the IPM and to 
make the IPM available to its other personnel. The requirement for all 
repair stations' supervisory and inspection personnel to each have a 
copy of the manual is unnecessarily burdensome. The FAA has granted 
numerous exemptions from this requirement that allow repair stations to 
maintain a master copy of the IPM and one shop copy for use by all 
personnel. Proposed Sec. 145.205(e) would require only that the 
proposed repair station manual be readily available to all repair 
station personnel. This provision would permit a repair station to have 
shop copies or electronic versions of the proposed manual and would 
reduce the burden of updating multiple copies of the manual.
    Under proposed Sec. 145.205(f), a repair station would be required 
to provide a current copy of the manual to the FAA certificate holding 
district office (CHDO). If a repair station uses a repair station 
manual that is in an electronic format, the repair station would be 
required to provide the FAA with either a current paper copy or the 
means (hardware, software, etc.) to access the current manual at the 
CHDO.

Quality Assurance

    Current part 145 does not require a repair station to establish and 
use a quality assurance system that monitors the effectiveness of the 
certificate holders' procedures, training, and inspection; however, 
many repair stations and air carriers have implemented and use such 
quality assurance systems. In addition, the JAA requires each JAA-
approved maintenance organization (which includes some U.S. repair 
stations) to establish an independent quality system that monitors 
compliance with and adequacy of the procedures used to ensure good 
maintenance practices and airworthy aircraft and aircraft components.
    After reviewing the success of quality assurance and quality 
monitoring systems, the FAA has determined that quality assurance 
systems are necessary to ensure that maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations (including the maintenance and alterations 
performed by a repair station's contractors) are consistently performed 
in accordance with all applicable requirements. Thus, proposed 
Sec. 145.201 would require that each repair station establish a quality 
assurance system acceptable to the Administrator. A description of the 
entire quality assurance system would be included in the proposed 
repair station manual. Guidance on the establishment of effective 
quality assurance systems would be provided in advisory material 
published concurrently with this rule, if adopted.
    The size of an acceptable quality assurance system would be based 
on the repair station's size and type of operations. The FAA recognizes 
that many certificated repair stations have few employees. 
Consequently, the FAA would consider a repair station's size and 
complexity and the repair station's

[[Page 33149]]

designation of persons who perform quality assurance functions in 
reviewing a quality assurance system. For example, the FAA would permit 
smaller repair stations to assign individuals to quality assurance on a 
part-time basis.

Capability List

    Currently, Sec. 145.11(a)(4) requires that applicants for a 
propeller Class 2 rating or any accessory rating prepare a list, by 
type or make, as applicable, of each propeller or accessory for which 
the repair station seeks approval. Many repair stations use these lists 
and the limits of their Operations Specifications as marketing tools 
that describe their capabilities. One constraint related to this 
practice is that revisions to the current capability list require FAA 
approval, which makes timely revisions cumbersome in the dynamic 
aviation maintenance marketing environment.
    The FAA proposes to revise part 145 to provide for a capability 
list for each repair station. The capability list would specify all 
articles on which the repair station is capable of performing work; the 
articles would be listed by make and model. The repair station's 
Operations Specifications would continue to prescribe the ratings and 
classes under which the repair station is approved to operate.
    Under the proposal, prior to working on an article, a repair 
station would be required to conduct a self-evaluation, described in 
the quality assurance system in its repair station manual, to ensure 
that the repair station has the required facilities, equipment, 
materials, technical data, processes, housing, and trained personnel in 
place to properly perform the work on the article. Self-evaluations of 
this nature are consistent with other internal evaluation programs 
currently encouraged by the FAA.
    After the self-evaluation, the article would be added to the repair 
station's capability list. Procedures would be defined in the repair 
station manual to require the repair station to inform the FAA CHDO of 
the revision to the capability list.
    For example, if a repair station holds the proposed aircraft Class 
1 rating and the repair station's Operations Specifications limit the 
repair station to performing work on reciprocating engine-powered 
aircraft, the repair station would not be able to add any turbine 
engine-powered aircraft to its capability list without an FAA-approved 
revision to its Operations Specifications. However, the repair station 
would be able to add other reciprocating engine-powered aircraft to its 
capability list after the capability list revision procedures in its 
repair station manual are followed.

Contract Maintenance

    Notwithstanding concerns expressed by certain industry groups 
during the public meetings, contracting out maintenance under the 
current regulations has proven safe for more than 40 years. In an 
effort to harmonize part 145 with JAR 145, the FAA proposes to continue 
permitting repair stations to contract out maintenance and alteration 
of components of a type-certificated product as is permitted under 
current Sec. 145.47. However, the proposal would permit any repair 
station to contract out such work on any article for which it is rated 
(other than a complete type-certificated product), provided certain 
conditions are met. Current Sec. 145.47 includes equipment and material 
requirements and a description of contract maintenance requirements. 
Proposed Sec. 145.213 would include these current contract maintenance 
requirements.
    In addition, a list of those functions that a repair station would 
be permitted to contract to an outside facility would be required to be 
specified by the repair station in its manual under proposed 
Sec. 145.207(h). Under that paragraph, the repair station would have to 
list the names of those facilities to which it contracts work, along 
with their certificates and ratings, if any. The repair station manual 
would have to include procedures for qualifying and surveilling the 
facilities. It would also have to include procedures to accept the 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations performed by a 
facility to which work was contracted.
    The provisions of the repair station's quality control system 
specified in proposed Sec. 145.201(a)(2) and Sec. 145.209(c)(2) would 
require it to inspect articles and materials on which contract 
maintenance was performed. This mandatory inspection process would 
ensure that the requisite high level of safety is maintained when job 
functions are contracted either to certificated or noncertificated 
sources.
    Current Sec. 145.47(c) states that a repair station may contract 
maintenance and alteration of components of a type-certificated product 
to a noncertificated source provided: (1) The repair station is the 
manufacturer who originally manufactured the product for which it holds 
a U.S. type certificate; (2) the contracted component is included as 
part of the type-certificated product; (3) the component maintenance is 
done by the original component manufacturer or its manufacturing 
licensee; and (4) before the component is approved for return to 
service, the repair station ensures that it is being approved for 
return to service in accordance with the repair station's approved 
quality control system.
    Under the proposal, contracting to noncertificated sources would 
not be restricted to type certificate holders. Proposed Sec. 145.213 
would permit a certificated repair station to contract maintenance or 
alteration of any article for which it is rated to a noncertificated 
person provided the job function is contracted in accordance with 
procedures set forth in the certificated repair station's approved 
repair station manual.
    In addition, the certificated repair station would be required to 
supervise or otherwise remain directly in charge of a shop that 
performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations. The term 
``directly in charge'' is defined in proposed Sec. 145.3, Definition of 
terms, and specifies that a person who is directly in charge need not 
physically observe and direct each worker constantly but must be 
available for consultation and decision on matters requiring 
instruction or decision from higher authority than that of the persons 
performing the work. This definition is taken from 14 CFR 121.378(b). 
The certificated repair station would also be required to verify by 
test and/or inspection that the job function has been satisfactorily 
performed by the noncertificated person before the certificated repair 
station approves the article for return to service.
    The proposed limits on contracting maintenance would be that 
contracting of complete, assembled, type-certificated products would 
not be permitted and a certificated repair station also would not be 
allowed to only provide approval for return to service for a product 
after contract maintenance is performed, thereby prohibiting ``paper 
only'' repair stations.
    The proposed rule also would revise the list of certain job 
functions in appendix A to part 145 that can be contracted out by a 
certificated repair station. Current Sec. 145.47 requires that an 
applicant for a repair station certificate must be equipped to perform 
the functions listed in appendix A to part 145 that are appropriate to 
the ratings sought. Current appendix A to part 145 describes the 
equipment and material requirements for each of the ratings and classes 
under which a repair station can receive approval to operate. Job 
functions marked with an asterisk (*) in the current appendix are those 
for which the repair station may obtain the services of a contractor in 
lieu of having the appropriate equipment and

[[Page 33150]]

materials on the premises for the specific job function. Under the 
proposal, Sec. 145.111 would require that the repair station be 
equipped to perform the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations appropriate to the rating(s) held as prescribed by proposed 
appendix A. Under the proposed rule, functions that could be contracted 
out by a repair station to another facility (items currently marked 
with an asterisk) would no longer be included in the appendix. The 
proposed appendix would reflect the revisions and modifications to 
repair station ratings and classes found in proposed Sec. 145.59; 
however, all contracted maintenance functions would be required to be 
listed in the proposed repair station manual.
    The FAA specifically solicits comments to provisions in this notice 
regarding contracting of work and especially to proposed provisions 
regarding the contracting of work to noncertificated sources where the 
certificated repair station has final approval for return to service 
authority.

Job Functions

    The proposed appendix A, Job Functions, includes many significant 
revisions to current appendix A. In addition to removing those 
functions for which a contractor may be used, the FAA has excluded much 
of the advisory material in the proposed appendix. For example, the 
proposed appendix would retain ``Repair and replace alloy members and 
components,'' but this would not be followed by ``* * * such as tubes, 
channels, cowlings, fittings, attach angles, etc.'' The proposed 
appendix also would reduce current repetition by providing a list of 
functions that apply to all classes under a rating at the beginning of 
the rating's discussion. Therefore, subsequent class requirement 
discussions would state, ``In addition to having the capability to 
perform the appropriate functions as required for a Class `X' rating, a 
repair station holding a Class `Y' or Class `Z' rating must have * * 
*.'' The proposed appendix also adds new job functions for turbine 
engines and nondestructive testing; however, the most significant 
revision is the removal of functions that can be contracted out to 
another facility. This proposed change takes an approach toward 
contracting out that is similar to the one being developed by the JAA. 
The FAA requests that, during the comment period, commenters 
specifically address the equipment and material requirements for the 
various repair station ratings as well as the deletion from appendix A 
of those functions that may be contracted out by a repair station. 
Based on such comments, the FAA may revise this notice to accommodate 
specific comments.

Training Program

    Current Secs. 121.375 and 135.433 require that each certificate 
holder, under part 121, and pursuant to Sec. 135.411(a)(2), 
respectively, or person performing maintenance or preventive 
maintenance functions for these certificate holders, have a training 
program. This training program must ensure that each person who 
determines the adequacy of work performed is fully informed about 
procedures, techniques, and new equipment in use, and is able to 
perform all associated duties. Current Sec. 145.2(a) requires that 
repair stations supporting operations under part 121 comply with the 
provisions of current Sec. 121.375. Therefore, repair stations that now 
perform maintenance or preventive maintenance for part 121 operators 
are required to have a training program. In some cases, only a portion 
of a repair station's personnel accomplish work for part 121 operators. 
Consequently, only those individuals are included in the training 
program.
    Under the proposal, Sec. 145.159 would require that each repair 
station establish and maintain a documented training program for all 
employees who perform work under the repair station's ratings and 
classes. The proposed training program would enhance aviation safety by 
ensuring that each employee who works for the repair station is fully 
capable of performing that work, and it would ensure a level of safety 
equivalent to that of maintenance performed under part 121 or part 135. 
Because the FAA recognizes that repair stations vary in size, the 
repair station or any other organization such as a school or 
manufacturer could provide the training, provided the program is 
approved by the Administrator. The training program would be described 
in the repair station manual as set forth in proposed Sec. 145.207(e).
    The proposed training would be required to consist of initial and 
recurrent training for aviation maintenance personnel, be based on each 
individual's assignment, and ensure that each individual is capable of 
performing the assigned task. A person who is certificated or rated to 
perform particular duties, but is not currently assigned to perform 
those duties at the repair station, would not be required to 
participate in recurrent training for all of the tasks for which the 
person is certificated or rated until such time as that person is 
assigned to those duties.
    Because repair stations' activities vary greatly, information about 
the specific training needed to satisfy the requirements of the 
proposed rule would be published in advisory material that would be 
issued with this rulemaking.

Line Station Maintenance

    Current FAA policy permits an operator certificated under part 121 
or part 135 to contract line maintenance to a repair station located in 
the United States. A certificated repair station with a limited rating 
for line maintenance may perform such line maintenance, provided that 
the repair station holds the appropriate ratings and the operator's 
particular aircraft are identified in that repair station's Operations 
Specifications.
    Many repair stations located at airports have requested that they 
be permitted to perform line maintenance for part 121 or part 135 
operators without meeting all of the requirements of part 145. 
Currently, to receive the appropriate ratings or have an operator's 
aircraft added to the repair station's Operations Specifications, the 
repair station must meet the current part 145 requirements that exceed 
those necessary to perform the line maintenance. Proposed Sec. 145.7(e) 
would permit a repair station to perform line maintenance functions for 
an operator without meeting all of the part 145 requirements necessary 
to either obtain a rating or add an aircraft to the repair station's 
Operations Specifications. Repair stations could provide this service 
for operators certificated under part 121 or part 135 or for operators 
of U.S.-registered aircraft under part 129. Consistent with current 
practice, a repair station's Operations Specifications would state the 
job functions performed as line maintenance for each operator. The job 
functions would be based on the aircraft operator's manual or approved 
program. Also, the repair station would be required to have the 
necessary equipment, trained personnel, and technical data to perform 
the line maintenance.

Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements

    Currently, Sec. 145.61 requires each repair station to maintain 
adequate records of all maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations performed. The records must include the name of the 
certificated mechanic or repairman who performed or supervised the work 
and the name of the individual who inspected the work. Repair stations 
are required to retain these records for at

[[Page 33151]]

least 2 years after the work is completed.
    The FAA proposes to revise the current recordkeeping and reporting 
requirements. Proposed Sec. 145.217 would require a repair station's 
records and reports to include the make, model, identification number, 
and serial number (when applicable) of the aircraft, airframe, aircraft 
engine, propeller, appliance, or component part of the article worked 
on, and a copy of the maintenance release. The repair station would be 
permitted to use as the maintenance release the record that it 
completes to comply with current Secs. 43.9 and 43.11.
    A repair station would continue to be required to retain records 
for 2 years. Records could be retained in the form of actual work 
documents or copies thereof, or by an automated data processing system 
acceptable to the Administrator.
    The record retention period would be based on the date that article 
was approved for return to service as opposed to the date maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alteration was completed. In some instances, 
different work may have been completed on the same article on different 
dates before the article is approved for return to service. Therefore, 
the date an article is approved for return to service would be easier 
for a repair station to monitor.
    Under current industry practice, the owner or operator of an 
aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, 
or part on which work is performed receives the maintenance release. 
This practice would continue and be reflected in proposed 
Sec. 145.217(b). The proposed rule specifies that the maintenance 
release would be required to be retrievable in English.

Repair Stations Located Outside the United States

    As can be seen from the above discussion, the thrust of this 
proposal is to reduce the differences between the treatment of 
``domestic'' and ``foreign'' repair stations. Many of the requirements 
that would be imposed in this rulemaking are designed to ensure that 
maintenance functions are performed safely. For example, as discussed 
below, supervisors of any maintenance function at a repair station, 
regardless of where it is located, would be required to have at least 
18 months of practical experience in the maintenance function the 
individual is supervising.
    Nevertheless, we are mindful of concerns by some that repair 
stations located outside the United States pose special issues with 
respect to oversight and safety. Therefore, the FAA is considering the 
establishment of further measures to ensure that the proposed repair 
station requirements are implemented safely and effectively. For 
example, the FAA is considering authorizing an advisory panel or some 
other partnership to provide feedback to the Administrator on the 
effects of our rules on the safe operation of repair stations. Such a 
panel would provide a forum in which industry and labor representatives 
could discuss concerns and relay information on the real world effects 
of the repair station rules, including identifying any deficiencies or 
inequities.
    Comments are invited on this or any other idea to ensure the 
continuing safety and effectiveness of the proposed rule. The FAA will 
determine, at the time a Final Rule is adopted, whether an advisory 
panel, or some other plan recommended by commenters would be the best 
method of achieving this goal.

Section-by-Section Analysis

Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 36

    The proposal would revise paragraph 2(c) of this regulation by 
replacing the reference to current Sec. 145.51 with a reference to 
proposed Sec. 145.215(b)(2), and by replacing the references to 
``domestic repair station certificate under 14 CFR part 145'' with 
``repair station certificate under 14 CFR part 145 that is located in 
the United States''.

Section 11.101  OMB Control Numbers Assigned Pursuant to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act

    This section would be revised by replacing the reference to current 
Sec. 145.63 with a reference to proposed Sec. 145.219.

Section 91.411  Altimeter System and Altitude Reporting Equipment Tests 
and Inspections

    Paragraph (b)(2)(iii) would be revised by replacing ``limited 
rating'' with ``specialized service rating''. Paragraph (b)(2)(iv) 
would be revised by replacing ``airframe rating'' with ``aircraft 
rating''. Paragraph (b)(2)(v), which refers to a limited rating for 
manufacturers, would be deleted.

Section 91.413  ATC Transponder Tests and Inspections

    Paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) would be revised by changing 
the term ``radio'' to ``avionics'' and by replacing the reference to 
``Class III'' with ``Class 3'' in paragraph (c)(1)(i). Paragraph 
(c)(1)(iii) would be revised by replacing the reference to ``limited 
rating'' with ``specialized service rating''. Paragraph (c)(1)(iv), 
which refers to a limited rating for manufacturers, would be deleted.

Part 91, Appendix A Category II Operations: Manual, Instruments, 
Equipment, and Maintenance

    Paragraph (4)(b)(1)(ii) would be revised by changing the term 
``radio'' to ``avionics''. Paragraph 4(b)(1)(iii), which refers to 
ratings issued under subpart D of part 145 (limited ratings for 
manufacturers), would be deleted.

Section 121.378  Certificate Requirements

    This section would be revised by replacing ``repair stations 
certificated under the provisions of subpart C of part 145'' in 
paragraph (a) with ``a certificated repair station that is located 
outside the United States'' and by changing the reference to 
``alteration'', the singular, to ``alterations'', the plural.

Section 121.709  Airworthiness Release or Aircraft Log Entry

    This section would be revised by replacing ``a repair station 
certificated under the provisions of subpart C of part 145'' in the 
concluding text of paragraph (b) with ``a certificated repair station 
that is located outside the United States''.

Section 135.435  Certificate Requirements

    This section would be revised by replacing ``repair stations 
certificated under the provisions of subpart C of part 145'' in 
paragraph (a) with ``a certificated repair station that is located 
outside the United States''.

Section 135.443  Airworthiness Release or Aircraft Maintenance Log 
Entry

    This section would be revised by replacing ``a repair station 
certificated under the provisions of subpart C of part 145'' in the 
concluding text of paragraph (b) with ``a certificated repair station 
that is located outside the United States''.

Subpart A  General

Section 145.1  Applicability

    The proposed section is based on current Sec. 145.1 and describes 
the applicability of new part 145 with respect to obtaining repair 
station certificates and the general rules under which certificated 
repair stations must operate. Proposed Sec. 145.1 would revise current 
Sec. 145.1(a) by adding the term ``preventive maintenance'' and by 
changing the current reference pertaining to ``airframes, powerplants,

[[Page 33152]]

propellers, and appliances'' to ``any aircraft, airframe, aircraft 
engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof''. Current 
Sec. 145.1(b) and (c) would be deleted because it addresses foreign 
repair stations and manufacturers' maintenance facilities, 
respectively. As noted previously, the FAA is proposing, for the most 
part, to remove the distinction between domestic and foreign repair 
stations and to eliminate the limited ratings for manufacturers. The 
proposed changes differ in scope from the applicability section of 
current part 43 (maintenance rules), in that repair station privileges 
would be expanded to include foreign-manufactured and -certificated 
equipment, as well as equipment that has been issued an experimental 
airworthiness certificate.

Section 145.2  Certificate Issued to a Person in a Country Outside the 
United States; Certificate Issued to a Person in a Country With Which 
the U.S. Has a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement

    As of the issuance of this notice, the U.S. is in the process of 
signing bilateral aviation safety agreements (BASAs) with several 
foreign countries; those agreements cover multiple areas of FAA safety 
regulation, including maintenance to be performed on U.S. registered 
aircraft and parts thereof. Consistent with those agreements, the FAA 
will be establishing maintenance implementation procedures (MIPs) with 
the national (civil) aviation authorities (NAAs) of the respective 
countries. Each BASA and MIP will provide that the FAA may issue a part 
145 certificate to an applicant located in the country with which the 
U.S. has the BASA, based on a certification from the NAA of that 
country that the applicant complies with part 145. Each MIP will 
provide the procedures whereby that certification can be made. New 
Sec. 145.2(b) is proposed to incorporate that process into part 145; in 
this regard, it would parallel the process in 14 CFR 21.29 for the 
certification of aircraft and other type certificated products.
    New Sec. 145.2(a) would state, generally, that the FAA may issue a 
part 145 certificate to an applicant in a foreign country if the FAA 
finds that the applicant complies with part 145. While that general 
proposition obviously would not be a change from the existing rule, it 
is included to clarify that the certification by the foreign authority 
in proposed paragraph (b) is that the applicant complies with part 145. 
Thus, the certification in paragraph (b) could be based on a finding 
that the applicant complies with the repair station requirements of the 
foreign country, plus all additional requirements necessary to 
establish compliance with part 145.

Section 145.3  Definition of Terms

    For purposes of this part, the proposed section would define: 
accountable manager, actual work documents, approve for return to 
service, approved data, article, certificated, CHDO, composite, 
computer system, consortium, directly in charge, facility, housing, 
maintenance release, overhauled, and signature.

Section 145.5  Certificate and Operations Specifications Requirements

    The proposed section would retain the requirement found in current 
Sec. 145.3 that no person may operate as a certificated repair station 
without, or in violation of, a repair station certificate. 
Specifically, it would state that a repair station may perform work 
only for which it is rated within the limitations of its Operations 
Specifications. Proposed paragraph (d) specifies the contents of the 
Operations Specifications that would be issued to each certificated 
repair station. The contents would include the repair station's 
certificate number; class ratings; limited ratings, to include makes, 
models, or parts; specialized service ratings, to include the 
specification used; the air carrier's geographic authorization, for 
repair stations located outside of the United States; and any other 
items the Administrator may require or allow to meet a particular 
situation.
    Proposed Sec. 145.5 would revise the requirement found in current 
Sec. 145.19 that a repair station display its repair station 
certificate at a place normally accessible to the public and that is 
not obscured. The proposal would require only that a repair station 
have its certificate available, but not necessarily visible, for 
inspection by the public. A repair station would continue to be 
required to have its certificate available on the premises for 
inspection by the Administrator.

Section 145.7  Performance of Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, 
Alterations, and Required Inspections for Certificate Holders Under 
Parts 121, 125, and 135, and for Foreign Air Carriers or Foreign 
Persons Operating a U.S.-Registered Aircraft in Common Carriage Under 
Part 129

    The proposed section would combine the requirements of current 
Secs. 145.2 and 145.73 and describe special conditions related to the 
issuance of a repair station certificate. Proposed paragraph (a)(1) 
would retain the current requirements for a repair station performing 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations for a part 121 
operator having a continuous airworthiness maintenance program to 
conform with the provisions of those parts pertaining to such a 
program. The proposal, however, would revise the current rule by 
specifically listing those sections for which compliance is required. 
Proposed paragraph (a)(2) would revise the current rule by requiring a 
certificated repair station performing work for an air carrier or 
commercial operator having a continuous airworthiness maintenance 
program under part 135 to comply with the sections of that chapter 
pertaining to the performance of that work.
    Proposed paragraph (b) would retain the current requirement that 
work performed by a repair station for an air carrier or commercial 
operator having a continuous airworthiness maintenance program be 
performed in accordance with the air carrier's or commercial operator's 
manual.
    Proposed paragraph (c) retains the requirements of current 
Sec. 145.2(b) relating to the performance of inspections on airplanes 
operated pursuant to part 125.
    Proposed paragraph (d) would establish a new requirement that a 
repair station performing work for any person operating an aircraft 
pursuant to part 129 perform that work in accordance with a program 
approved by the Administrator.
    Proposed paragraph (e) would establish new provisions that would 
permit a repair station located at a line station for an air carrier 
certificated under part 121 or part 135, or at a line station for a 
foreign air carrier or foreign person operating a U.S.-registered 
aircraft in common carriage, to perform, under certain circumstances, 
line maintenance on any aircraft of that air carrier or person.

Section 145.9  Advertising

    The proposed section includes the requirement of current Sec. 145.3 
prohibiting a repair station from advertising as a certificated repair 
station until the issuance of a certificate. It also includes the 
requirements of current Sec. 145.25 specifying that the advertisement 
clearly state the repair station's certificate number. The proposed 
section also adds an additional requirement that prohibits a repair 
station from making false statements, either orally or in writing, 
designed to mislead any person.

Section 145.11  Deviation Authority

    Current regulations pertaining to manufacturers and some classes of

[[Page 33153]]

operators permit them to apply for a deviation from particular 
requirements of the FAA regulations. Similar provisions do not 
currently exist for certificated repair stations. The proposed section 
would establish new procedures for repair stations similar to those 
used by manufacturers and operators to apply for deviation authority 
from the regulations. The proposed regulations permit a repair station 
to apply for a letter of deviation from any sections of part 145. 
Consistency in granting deviation authority would be enhanced by the 
provision that only the Associate Administrator for Aviation Standards 
could issue letters of deviation authority.

Subpart B  Certification

Section 145.51  Application for Certificate

    This proposed section is based on current Secs. 145.11, 145.13, and 
145.71. Proposed paragraph (a) is similar to current application 
requirements but separates the application requirements for the initial 
issuance of a certificate or rating from the requirements for a change 
or renewal of a certificate. Applicants for a change or renewal of a 
certificate would be required to provide only that information 
necessary to substantiate the change or renewal, and such applications 
would be addressed in proposed Sec. 145.51(e).
    Additionally, the proposal revises the list of items that an 
applicant would be required to submit to the FAA with the application. 
The proposal would require that the applicant submit a copy of the 
repair station's manual to the Administrator for approval. (Current 
Sec. 145.11 refers to a repair station's IPM.) The proposal also would 
require that the applicant submit a list by type, make, or model, as 
appropriate, of the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, 
appliance, component, or part thereof for which an application is made. 
Current Sec. 145.11 requires this information on applications only for 
a propeller rating (Class 2) or any accessory rating (Class 1, 2, or 
3). Applicants also would be required to include a statement signed by 
the accountable manager (as defined in proposed Sec. 145.3) that the 
procedures described in the repair station manual are in place and meet 
the requirements of the applicable regulations. A list of maintenance 
functions performed under contract by another repair facility would 
continue to be required and to be included in the proposed repair 
station manual. Provisions of current Sec. 145.13, which require an 
applicant for a foreign repair station certificate to submit an 
organizational chart containing the names and titles of managing and 
supervisory personnel and a description of the repair station's 
facilities, would be expanded to apply to all applicants for a repair 
station certificate; however, submission of a suitably bound brochure 
and photographs of the facilities would no longer be required of any 
applicant. The proposal also would no longer require duplicate copies 
of all required information. For example, under the proposal, only one 
copy of the applicant's repair station manual would be required to be 
submitted.
    Proposed paragraph (b) establishes a new requirement that the 
equipment, facilities, and housing required for the certificate and 
rating be in place at the time of certification by the Administrator.
    Current Secs. 121.153(c) and 135.25(d) permit operators to use 
foreign-registered civil aircraft. Current Sec. 43.1(a) prescribes the 
rules under which these aircraft must be maintained. Proposed 
Sec. 145.51(c) expands the scope of current Sec. 145.71 by permitting 
an applicant located outside the United States to obtain a repair 
station certificate if it maintains foreign-registered aircraft 
operated under the provisions of part 121 or part 135, or aircraft 
engines, propellers, appliances, components, or parts thereof for use 
on such aircraft.
    Proposed Sec. 145.51(c)(2) retains the current requirement that the 
applicant for a repair station certificate located outside the United 
States provide evidence that the fee prescribed by the Administrator 
has been paid; however, the current reference to part 187 has been 
deleted. Proposed Sec. 145.51(c)(3) would codify the FAA's existing 
practice of requiring that a repair station located outside the United 
States complete an application for a repair station certificate in 
English.
    Under current regulations, a repair station that consists of 
numerous units and partners functioning as a single entity with regard 
to quality control and quality assurance (i.e., a consortium) is not 
permitted to operate under a single repair station certificate, unless 
it is granted an exemption from current Sec. 145.35. Airbus Industrie 
(Airbus) is an example of such a consortium. Airbus holds an exemption 
from current Sec. 145.35 to the extent necessary to permit the 
production units of the members and associated partners of the Airbus 
consortium to be collectively certificated as a U.S. foreign repair 
station to support maintenance of U.S.-registered A300, A310, A320, 
A321, A330, and A340 series aircraft. In its petition for exemption, 
Airbus contended that the exemption was necessary to permit it to 
function as an FAA-approved repair station without having a central 
maintenance facility. In granting the exemption, the FAA stated that a 
properly structured quality system, operating in a number of facilities 
under the direct responsibility of a central quality manager, using 
personnel that are properly trained, qualified, and authorized, and 
using a uniform system of documentation, can provide an acceptable 
substitute for the requirements of Sec. 145.35. The exemption was 
predicated on each Airbus production unit demonstrating its compliance 
with the applicable housing and facility requirements of the 
regulations. To exercise its enforcement obligations, the FAA required 
that Airbus retain certificate responsibility for the implementation 
and revision (as necessary) of the manual and the quality control 
procedures used by the Airbus production units and partners. This was 
achieved through the certification of the Airbus consortium as a 
foreign repair station. The maintenance, preventive maintenance, and 
alteration that may be performed in accordance with the Airbus 
exemption is limited to that necessary to support the operation of 
U.S.-registered airplanes. To preclude the requirements to obtain an 
exemption for similar operations in the future, proposed Sec. 145.51(d) 
would permit all consortiums that function as a single entity with 
regard to quality control and quality assurance functions, that hold an 
approved type certificate, and that perform maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations of that type-certificated product and 
components thereof to apply for a repair station certificate under this 
section.

Section 145.53  Issue of Certificate

    The proposed section is based on current Secs. 145.11(b) and 
145.71, which address the issuance of a repair station certificate. The 
section retains current regulatory language with no substantive 
changes.

Section 145.55  Duration and Renewal of Certificate

    This section is similar to current Secs. 145.15 and 145.17 but 
deletes the current provision in Sec. 145.17(b) that a certificate or 
rating for a repair station located outside of the United States 
expires at the end of 12 months after the date on which it was issued. 
Instead, the certificate or rating will expire after 24 months.
    Proposed paragraphs (a) and (b) retain current certificate duration 
requirements. The conditions for a

[[Page 33154]]

return of a certificate are described in paragraph (c).
    Proposed paragraph (d) modifies the current requirement for 
certificate renewal by specifying that a repair station located outside 
the United States must submit its request for renewal no later than 90 
days before its current certificate expires. Current Sec. 145.15(c) 
permits this application to be made within 30 days of the current 
certificate's expiration.

Section 145.57  Amendment to or Transfer of Certificate

    This section is based on current Sec. 145.15 and would continue to 
require that a repair station desiring to amend, revise, or add a new 
rating to its certificate apply on a form and in a manner prescribed by 
the Administrator. The current prohibition on the transfer of repair 
station certificate privileges upon conveyance of the repair station 
would be retained in proposed paragraph (b). Whereas current 
Sec. 145.15(b) states that, in the event of a sale or transfer of a 
repair station's assets, the new owner must apply for an amended 
certificate, proposed Sec. 145.57(b) clarifies the substance of the 
requirement by stating explicitly that the privileges of the 
certificate cannot be transferred if the repair station is sold, 
leased, or otherwise conveyed. Accordingly, to obtain a repair station 
certificate, a new owner or transferee of a repair station's assets 
would have to apply for a new certificate under the provision of 
proposed Sec. 145.51.

Section 145.59  Ratings and Classes

    The proposed section would completely revise the current system of 
ratings and classes specified in current Secs. 145.31 and 145.33. This 
revised system of ratings and classes is described earlier in this 
document under the heading ``Ratings and classes.''

Section 145.61  Transition to New System of Ratings

    The proposed section describes the FAA's procedure for phasing in 
the new system of ratings and classes specified in proposed 
Sec. 145.59. The manner in which the transition to this new system 
would be accomplished is described earlier in this document under the 
heading ``Implementation of the proposed ratings and classes.''

Subpart C  Facilities, Equipment, Materials, and Housing

Section 145.101  General

    This section is based on current Sec. 145.55 (Maintenance of 
personnel, facilities, equipment, and materials) with no substantive 
differences.

Section 145.103  Facility and Housing Requirements

    Proposed Sec. 145.103(a) is based on current Sec. 145.35 and 
retains many of the general facility and housing requirements currently 
found in that section for an applicant of a repair station certificate. 
The proposal would revise the current rule by expanding the 
applicability of these requirements to all repair stations, as opposed 
to applicants for repair station certificates or ratings. Proposed 
paragraph (a) retains the requirements of current Sec. 145.35. It 
eliminates the current specific requirement of Sec. 145.35(b)(3) to 
segregate machines and equipment whenever fabric work is done in an 
area where there is grease and oil. This type of work is not performed 
as often as in the past, and more general requirements to have 
facilities for the proper protection of parts and subassemblies, and 
segregation of certain operations, are included in the proposal.
    Proposed Sec. 145.103(b) describes the facility and housing 
requirements currently found in Sec. 145.37; however, it would 
establish new requirements for repair stations that perform 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on articles 
constructed of composite materials and repair stations with the 
proposed computer systems rating.
    Proposed Sec. 145.103(b)(1) would require housing only for the 
largest type and model of aircraft on which a repair station performs 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration. For example, if a 
repair station with a proposed aircraft Class 3 rating is authorized to 
work only on Boeing 737s, that repair station would be required to 
provide housing for at least one Boeing 737, even though larger 
aircraft, such as a Boeing 747, could be included in an aircraft Class 
3 rating.
    Current Sec. 145.37(b) addresses the use of permanent work docks 
and the performance of work outside, where permitted by climatic 
conditions. During preparation of this proposal, the FAA considered 
eliminating that portion of Sec. 145.37(b) that specifically permits 
the use of permanent work docks. The FAA contends that the elimination 
of this provision would simplify the requirements for all repair 
stations and help achieve uniform interpretation of the regulations. 
The FAA also is concerned that some geographical areas exist that are 
not truly free of rain, sand, dust, or some other environmental element 
or are affected by high or low temperatures that could have an adverse 
effect on worker efficiency during the performance of maintenance by 
the repair station. Repair station work, such as the performance of a 
detailed visual inspection or certain nondestructive inspection, of an 
airframe must be accomplished in a environment free of adverse 
environmental conditions to ensure the work process is not negatively 
affected by such conditions. In the interest of safety, the FAA 
contends that the elimination of the work dock provisions would address 
current situations in which some repair facilities may not provide 
adequate protection from environmental elements for aircraft, 
equipment, or personnel as required by Sec. 145.35(a).
    However, the FAA notes that currently available data do not permit 
the FAA to determine the number of repair stations that would be 
affected or to quantify the potential costs to the repair station 
industry if the use of work docks were no longer permitted. Therefore, 
provisions permitting the use of work docks have been retained in this 
proposal.
    During the comment period, the FAA requests that the public 
specifically address the potential costs that would be incurred by the 
repair station industry if provisions for permitting work outside were 
eliminated. In addition, the FAA is requesting that the comments 
submitted include a detailed discussion of the potential safety 
benefits that could be realized if such provisions were eliminated. 
Based on the input received and the data presented during the comment 
period, the FAA may eliminate the work dock provisions in the final 
rule.
    Proposed Sec. 145.103(b)(3) establishes new provisions that would 
require a repair station that performs maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations on any article of composite construction to 
meet acceptable process requirements. These process requirements would 
be based on the manufacturer's recommendations or other processes 
acceptable to the Administrator.
    Proposed Sec. 145.103 (b)(4) through (b)(7) revises current 
requirements so that they are applicable to the proposed system of 
certificates and ratings. Proposed Sec. 145.103 (b)(4) and (b)(6) is 
based on current Sec. 145.37 (c) and (e) with no substantive 
differences. Proposed Sec. 145.103(b)(5) would require repair stations 
with a propeller rating to have suitable stands, racks, and fixtures, 
not only for the proper storage of the propellers, but also for the 
performance of work on these articles. Proposed Sec. 145.103(b)(7) 
would establish

[[Page 33155]]

requirements for holders of an avionics, instrument, or computer system 
rating by requiring those holders to have a shop and assembly area that 
meets the standards for environmental control and protection from 
contaminants specified by the equipment or system manufacturer.
    Proposed Sec. 145.103(b)(8) specifically would establish a 
requirement for a repair station to meet any special facilities 
requirements determined by the manufacturer and approved by the 
Administrator for an article or system on which maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration is performed.
    Currently, Sec. 145.51(d) permits a repair station to maintain and 
alter any article for which it is rated at a place other than its fixed 
location if certain conditions are met. Proposed Sec. 145.103(c) would 
specify that a repair station is permitted to perform certain job 
functions on an aircraft at a place other than its fixed location 
because of a special circumstance as determined by the Administrator 
(e.g., an aircraft on the ground at an isolated airport requiring 
repairs to allow it to be flown safely to the operator's main base, a 
repair station, or in preparation for a ferry flight). The proposed 
repair station manual would be required to describe the procedures for 
the performance of work at a place other than the repair station's 
fixed location.

Section 145.105  Change of Location, Housing, or Facilities

    The proposed section is based on current Sec. 145.21 and specifies 
the types of changes requiring approval by the Administrator. The 
proposal would include the current requirement that any change to the 
location or facilities of a repair station be approved in advance. The 
proposal would specifically indicate that no operation by a repair 
station at a new location be authorized until approved.

Section 145.107  Satellite Repair Stations

    Under current Sec. 145.51(d), a domestic repair station may 
maintain or alter any article for which it is rated at a place other 
than the repair station, provided certain conditions are met. This work 
is normally performed on a case-by-case or as-needed basis. Under the 
proposal, repair stations would be permitted to establish satellite 
repair stations to perform work on a permanent basis at a place other 
than the repair station's primary facility. Proposed Sec. 145.107(a) 
would define ``satellite repair station'' and specify the requirements 
for the certification of these facilities. A satellite repair station 
would continue to be considered a separate repair station and would be 
required to meet the requirements (personnel, facilities, housing, 
etc.) for each rating it holds. A satellite repair station also would 
be required to prepare a manual consistent with the manual of the 
parent repair station. The manual would be required to be approved by 
the FAA CHDO. Proposed paragraph (b) would permit the cross-utilization 
of personnel and equipment from the parent repair station necessary to 
perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations. However, 
the FAA could specify when equipment and personnel could not be cross-
utilized.
    Additionally, proposed paragraphs (c) and (d) would codify the 
current practice that a repair station located within the United States 
would not be permitted to have a satellite repair station located 
outside the United States and that a repair station located outside the 
United States would not be permitted to have a satellite repair station 
located within the United States.

Section 145.109  Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations 
Conducted at Satellite Repair Stations

    This proposed section would specify the conditions under which a 
repair station may perform work at a satellite repair station rather 
than at the repair station's primary facility and would establish 
inspection personnel requirements for the facility. The proposed 
section is based on Sec. 141.91, which prescribes requirements for 
pilot school satellite bases.

Section 145.111  Equipment and Material Requirements

    The proposed requirements are based on those requirements found in 
current Secs. 145.47 and 145.49. The proposed section sets forth the 
requirements that would apply to all repair stations and those 
additional requirements that would apply to repair stations with 
specialized service ratings and those with ratings other than 
specialized service ratings. Additionally, the proposed regulation sets 
forth requirements for certificated repair stations, whereas the 
current regulation sets forth requirements for an applicant for a 
domestic repair station certificate.
    The proposed section retains the requirements of current 
Secs. 145.47(a) and (b), and 145.49(a); however, the proposal would 
require that tools used to accomplish work be those recommended by the 
manufacturer or equivalent to the manufacturer's recommendation and 
acceptable to the Administrator. The proposal also would require tools 
used for product acceptance and/or for making a finding of 
airworthiness be calibrated to a standard acceptable to the 
Administrator.
    The proposal would delete the specific equipment requirements for 
an applicant for a rating for specialized services or techniques issued 
under the current regulation; however, under the proposed rule, a 
certificated repair station with a specialized service rating would be 
required to have the appropriate equipment, materials, and technical 
data prescribed and approved for performing work under that rating.

Subpart D Personnel

    The FAA proposes to organize all part 145 repair station personnel 
requirements into a separate subpart of part 145. The proposed subpart 
would include current personnel requirements and new requirements 
relating to training, personnel records, designation of an accountable 
manager, and the recommendation of persons for certification as 
repairmen. Personnel requirements for repair stations located within 
and outside the United States would be standardized; however, repair 
stations located outside the United States would continue to be able to 
employ persons not certificated under part 65.

Section 145.151  Personnel Requirements

    This proposed section for personnel requirements is based on 
current Secs. 145.39 and 145.75 but does not include requirements for 
supervisory and inspection personnel. These requirements are found in 
proposed Sec. 145.153.
    Proposed Sec. 145.151 would establish the same general personnel 
requirements for repair stations located within and outside the United 
States. It would ensure that personnel employed at any repair station, 
regardless of its location, are competent to perform assigned tasks.
    Proposed Sec. 141.51 would include a new requirement that each 
certificated repair station designate an individual as the accountable 
manager. The section would continue to require that a repair station 
have a sufficient number of personnel to perform the work for which it 
is rated. The proposed section would specify that it is applicable to 
all repair stations, whereas current equivalent sections apply to 
applicants for certificates. The proposal deletes language in current 
Sec. 145.39(a) requiring officials of the station to consider carefully 
the justifications and abilities of their employees. This current 
provision is addressed by the proposed

[[Page 33156]]

training requirements. Language in current Sec. 145.39(b) requiring an 
applicant to have enough properly qualified employees to keep up with 
the volume of work in progress is addressed in proposed 
Sec. 145.151(a)(2).

Section 145.153  Supervisory and Inspection Personnel Requirements

    This proposed section is based on the supervisory and inspection 
personnel requirements found in current Secs. 145.39 and 145.75. The 
proposal would retain the requirements of these sections, codify 
minimum practical experience and training requirements for supervisory 
and inspection personnel employed at repair stations located outside 
the United States, and expand the Administrator's ability to determine 
the competence of all supervisory and inspection personnel.
    Proposed paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) are based on current 
Sec. 145.39(c). These sections would apply to all repair stations.
    Proposed paragraph (d) is based on current Sec. 145.39(d). It would 
contain identical requirements for supervisory and inspection personnel 
at repair stations located within and outside the United States, with 
the exception that personnel at repair stations located outside the 
United States would not be required to be certificated under part 65.
    Proposed paragraph (d)(1) retains the current requirement that only 
those individuals who supervise a maintenance function in a repair 
station located in the United States be certificated as a mechanic or 
repairman under part 65. Although the FAA will not require the 
certification of supervisory personnel at repair stations outside the 
United States, proposed paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) would apply the 
practical experience and training requirements currently found in 
Sec. 145.39(d) to all supervisory personnel regardless of where they 
perform their duties. Proposed paragraph (d)(2) would require all 
individuals who supervise a maintenance function at a repair station to 
have at least 18 months of practical experience in the maintenance 
function the individual is supervising. Proposed paragraph (d)(3) would 
require all supervisory personnel to be adequately trained on the 
maintenance of the article on which work is performed and to be 
familiar with the procedures, practices, inspection methods, materials, 
tools, and equipment used in the maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
or alterations for which the repair station is rated.
    The current prohibition found in Sec. 145.39(d) on the use of 
experience gained as an apprentice or student mechanic has been deleted 
because the FAA has determined that such experience is acceptable. In 
addition, the current requirement that at least one of the persons 
directly in charge of the maintenance functions of a repair station 
with an airframe rating must have had experience in approving aircraft 
for return to service after 100-hour, annual, and progressive 
inspections has been broadened. Current language specifying inspection 
types has been replaced by a reference to the inspections required by 
current Sec. 91.409.
    Proposed paragraph (e) is based on current Sec. 145.39(d) and would 
apply to all repair stations with no substantive changes.
    Proposed Sec. 145.153(f) imposes additional requirements on repair 
stations located outside the United States. These requirements are 
based on the requirements for supervisory and inspection personnel at 
foreign repair stations specified in current Sec. 145.75. Repair 
stations located outside the United States would be required to possess 
a sufficient number of supervisors and inspectors who understand FAA 
regulations, FAA Airworthiness Directives, and the manufacturers' 
maintenance and service instructions for the articles on which the 
repair station performs work. These personnel would also be required to 
understand, read, and write the English language.
    The changes proposed in paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3), together with 
the provisions of proposed paragraph (f), would ensure that repair 
stations located outside the United States possess a sufficient number 
of supervisory and inspection personnel who are as well qualified as 
their domestic counterparts certificated under part 65.
    Current references to determining the abilities of supervisory 
personnel by either the repair station or the Administrator have been 
included and expanded on in proposed paragraph (g). Current 
Sec. 145.39(c) provides that the Administrator may inspect the 
employment and experience records of all supervisory personnel and also 
may determine further the abilities of supervisors by administering a 
personal test; however, the current regulation does not provide for the 
evaluation of inspection personnel located at a repair station in the 
United States through use of a personal test. In addition to providing 
that the Administrator may review the employment and experience records 
of supervisors and inspection personnel, proposed Sec. 145.153(g) would 
permit the Administrator to use oral or practical tests to evaluate the 
ability of supervisory and of inspection personnel to perform the tasks 
for which they are assigned. The procedures the FAA would use to 
evaluate the technical competency of all repair station personnel would 
ensure that they possess a uniform level of competency, regardless of 
individual certification requirements.

Section 145.155  Recommendation of Persons for Certification as 
Repairmen

    The proposal is based on current Sec. 145.41; however, the proposal 
would require a repair station to recommend a sufficient number of 
repairmen to meet all applicable requirements of this part if the 
repair station chooses to use repairmen to satisfy these requirements. 
The current rule requires only the recommendation of at least one 
repairman. The proposal would delete the provisions of current 
Sec. 145.41(b), which require that each person recommended must be at 
or above the level of shop foreman or department head or be responsible 
for supervising the work performed by the repair station, and would 
permit a repair station to recommend any employee who meets the 
requirements of current Sec. 65.101 for certification as a repairman. 
The FAA has decided that this proposal would recognize the level of 
professional expertise of maintenance personnel currently employed at 
repair stations. The proposal also would enable repair stations to be 
more flexible in their hiring and placement practices. This proposal is 
consistent with current Sec. 65.101, which does not require that an 
individual be employed in a supervisory position at a repair station to 
meet the eligibility requirements for a repairman certificate.
    Consistent with proposed Sec. 145.153(g), proposed Sec. 145.155(b) 
also would permit the Administrator to evaluate any repairman's ability 
by inspecting employment and experience records and/or by administering 
an oral or practical test.

Section 145.157  Records of Management, Supervisory, and Inspection 
Personnel

    This proposed section is based on current Sec. 145.43. The FAA 
would continue to require a repair station to retain a roster of 
supervisory (including management) personnel and inspection personnel. 
Proposed paragraph (a)(3) would establish a new requirement for a 
repair station to retain a roster of those certificated personnel 
authorized to sign a maintenance release for approval for return to 
service of an altered or repaired article.

[[Page 33157]]

    The proposal would retain current requirements relating to the 
retention of information indicating compliance with experience 
requirements; however, the record of total years of experience for an 
individual would not need to pertain solely to the type of work the 
individual is performing but only to maintenance work in general. The 
proposal would modify the current rule by requiring that these rosters 
be kept current but would not list the specific instances under which 
they would be required to be modified. Although the proposal does not 
retain the language of current Sec. 145.43(d), these records would 
continue to be subject to inspection by the Administrator, as proposed 
in Sec. 145.221. Because records would be required to be maintained for 
all management personnel, the language of current Sec. 145.43(e) has 
not been retained.

Section 145.159  Training Requirements

    This section would create a new requirement for each certificated 
repair station to establish a training program approved by the 
Administrator that consists of initial and recurrent training for 
employees assigned to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alteration job functions. The proposal would require that records of 
this training be documented by the repair station in a form acceptable 
to the Administrator and that these records be retained for the 
duration of each individual's employment.

Subpart E  Operating Rules

Section 145.201  Quality Assurance and Quality Control Systems

    This proposed section is based on certain requirements in current 
Secs. 145.45, 145.57, and 145.105. Proposed Sec. 145.201(a)(1) would 
set forth a new requirement for a repair station to establish a quality 
assurance system. Section 145.201(a)(2) would continue to require a 
repair station to have a quality control and inspection system but 
would expand the scope of these systems to include the quality control 
of any work performed by a contractor. The proposal also would require 
these systems to be described in the repair station's manual.
    Proposed Sec. 145.201(b) continues to require repair stations to 
perform maintenance and alterations in accordance with part 43, which 
includes the applicable provisions of an approved maintenance program. 
The proposal also expands the scope of current Sec. 145.57 to include 
preventive maintenance.
    Current Sec. 145.57(a) requires that each repair station maintain, 
in current condition, all manufacturers' maintenance manuals, 
instructions, and service bulletins that relate to the articles that it 
maintains or alters. To standardize language relating to aviation 
maintenance, the FAA proposes in paragraph (c) to replace the term 
``instructions'' with ``Instructions for Continued Airworthiness''. 
Also, the FAA has determined that, because Airworthiness Directives 
(ADs) disseminate critical information about aviation safety, repair 
stations should possess all ADs that apply to an article on which that 
repair station performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations. Therefore, in proposed Sec. 145.201(c), the FAA would 
require that each repair station maintain and keep current all ADs, 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, and service bulletins that 
relate to articles that it includes on its capability list.
    Current Sec. 145.57(a) requires a repair station to retain current 
manufacturer's service manuals for each article that it maintains or 
alters. The FAA has received petitions for rulemaking requesting that 
the FAA permit repair stations to have a manufacturer's customized 
aircraft maintenance manuals only when necessary, instead of 
continuously maintaining such manuals. The FAA recognizes that 
difficulties with this requirement frequently occur because 
manufacturers are reluctant to release proprietary information or are 
unwilling to provide maintenance manuals for their products when a 
repair station is not a party to a licensing agreement. Therefore, 
repair stations are able to receive the manufacturer's maintenance 
manual for a particular aircraft or article only when the aircraft or 
article is delivered to the repair station for maintenance. During 
certification, repair stations would be required to have standard 
maintenance manuals for the equipment on which they intend to perform 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations; however, the FAA 
proposes in Sec. 145.201(d) to require repair stations to possess 
article-specific manufacturers' maintenance manuals only when required.

Section 145.203  Capability List

    This new section would require repair stations to prepare and 
retain a current capability list that would contain a list of the 
articles on which it performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations. The proposal would require that these articles be 
identified by make and model, part number, or other nomenclature 
designated by the article's manufacturer. Before revising the 
capabilities list, a repair station would be required to complete a 
self-evaluation to ensure that it meets all of the requirements for the 
proposed operations.

Section 145.205  Repair Station Manual

    The proposed section would establish a new requirement for a repair 
station to maintain and use a current approved repair station manual 
that would set forth the procedures and policies for the repair 
station's operation. It also would set forth requirements specifying 
the availability of the repair station manual to repair station 
personnel. Repair stations would be required to provide the CHDO with a 
current copy of the manual. Repair stations that provide electronic 
versions of their manual would be required to provide the FAA with the 
means to access the manual at the CHDO. In addition, except for 
revisions to the capability list, each revision to the repair station 
manual must be submitted to the Administrator for approval.

Section 145.207  Repair Station Manual Contents

    This section would outline the minimum requirements for the 
proposed repair station manual. The information specified includes the 
majority of those items now described as acceptable by AC No. 145-3 for 
inclusion in the current IPM. The proposed manual would be required to 
include an organizational chart of management personnel, a roster of 
inspection personnel, a description of the facility's operations, an 
explanation of its quality assurance system, a description of its 
training program, procedures for performing work at a location other 
than the facility, procedures for self-evaluations, maintenance 
functions contracted to an outside certificated facility or 
noncertificated person, procedures for conducting work under 
Sec. 145.7, a description of the facility's recordkeeping system, the 
repair station's capability list, procedures for updating the 
capability list, manual revision procedures, procedures for changes in 
location and facilities of the repair station, and other information 
required by the Administrator.

Section 145.209  Quality Control System and Procedures

    This proposed section is based on current Sec. 145.45. The proposal 
retains the basic requirements of that section and modifies certain 
provisions relating to the use of inspection devices and the

[[Page 33158]]

conduct of inspection procedures. It modifies the current rule by 
requiring inspection personnel to be skilled in operating inspection 
equipment and to be able to interpret defects indicated by the 
equipment at times when not just magnetic, fluorescent, or other 
mechanical inspection devices are used, but when any inspection device 
is used.
    The proposed section would require that a repair station establish 
specific procedures for the inspection of incoming raw materials and 
articles, as well as inspection procedures for articles on which 
contract maintenance or alterations are performed. Current 
Sec. 145.45(f) requires that an applicant for a repair station 
certificate provide a manual containing inspection procedures. The 
manual must explain in detail the repair station's inspection system, 
including the continuity of inspection responsibility. Although the 
proposed manual requirements are included in proposed Sec. 145.207, 
proposed Sec. 145.209(e) includes the inspection continuity 
requirements by requiring (under the quality control system and 
procedures) that the repair station ensure the continuity of inspection 
responsibility for the facility. The repair station's inspection system 
and procedures are part of its quality assurance system that would be 
described in the proposed repair station manual.

Section 145.211  Inspection of Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, or 
Alterations Performed

    This proposed section on inspection of maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration is based on current Sec. 145.59 with no 
substantive differences, but it has been expanded to address repair 
stations located outside of the United States. It includes current 
restrictions placed on repair stations located outside the United 
States and on the supervisory and inspection personnel employed by 
these repair stations.

Section 145.213  Contract Maintenance

    The proposed section is based on current Sec. 145.47(c) and 
establishes new requirements for a repair station when contracting for 
services. These new requirements are described in detail under the 
heading ``Contract Maintenance.''

Section 145.215  Privileges and Limitations of Certificate

    The proposed section is based on current Sec. 145.51 and generally 
retains the requirements of the current rule, except as noted. Proposed 
Sec. 145.215(a) modifies current Sec. 145.51 (a) and (b) to include 
references to preventive maintenance and to describe more accurately 
the articles on which work can be performed. The proposed section also 
would permit a repair station to arrange for the maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alteration of any article for which it is 
rated at another organization under its quality control system. The 
proposal deletes the current references to the performance of 100-hour, 
annual, or progressive inspections found in current Sec. 145.51(c). 
This language has been removed because inspection is included in the 
current Sec. 1.1 definition of maintenance. Because the current general 
airframe rating would be eliminated under the proposal (limited ratings 
would still remain available), a repair station with an aircraft rating 
would be permitted to perform a 100-hour, annual, or progressive 
inspection and approve an aircraft for return to service.
    In addition, because the applicability section of the proposed rule 
would permit a repair station to perform maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations on any type of article, Sec. 145.215(b)(3) 
would describe the method and technical data requirements for major 
repairs or major alterations performed on experimental aircraft.

Section 145.217  Recordkeeping

    This proposed section is based on current Secs. 145.61 and 145.79. 
Proposed paragraph (a)(1) modifies the current rule by requiring all 
repair stations to retain detailed records showing the make, model, 
identification number, and serial number (when applicable) of the 
article on which work was performed. The current 2-year record 
retention requirement would be retained in paragraph (a)(2); however, 
the proposal would specify that the period from which this time would 
be measured would commence on the date on which the article was 
approved for return to service, instead of the date on which the work 
was performed. Proposed paragraph (a)(3) would require these records to 
include a copy of the maintenance release. Proposed paragraph (a)(4) 
would permit these records to be retained as actual work documents or 
copies thereof, or through the use of an automated data processing 
system protected from unauthorized use and access. Proposed paragraph 
(b) would require that the repair station provide a copy of an 
article's maintenance release, which must be retrievable in English, to 
the owner or operator. Under the proposed rule, the repair station 
could use as the maintenance release the record that it completes to 
comply with Secs. 43.9 and 43.11 of this chapter.
    Similar to current requirements of Secs. 91.417(c), 121.380(c), and 
135.439(c), proposed Sec. 145.217(c) would require that a repair 
station make available to the Administrator or any authorized 
representative of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) all 
maintenance records required to be kept by proposed Sec. 145.217. The 
proposed paragraph specifies that the records would be required to be 
provided in English. The records would be required to be provided 
either in paper format or, if in other than paper format, with the 
means necessary to create a paper copy of the record.
    Proposed paragraph (d) would specify those recordkeeping 
requirements that apply to repair stations located outside the United 
States.

Section 145.219  Reports of Defects or Unairworthy Conditions

    Under current Sec. 145.63 or Sec. 145.79, repair stations are 
required to submit reports of defects or unairworthy conditions to the 
FAA. The FAA proposes to standardize the type of data reported under 
the service difficulty reporting (SDR) system by specifically listing 
in proposed Sec. 145.219(b) the information required when a repair 
station submits a report. The required information would be consistent 
with the type of service difficulty information that air carriers 
operating under parts 121 and 135 are required to submit. To avoid a 
duplication of reporting requirements, the repair station still would 
not be required to submit this information to the FAA if the 
information has been provided as a result of other regulatory 
requirements.
    Current Sec. 145.63(b) states that in cases where filing a report 
of defects or unairworthy conditions might prejudice the repair 
station, the repair station shall refer the matter to the FAA for a 
determination as to whether a report is necessary. Because such a 
condition does not appear in other parts of the regulations requiring 
such reports, the FAA proposes to eliminate this condition from the 
proposed rule.

Section 145.221  FAA Inspections

    This proposed section is based on current Sec. 145.23 but is 
expanded so that the FAA would be able to inspect repair stations' 
contract maintenance providers. The proposal also would require that 
arrangements for contractors' services include provisions for 
inspection of the contractor by the FAA. The proposed rule would remove 
the statement found in the current rule specifying that after an 
inspection the

[[Page 33159]]

repair station is notified in writing of any defects found during the 
inspection. This is common FAA practice and need not be specified in 
regulatory language.

Appendix A  Job Functions

    Appendix A would continue to set forth the job functions and the 
equipment requirements for repair stations except for those job 
functions that are contracted out. The proposed appendix A is updated 
and revised in accordance with the proposed ratings and classes for 
repair stations. The deletion of those functions that may be contracted 
out to another facility is described in detail above under the heading 
``Job Functions.''

Paperwork Reduction Act

    An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. 
Information collection requirements in this proposed rule previously 
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-
511) and have been assigned OMB Control Numbers 2120-0003 and 2120-
0010.

Regulatory Evaluation Summary

    Proposed changes to Federal regulations must undergo several 
economic analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 directs that each 
Federal agency shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned 
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its 
costs. Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 requires agencies 
to analyze the economic effect of regulatory changes on small entities. 
Third, the Office of Management and Budget directs agencies to assess 
the effect of regulatory changes on international trade. In conducting 
these analyses, the FAA has determined that this proposal: (1) would 
generate benefits that justify its costs and is a significant 
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 and DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979) 
because there has been considerable public interest in this subject; 
(2) would not have a significant impact on a substantial number of 
small entities; and (3) would not constitute a barrier to international 
trade. These analyses, available in the docket, are summarized below.

Costs

    The estimated net cost of compliance after subtracting cost savings 
with the proposed amendment would be approximately $33.3 million (net 
of cost savings) in 1996 dollars, discounted at 7 percent, over 11 
years. The most costly requirement, which is in Sec. 145.201, relates 
to operations and inspection procedures for quality assurance and 
quality control systems and would result in repair stations incurring 
discounted costs of $80.9 million. The most cost-saving requirement, 
which is in Sec. 145.201, relates to a reduction in the number of 
manuals that a repair station would be required to maintain and would 
result in repair stations saving about $76.1 million discounted.

Benefits

    The estimated quantifiable safety benefits of the proposed 
amendment are approximately $54.9 million in 1996 dollars, discounted 
at 7 percent, over 11 years. On an annual basis, an average of 6.9 
total accidents would be avoided, preventing 2.2 fatalities, 1.7 
serious injuries, and 2.7 minor injuries. The avoidance of 6.9 
accidents would avert at a minimum the destruction of at least 4.7 
general aviation aircraft and would avert substantial damage to 1.4 
general aviation aircraft. Property damage to other types of aircraft 
would also be averted.

International Trade Impact Statement

    This proposed rule would not constitute a barrier to international 
trade, including the export of U.S. goods and services to foreign 
countries and the import of foreign goods and services into the United 
States. The proposal affects repair stations located both within and 
outside the United States. There are approximately 522 repair stations 
listed in AC No. 140-7I that are located outside the United States; 
they would be required to comply with each of the provisions applicable 
to repair stations located within the United States. However, repair 
stations located outside the United States would continue to be 
permitted to employ individuals not certificated under part 65.
    The proposal is not expected to affect trade opportunities for U.S. 
firms doing business overseas or for foreign firms doing business in 
the United States. Furthermore, the proposal is consistent with the 
terms of several trade agreements to which the United States is a 
signatory, such as the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2501 et 
seq.), incorporating the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (31 
U.S.C. 619) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade 
(Standards) (19 U.S.C. 2531). Aircraft repair and maintenance services 
are subject to general obligations and specific U.S. market access 
commitments under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) 
administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The proposed rule 
is fully consistent with United States' obligations and commitments 
under this treaty. The proposed revision to part 145 also is consistent 
with 49 U.S.C. 40105, formerly Sec. 1102(a) of the Federal Aviation Act 
of 1958, as amended, which requires the FAA to exercise and perform its 
powers and duties consistently with any obligation assumed by the 
United States in any agreement that may be in force between the United 
States and any foreign country or countries.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Assessment

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (the Act), 
codified in 2 U.S.C. 1501-1571, requires each Federal agency, to the 
extent permitted by law, to prepare a written assessment of the effects 
of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final agency rule that may 
result in the expenditures by State, local, and tribal governments, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more 
(adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. Section 204(a) of 
the Act, 2 U.S.C. 1534(a), requires the Federal agency to develop an 
effective process to permit timely input by elected officers (or their 
designees) of State, local, and tribal governments on a proposed 
``significant intergovernmental mandate.'' A ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate'' under the Act is any provision in a Federal 
agency regulation that would impose an enforceable duty upon State, 
local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, of $100 million 
(adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. Section 203 of the 
Act, 2 U.S.C. 1533, which supplements section 204(a), provides that 
before establishing any regulatory requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments, the agency shall 
have developed a plan that, among other things, provides for notice to 
potentially affected small governments, if any, and for a meaningful 
and timely opportunity to provide input in the development of 
regulatory proposals.
    This proposed rule does not meet the cost thresholds described 
above. Furthermore, this proposed rule would not impose a significant 
cost on small

[[Page 33160]]

governments and would not uniquely affect those small governments. 
Therefore, the requirements of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995 do not apply.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) establishes as a 
principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall endeavor, 
consistent with the objective of the rule and of applicable statutes, 
to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale of the 
business, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to 
regulation. To achieve that principle, the Act requires agencies to 
solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the 
rationale for their actions. The Act covers a wide-range of small 
entities, including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and 
small governmental jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a proposed or 
final rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. If the determination is that it will, the 
agency must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in 
the Act.
    However, if an agency determines that a proposed or final rule is 
not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities, section 605(b) of the 1980 act provides that 
the head of the agency may so certify and a regulatory flexibility 
analysis is not required. The certification must include a statement 
providing the factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning 
should be clear.
    The initial determination is that the annual costs associated with 
compliance with the proposed revision of part 145 would be less than 
$5,000 per repair station and each affected manufacturer. For the type 
of business entities covered by this proposed rule, these annual costs 
are negligible. Therefore, the FAA certifies that the proposed revision 
of part 145, would not have a significant economic impact, negative or 
positive, on the repair stations or MMFs considered to be small 
entities under the rule.

Federalism Implications

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 the 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.

International Compatibility

    In keeping with the U.S. obligation under the Convention of 
International Civil Aviation, it is the FAA's policy to comply with the 
Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation 
Organization to the maximum extent practicable. For this notice, the 
FAA has determined that this proposal, if adopted, would not present 
any differences.
    This proposed rule would provide nearly uniform requirements by the 
FAA and the JAA for maintenance facilities that perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft, airframes, 
aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, components, and parts. 
Exceptions to these nearly uniform requirements are the FAA's 
requirements for major repairs and major alterations to be performed in 
accordance with technical data approved by the FAA, and the JAA's 
requirements for each approved maintenance organization to designate an 
accountable manager.

Environmental Analysis

    FAA Order 1050.1D defines FAA actions that may be categorically 
excluded from preparation of a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. In 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, appendix 4, paragraph 4(j), this 
rulemaking action qualifies for a categorical exclusion.

Energy Impact

    The energy impact of the proposed rule has been assessed in 
accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and 
Public Law 94-163, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6362). It has been determined 
that it is not a major regulatory action under the provisions of the 
EPCA.

Cross Reference

    To illustrate how the current regulations have been revised, and to 
identify how the proposed rule relates to the current rule, the 
following cross-reference tables are provided.

                          Cross-Reference Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Old section                         New section(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
145.1..............................  145.1
145.2..............................  145.7
145.3..............................  145.5 and 145.9
145.11.............................  145.51 and 145.53
145.13.............................  145.51
145.15.............................  145.57 and 145.105
145.17.............................  145.55
145.19.............................  145.5
145.21.............................  145.105
145.23.............................  145.221
145.25.............................  145.9
145.31.............................  145.59
145.33.............................  145.59
145.35.............................  145.103
145.37.............................  145.103
145.39.............................  145.151 and 145.153
145.41.............................  145.155
145.43.............................  145.157
145.45.............................  145.201, 145.207, and 145.209
145.47.............................  145.111 and 145.213
145.49.............................  145.111
145.51.............................  145.107 and 145.215

[[Page 33161]]

 
145.53.............................  145.5 and 145.215
145.55.............................  145.101
145.57.............................  145.103 and 145.201
145.59.............................  145.211
145.61.............................  145.217
145.63.............................  145.219
145.71.............................  145.51
145.73.............................  145.5 and 145.215
145.75.............................  145.151 and 145.153
145.77.............................  Deleted
145.79.............................  145.217 and 145.219
145.101............................  Deleted
145.103............................  Deleted
145.105............................  145.201
Appendix A.........................  Appendix A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Cross-Reference Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            New section                         Old section(s)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
145.1..............................  145.1
145.2..............................  New
145.3..............................  New
145.5..............................  145.3, 145.19, and 145.53
145.7..............................  145.2
145.9..............................  145.3 and 145.25
145.11.............................  New
145.51.............................  145.11, 145.13, and 145.71
145.53.............................  145.11 and 145.71
145.55.............................  145.15 and 145.17
145.57.............................  145.15
145.59.............................  145.31 and 145.33
145.61.............................  New
145.101............................  145.55
145.103............................  145.35, 145.37, and 145.57
145.105............................  145.21
145.107............................  145.51
145.109............................  New
145.111............................  145.47 and 145.49
145.151............................  145.39 and 145.75
145.153............................  145.39 and 145.75
145.155............................  145.41
145.157............................  145.43
145.159............................  New
145.201............................  145.45, 145.57, and 145.105
145.203............................  New
145.205............................  New
145.207............................  145.45
145.209............................  145.45
145.211............................  145.59
145.213............................  145.47
145.215............................  145.51 and 145.73
145.217............................  145.61 and 145.79
145.219............................  145.63 and 145.79
145.221............................  145.23
Appendix A.........................  Appendix A
------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Subjects

14 CFR Part 11

    Aircraft, Airmen, Aviation safety, Safety.

14 CFR Part 91

    Aircraft, Airworthiness directives and standards, Aviation safety, 
Safety.

14 CFR Part 121

    Aircraft, Airmen, Airplanes, Airworthiness directives and 
standards, Aviation safety, Safety.

14 CFR Part 135

    Aircraft, Airplanes, Airworthiness, Airmen, Helicopters, Aviation 
safety, Safety.

14 CFR Part 145

    Air carriers, Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 
Recordkeeping and reporting, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend parts 11, 91, 121, 135, and 145 of the 
Federal Aviation

[[Page 33162]]

Regulations (14 CFR parts 11, 91, 121, 135, and 145) as follows:

PART 11--GENERAL RULEMAKING PROCEDURES

    1. The authority citation for part 11 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40101, 40103, 40105, 40109, 40113, 
44110, 44502, 44701, 44702, 44711, 46102.


Sec. 11.101   [Amended]

    2. Section Sec. 11.101(b) is amended by replacing the reference to 
Sec. 145.63 in the chart with a reference to Sec. 145.219.

PART 91--GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES

    3. The authority citation for part 91 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120, 44101, 44111, 
44701, 44709, 44711, 44712, 44715, 44716, 44717, 44722, 46306, 
46315, 46316, 46502, 46504, 46506, 46507, 47122, 47508, 47528, 
47531.

    4. Section 91.411 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2)(iii) and 
(b)(2)(iv) and by removing paragraph (b)(2)(v) to read as follows:


Sec. 91.411  Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests 
and inspections.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) A specialized service rating appropriate to the test to be 
performed; or
    (iv) An aircraft rating appropriate to the airplane or helicopter 
to be tested; or
* * * * *
    5. Section 91.413 is amended by revising paragraphs (c)(1)(i), 
(c)(1)(ii), and (c)(1)(iii) and by removing paragraph (c)(1)(iv) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 91.413  ATC transponder tests and inspections.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) An avionics rating, Class 3;
    (ii) A limited avionics rating appropriate to the make and model 
transponder to be tested;
    (iii) A specialized service rating appropriate to the test to be 
performed; or
* * * * *
    6. Appendix A to part 91 is amended by revising section 4 paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) and by removing section 4 paragraph (b)(1)(iii) to read as 
follows:

Appendix A to Part 91 Category II Operations: Manual, Instruments, 
Equipment, and Maintenance

* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) An avionics rating.
* * * * *

PART 121--CERTIFICATION AND OPERATIONS: DOMESTIC, FLAG, AND 
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS OF LARGE 
AIRCRAFT

    7. The authority citation for part 121 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 40119, 44101, 44701, 44702, 
44705, 44709, 44711, 44713, 44716, 44717, 44722, 44901, 44903, 
44904, 44912, 46105.

    8. Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 36 is amended by 
revising paragraph (2)(c) to read as follows:

SFAR No. 36

* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (c) Contrary provisions of Sec. 145.215(b)(2) of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations notwithstanding, the holder of a repair station 
certificate under 14 CFR part 145 that is located in the United 
States may perform a major repair on an article for which it is 
rated using technical data not approved by the Administrator and 
approve that article for return to service, if authorized in 
accordance with this Special Federal Aviation Regulation. If the 
certificate holder holds a rating limited to a component of a 
product or article, the holder may not, by virtue of this Special 
Federal Aviation Regulation, approve that product or article for 
return to service.
* * * * *
    9. Section 121.378 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 121.378  Certificate requirements.

    (a) Except for maintenance, preventive maintenance, alterations, 
and required inspections performed by a certificated repair station 
that is located outside the United States, each person who is directly 
in charge of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations, and 
each person performing required inspections must hold an appropriate 
airman certificate.
* * * * *
    10. Section 121.709 is amended by removing the concluding text of 
paragraph (b); redesignating paragraphs (c) and (d) as paragraphs (d) 
and (e), respectively, and adding a new paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 121.709  Airworthiness release or aircraft log entry.

* * * * *
    (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(3) of this section, after 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations performed by a 
repair station that is located outside the United States, the 
airworthiness release or log entry required by paragraph (a) of this 
section may be signed by a person authorized by that repair station.
* * * * *

PART 135--OPERATING REQUIREMENTS: COMMUTER AND ON-DEMAND OPERATIONS

    11. The authority citation for part 135 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44705, 44709, 
44711, 44713, 44715, 44717, 44722.

    12. Section 135.435 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 135.435  Certificate requirements.

    (a) Except for maintenance, preventive maintenance, alterations, 
and required inspections performed by a certificated repair station 
that is located outside the United States, each person who is directly 
in charge of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations, and 
each person performing required inspections must hold an appropriate 
airman certificate.
* * * * *
    13. Section 135.443 is amended by redesignating paragraph (c) as 
paragraph (d) and revising it; and redesignating the concluding text of 
paragraph (b) as paragraph (c) and revising it to read as follows:


Sec. 135.443  Airworthiness release or aircraft maintenance log entry.

* * * * *
    (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(3) of this section, after 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations performed by a 
repair station that is located outside the United States, the 
airworthiness release or log entry required by paragraph (a) of this 
section may be signed by a person authorized by that repair station.
    (d) Instead of restating each of the conditions of the 
certification required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the 
certificate holder may state in its manual that the signature of an 
authorized certificated mechanic or repairman constitutes that 
certification.
    14. Part 145 is revised to read as follows:

PART 145--REPAIR STATIONS

Special Federal Aviation Regulations

SFAR No. 36 [Note]

[[Page 33163]]

Subpart A--General

Sec.
145.1  Applicability.
145.2  Certificate issued to a person in a country outside the 
United States; certificate issued to a person in a country with 
which the U.S. has a bilateral aviation safety agreement.
145.3  Definition of terms.
145.5  Certificate and operations specifications requirements.
145.7  Performance of maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
alterations, and required inspections for certificate holders under 
parts 121, 125, and 135; and for foreign air carriers or foreign 
persons operating a U.S.-registered aircraft in common carriage 
under part 129.
145.9  Advertising.
145.11  Deviation authority.

Subpart B--Certification

145.51  Application for certificate.
145.53  Issue of certificate.
145.55  Duration and renewal of certificate.
145.57  Amendment to or transfer of certificate.
145.59  Ratings and classes.
145.61  Transition to new system of ratings.

Subpart C--Facilities, Equipment, Materials, and Housing

145.101  General.
145.103  Facility and housing requirements.
145.105  Change of location, housing, or facilities.
145.107  Satellite repair stations.
145.109  Maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations 
performed at satellite repair stations.
145.111  Equipment and material requirements.

Subpart D--Personnel

145.151  Personnel requirements.
145.153  Supervisory and inspection personnel requirements.
145.155  Recommendation of persons for certification as repairmen.
145.157  Records of management, supervisory, and inspection 
personnel.
145.159  Training requirements.

Subpart E--Operating Rules

145.201  Quality assurance and quality control systems.
145.203  Capability list.
145.205  Repair station manual.
145.207  Repair station manual contents.
145.209  Quality control system and procedures.
145.211  Inspection of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations performed.
145.213  Contract maintenance.
145.215  Privileges and limitations of certificate.
145.217  Recordkeeping.
145.219  Reports of defects or unairworthy conditions.
145.221  FAA inspections.

Appendix A to Part 145--Job Functions

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44707, 44717.

Special Federal Aviation Regulation

SFAR No. 36

    Editorial Note: For the text of SFAR No. 36, see part 121 of 
this chapter.

Subpart A--General


Sec. 145.1  Applicability.

    This part prescribes the rules governing the certification of, and 
associated ratings and general operating rules for, repair stations 
that perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of any 
aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component 
part thereof.


Sec. 145.2  Certificate issued to a person in a country outside the 
United States; certificate issued to a person in a country with which 
the U.S. has a bilateral aviation safety agreement.

    (a) The Administrator may issue a repair station certificate to a 
person in a country outside the U.S., if the Administrator finds that 
the person complies with the requirements of this part.
    (b) If the person is located in a country with which the U.S. has a 
bilateral aviation safety agreement, the Administrator may base the 
finding that the person complies with this part on a certification from 
the civil aviation authority of that country; such certification must 
be made in accordance with implementation procedures signed by the 
Administrator or the Administrator's designee.


Sec. 145.3  Definition of terms.

    For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
    (a) Accountable manager means the manager who has the corporate 
authority for ensuring that all maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
and alteration is carried out to the standards required by the 
Administrator.
    (b) Actual work documents means records that provide a detailed 
description of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration 
steps and procedures actually accomplished on a particular aircraft, 
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part 
thereof, and that are signed by the individual performing or approving 
the work.
    (c) Approve for return to service means certification by a 
certificated repair station representative that the maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alteration performed on an aircraft, 
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part 
thereof was accomplished using the methods, techniques, and practices 
prescribed in the current manufacturer's maintenance manual or 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness prepared by its manufacturer, 
or by using other methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the 
Administrator.
    (d) Approved data means technical information approved by the 
Administrator.
    (e) Article means any item, including but not limited to, an 
aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, accessory, 
assembly, subassembly, system, subsystem, module, component, unit, 
product, or part.
    (f) Certificated means certificated by the Administrator.
    (g) Certificate holding district office means the Flight Standards 
District Office that has responsibility for administering the 
certificate and is charged with the overall inspection of the 
certificate holder's operation.
    (h) Composite means structural materials made of substances, 
including, but not limited to, wood, metal, ceramic, plastic, fiber-
reinforced materials, graphite, boron, or epoxy, with built-in 
strengthening agents that may be in the form of filaments, foils, 
powders, or flakes of a different material.
    (i) Computer system means any electronic or automated system 
capable of receiving, storing, and processing external data, and 
transmitting and presenting such data in a usable form for the 
accomplishment of a specific function.
    (j) Consortium means the holder of a type certificate that forms a 
combination or group of separate certificated repair stations to 
perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations of that 
type-certificated product and components thereof, and functions under a 
single unified quality control and quality assurance system.
    (k) Directly in charge. A person who is directly in charge is 
assigned to a position in which he or she is responsible for the work 
of a shop that performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
alterations, or other functions affecting aircraft airworthiness. A 
person who is directly in charge need not physically observe and direct 
each worker constantly but must be available for consultation and 
decision on matters requiring instruction or decision from higher 
authority than that of the persons performing the work.
    (l) Facility means a physical plant, including land, buildings, and 
equipment, that provides the means for the performance of maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alteration of any article.

[[Page 33164]]

    (m) Housing means buildings, hangars, and other structures to 
accommodate the necessary equipment and materials of a repair station 
that
    (1) Provide working space for the performance of the maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations for which the repair station is 
certificated and rated; and
    (2) Provide structures for the proper protection of aircraft, 
airframes, aircraft engines, appliances, components, parts, and 
subassemblies thereof during disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, 
alteration, assembly, and testing; and for the proper storage, 
segregation, and protection of materials, parts, and supplies.
    (n) Maintenance release means a repair station document signed by 
an authorized repair station representative that states that the 
article worked on is approved for return to service for the 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations performed.
    (o) Overhauled. An article can be properly described as 
``overhauled'' if, by using methods, techniques, and practices 
acceptable to the Administrator, the article has been disassembled, 
cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, and reassembled, and it has 
been tested in accordance with approved standards and technical data or 
in accordance with current standards and technical data acceptable to 
the Administrator that have been developed and documented by the holder 
of the type certificate, supplemental type certificate, or a material, 
part, process, or appliance approval under 14 CFR 21.305 of this 
chapter.
    (p) Signature means an individual's unique identification used as a 
means of authenticating a maintenance record entry or maintenance 
record. A signature may be handwritten, electronic, or any other form 
acceptable to the Administrator.


Sec. 145.5  Certificate and operations specifications requirements.

    (a) No person may operate as a certificated repair station without, 
or in violation of, a repair station certificate or Operations 
Specifications issued under this part.
    (b) A certificated repair station may perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations on an aircraft, airframe, 
aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof only 
for which it is rated and within the limitations placed in its 
Operations Specifications.
    (c) The certificate issued to each certificated repair station must 
be available on the premises for inspection by the public and the 
Administrator.
    (d) Operations Specifications issued to each certificated repair 
station contain the following:
    (1) The repair station certificate number;
    (2) Class ratings;
    (3) Limited ratings, to include makes, models, or parts;
    (4) Specialized service ratings, to include the specification used;
    (5) The air carrier's geographic authorization for repair stations 
located outside of the United States; and
    (6) Any other items the Administrator may require or allow to meet 
a particular situation.


Sec. 145.7  Performance of maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
alterations, and required inspections for certificate holders under 
parts 121, 125, and 135; and for foreign air carriers or foreign 
persons operating a U.S.-registered aircraft in common carriage under 
part 129.

    (a) Each certificated repair station that performs maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations for an air carrier or commercial 
operator having a continuous airworthiness maintenance program under 
part 121 or part 135 of this chapter must, as applicable, comply with
    (1) Sections 121.361, 121.365, 121.367, 121.371, 121.375, 121.377, 
121.378, and 121.380 of this chapter as the part 121 certificate holder 
is required to comply; or
    (2) Sections 135.2, 135.411, 135.419, 135.421, 135.423, 135.425, 
135.429, 135.433, 135.435, and 135.439 of this chapter as the part 135 
certificate holder is required to comply.
    (b) Each certificated repair station that performs maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations under paragraph (a) of this 
section must perform that work in accordance with the applicable 
portions of the air carrier's or commercial operator's manual.
    (c) Each certificated repair station that performs inspections on 
airplanes under part 125 of this chapter must perform those inspections 
in accordance with the approved inspection program for the operator of 
the airplane.
    (d) Each certificated repair station that performs maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations for a foreign air carrier or 
foreign person operating a U.S.-registered aircraft in common carriage 
under part 129 of this chapter must perform that work in accordance 
with a program approved by the Administrator.
    (e) Notwithstanding the facility and housing requirements of 
Sec. 145.103, the Administrator may grant approval for a certificated 
repair station that is located at a line station for an air carrier 
certificated under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter, or at a line 
station for a foreign air carrier or foreign person operating a U.S.-
registered aircraft in common carriage under part 129 of this chapter 
to perform line maintenance on any aircraft of that air carrier or 
person, provided
    (1) The repair station performs such line maintenance in accordance 
with the operator's manual or approved program;
    (2) The repair station has the necessary equipment, trained 
personnel, and technical data to perform such line maintenance; and
    (3) The repair station's Operations Specifications includes an 
authorization to perform line maintenance.


Sec. 145.9  Advertising.

    (a) No repair facility may advertise as a certificated repair 
station until a repair station certificate has been issued to that 
facility.
    (b) No certificated repair station may make any statement, either 
in writing or orally, about itself that is false or is designed to 
mislead any person.
    (c) Whenever the advertising of a repair station indicates that it 
is certificated, the advertisement must clearly state the repair 
station's certificate number.


Sec. 145.11  Deviation authority.

    (a) The Administrator may, upon consideration of the circumstances 
of a particular repair station, issue a deviation providing relief from 
specified sections of this part, provided the Administrator finds that 
the circumstances presented warrant the deviation and that a level of 
safety will be maintained equal to that provided by the rule from which 
the deviation is sought. This deviation authority will be issued as a 
Letter of Deviation Authority.
    (b) A Letter of Deviation Authority may be terminated or amended at 
any time by the Administrator.
    (c) A request for deviation authority must be made in a form and 
manner acceptable to the Administrator and submitted to the FAA, 
Associate Administrator for Regulation and Certification, 800 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, at least 60 days before 
the date the deviation from specified sections in this part is 
necessary for the intended maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alteration. A request for deviation authority must contain a complete 
statement of the circumstances and justification for the

[[Page 33165]]

deviation requested, and show that a level of safety will be maintained 
equal to that provided by the rule from which the deviation is sought.

Subpart B--Certification


Sec. 145.51  Application for certificate.

    (a) An application for a repair station certificate and rating must 
be made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator, and 
must include
    (1) A copy of the applicant's repair station manual required by 
Sec. 145.205 for approval by the Administrator;
    (2) A list by type, make, or model, as appropriate, of the 
aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, 
or part thereof, for which application is made;
    (3) A statement signed by the accountable manager confirming that 
the procedures described in the repair station manual are in place and 
meet the requirements of the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations;
    (4) An organizational chart of the repair station and a list of the 
names and titles of managing and supervisory personnel;
    (5) A description of the applicant's facilities, including the 
physical address; and
    (6) A list of the maintenance functions to be performed for the 
repair station, under contract, by another repair organization/facility 
under Sec. 145.213.
    (b) The equipment, personnel, technical data, and housing and 
facilities required for the certificate and rating for which the repair 
station has applied, or for an additional rating, must be in place for 
inspection at the time of certification by the Administrator.
    (c) In addition to meeting the other applicable requirements for a 
repair station certificate and rating, an applicant for a repair 
station certificate and rating that is located outside the United 
States must meet the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) The applicant must show that the repair station certificate 
and/or rating is necessary for maintaining or altering:
    (i) U.S.-registered aircraft, and aircraft engines, propellers, 
appliances, components, or parts thereof for use on U.S.-registered 
aircraft; or
    (ii) Foreign-registered aircraft operated under the provisions of 
part 121 or part 135 of this chapter, and aircraft engines, propellers, 
appliances, components, or parts thereof for use on these aircraft.
    (2) The applicant must furnish evidence that the fee prescribed by 
the Administrator has been paid.
    (3) The applicant must submit the documentation required by this 
section in English.
    (d) An applicant for a repair station certificate operated by a 
consortium, which functions as a single organization with regard to 
quality control and quality assurance, holds an approved type 
certificate, and performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, and 
alterations of that type-certificated product and components thereof, 
must have the consortium's quality control and quality assurance 
systems in place at each of its facilities.
    (e) An application for an additional rating or renewal of a repair 
station certificate must be made on a form and in a manner prescribed 
by the Administrator. The application need include only that 
information necessary to substantiate the change or renewal of the 
certificate.


Sec. 145.53  Issue of certificate.

    An organization is entitled to a repair station certificate with 
appropriate ratings prescribing such Operations Specifications and 
limitations as are necessary in the interest of safety when the 
Administrator determines that the organization meets the applicable 
requirements of this part.


Sec. 145.55  Duration and renewal of certificate.

    (a) A certificate or rating issued to a repair station located in 
the United States is effective from the date of issue until the repair 
station surrenders it or the Administrator suspends or revokes it.
    (b) A certificate or rating issued to a repair station located 
outside the United States is effective from the date of issue until
    (1) The last day of the 24th month after the date of issue,
    (2) The repair station surrenders the certificate, or
    (3) The Administrator suspends or revokes the certificate.
    (c) The holder of a certificate that expires or is surrendered, 
suspended, or revoked by the Administrator must return it to the 
Administrator.
    (d) A certificated repair station located outside the United States 
that applies for a renewal of its repair station certificate must:
    (1) Submit its request for renewal no later than 90 days before the 
repair station's current certificate expires. If a request for renewal 
is not made within this period, the repair station must follow the 
application procedure prescribed by the Administrator.
    (2) Send its request for renewal to the FAA office that has 
jurisdiction over the station.


Sec. 145.57  Amendment to or transfer of certificate.

    (a) If a repair station desires to amend, revise, or add a rating 
to its certificate, it must apply for a change in its repair station 
certificate on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator.
    (b) The privileges of a repair station certificate cannot be 
transferred if the repair station is sold, leased, or otherwise 
conveyed.


Sec. 145.59  Ratings and classes.

    (a) Aircraft ratings. An aircraft rating on a repair station 
certificate permits that repair station to perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations on an aircraft, including work 
on the powerplant(s) of that aircraft up to, but not including, 
overhaul as that term is defined in Sec. 145.3 under the following 
classes:
    (1) Class 1: Aircraft (other than rotorcraft and aircraft composed 
primarily of composite material) of 12,500 pounds maximum certificated 
takeoff weight or less.
    (2) Class 2: Aircraft (other than rotorcraft and aircraft composed 
primarily of composite material) over 12,500 pounds maximum 
certificated takeoff weight and up to and including 75,000 pounds 
maximum certificated takeoff weight.
    (3) Class 3: Aircraft (other than rotorcraft and aircraft composed 
primarily of composite material) over 75,000 pounds maximum 
certificated takeoff weight.
    (4) Class 4: Rotorcraft (other than rotorcraft composed primarily 
of composite material) of 6,000 pounds maximum certificated takeoff 
weight or less.
    (5) Class 5: Rotorcraft (other than rotorcraft composed primarily 
of composite material) over 6,000 pounds maximum certificated takeoff 
weight.
    (6) Class 6: Aircraft composed primarily of composite material of 
12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight or less.
    (7) Class 7: Aircraft composed primarily of composite material over 
12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.
    (b) Powerplant ratings. A powerplant rating on a repair station 
certificate permits that repair station to perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations of powerplants under the 
following classes:
    (1) Class 1: Reciprocating engines.
    (2) Class 2: Turbopropeller and turboshaft engines.
    (3) Class 3: Turbojet and turbofan engines.
    (c) Propeller ratings. A propeller rating on a repair station 
certificate

[[Page 33166]]

permits that repair station to perform maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations of propellers under the following classes:
    (1) Class 1: Fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable propellers.
    (2) Class 2: Variable-pitch propellers.
    (d) Avionics ratings. An avionics rating on a repair station 
certificate permits that repair station to perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations of avionics equipment under the 
following classes:
    (1) Class 1: Communication equipment. Any radio transmitting or 
receiving equipment, or both, used in aircraft to send or receive 
communications, regardless of carrier frequency or type of modulation 
used.
    (2) Class 2: Navigational equipment. Any system used in aircraft 
for navigation except equipment operated on pulsed radio frequency 
principles.
    (3) Class 3: Pulsed equipment. Any aircraft electronic system 
operated on pulsed radio frequency principles.
    (e) Computer systems ratings. A computer systems rating on a repair 
station certificate permits that repair station to perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations of digital computer systems and 
components thereof, that have the function of receiving external data, 
processing such data, and transmitting and presenting the processed 
data under the following classes:
    (1) Class 1: Aircraft computer systems: Flight management, flight 
control, and similar systems.
    (2) Class 2: Powerplant computer systems:
    Fuel control, electronic engine control, and similar systems.
    (3) Class 3: Avionics computer systems: Electronic flight 
instrument, navigation management, and similar systems.
    (f) Instrument ratings. An instrument rating on a repair station 
certificate permits that repair station to perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations of instruments under the 
following classes:
    (1) Class 1: Mechanical: Any diaphragm, bourdon tube, aneroid, or 
optical or mechanically driven centrifugal instrument.
    (2) Class 2: Electrical: Any self-synchronous and electrical 
indicating instruments and systems.
    (3) Class 3: Gyroscopic: Any instrument or system using gyroscopic 
principles and motivated by air pressure or electrical energy.
    (4) Class 4: Electronic: Any instrument whose operation depends on 
transistors; lasers; fiber optics; solid-state, integrated circuits; 
vacuum tubes; or similar devices.
    (g) Accessory ratings. An accessory rating on a repair station 
certificate permits that repair station to perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations of accessory equipment under the 
following classes:
    (1) Class 1: Mechanical accessories that depend on friction, 
hydraulics, mechanical linkage, or pneumatic pressure for operation.
    (2) Class 2: Electrical accessories that depend on or produce 
electrical energy.
    (3) Class 3: Electronic accessories that depend on the use of 
transistors; lasers; fiber optics; solid-state, integrated circuits; 
vacuum tubes; or similar devices.
    (4) Class 4: Auxiliary power units (APUs) that may be installed on 
an aircraft as self-contained units to supplement the aircraft's 
engines as a source of hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power.
    (h) Limited ratings. Whenever deemed appropriate by the 
Administrator, a repair station may be issued a limited rating for the 
performance of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations of a 
particular make and model, or part thereof, of any of the following 
articles:
    (1) Aircraft,
    (2) Airframes,
    (3) Powerplants,
    (4) Propellers,
    (5) Avionics equipment,
    (6) Computer systems,
    (7) Instruments, and
    (8) Accessories.
    (i) Specialized service ratings. A specialized service rating may 
be issued to a repair station to perform specific maintenance or 
processes. The Operations Specifications of the repair station must 
identify the specification used in performing that specialized service.
    The specification may be
    (1) A civil or military specification that is currently used by 
industry and approved by the Administrator; or
    (2) A specification developed by the repair station and approved by 
the Administrator.


Sec. 145.61  Transition to new system of ratings.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a 
certificated repair station with a certificate issued before [effective 
date of the final rule], may exercise the privileges of that 
certificate until [2 years after the effective date of the final rule].
    (b) A certificated repair station with a certificate issued before 
[effective date of the final rule] that makes an application to change 
any portion of that certificate under Sec. 145.57 must meet all the 
applicable requirements of this part and apply for and receive approval 
for each rating under which the repair station desires to exercise 
privileges.

Subpart C--Facilities, Equipment, Materials, and Housing


Sec. 145.101  General.

    A certificated repair station must provide personnel, facilities, 
equipment, and materials in quantity and quality that meet the 
standards required for the issuance of the certificate and ratings that 
the repair station holds.


Sec. 145.103  Facility and housing requirements.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must provide suitable 
facilities and housing so that the maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
or alteration being performed is protected from weather elements, dust, 
and heat; such facilities must include the following:
    (1) Housing for the repair station's necessary equipment and 
material.
    (2) Space for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations that the repair station performs under its rating.
    (3) Facilities for properly storing, segregating, and protecting 
materials, parts, and supplies.
    (4) Facilities for properly protecting parts and subassemblies 
during disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, alteration, and 
assembly.
    (5) Shop space where machine tools and equipment are kept and where 
the largest amount of bench work is done. The shop space need not be 
partitioned, but machines and equipment must be segregated whenever
    (i) Machine or woodwork is performed near an assembly area where 
chips or other material might inadvertently fall into assembled or 
partially assembled work;
    (ii) Unpartitioned cleaning units for parts are near other 
operations;
    (iii) Painting or spraying is performed in an area arranged so that 
paint or paint dust could fall on assembled or partially assembled 
work;
    (iv) Paint spraying, cleaning, or machine operations are performed 
near testing operations so that the precision of test equipment might 
be affected; or (v) Determined necessary by the Administrator.
    (6) Assembly space in an enclosed structure where the largest 
amount of assembly work is done. The assembly space must be large 
enough for the largest article on which work is to be performed.
    (7) Storage facilities used exclusively for properly storing and 
protecting parts

[[Page 33167]]

and raw materials, separated from shop and working space so that
    (i) Only acceptable parts and supplies are used; and
    (ii) Parts being assembled or disassembled or awaiting assembly or 
disassembly will be stored and protected so as to minimize the 
possibility of damage.
    (8) Ventilation for the repair shop and the assembly and storage 
areas so that the physical capability of workers is not impaired.
    (9) Lighting for work being performed that does not adversely 
affect the quality of work.
    (10) Control of the temperature of the shop and assembly area so 
that the quality of work is not affected. Whenever special maintenance 
operations are being performed, the temperature and humidity control 
must be adequate to ensure the airworthiness of the article being 
maintained.
    (b) A certificated repair station must meet the additional special 
facility and housing requirements of this paragraph that apply to each 
rating held by that repair station.
    (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a 
repair station with an aircraft rating must provide suitable, permanent 
housing to enclose the largest type and model of aircraft for which it 
is rated.
    (2) If a repair station is located where climatic conditions allow 
the repair station to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations on aircraft outside, the repair station may use permanent 
work docks if they meet the requirements of Sec. 145.103(a). These 
permanent work docks must be acceptable to the Administrator.
    (3) A repair station that performs maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations on any article of composite construction 
must meet acceptable process requirements.
    (4) A repair station with either a powerplant or accessory rating 
must
    (i) Provide suitable trays, racks, or stands to separate complete 
engine or accessory assemblies from each other during assembly and 
disassembly; and
    (ii) Ensure that parts are protected to prevent contaminants from 
entering into or falling on such parts either before or during 
assembly.
    (5) A repair station with a propeller rating must provide suitable 
stands, racks, or other fixtures to perform the maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration, and to store propellers properly.
    (6) A repair station with an avionics rating must provide suitable 
storage facilities to ensure that parts and units that might 
deteriorate from dampness or moisture are protected.
    (7) A repair station with an avionics, instrument, or computer 
system rating must provide a facility that meets the standards for 
environmental control and protection from contaminants specified by the 
equipment or system manufacturer.
    (8) A repair station must meet any special facilities requirements 
determined by the manufacturer and approved by the Administrator for an 
article or system on which maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alteration is performed.
    (c) A certificated repair station may temporarily transport 
material, equipment, and technical personnel that are necessary to 
perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, alteration, or a certain 
specialized service on an aircraft at a place other than that repair 
station's fixed location, if the following requirements are met:
    (1) The work is necessary due to a special circumstance, for 
example, aircraft on ground, or preparation for a ferry flight, as 
determined by the Administrator; and
    (2) The repair station's manual includes the manner and procedures 
for accomplishing maintenance, preventive maintenance, alteration, or a 
specialized service at a place other than the repair station's fixed 
location.


Sec. 145.105  Change of location, housing, or facilities.

    (a) A certificated repair station may not make any change in its 
location or any change, deletion, or addition to its housing or 
facilities, whether the change is a new location, is a substantial 
rearrangement of space within the present location, or involves moving 
any of the housing or facilities that are required by Sec. 145.103, 
unless the change is approved by the Administrator.
    (b) The Administrator may prescribe the conditions, including any 
limitations, under which a certificated repair station may operate 
while it is changing its location, housing, or facilities.
    (c) A certificated repair station may not operate at a new location 
until approved by the Administrator.


Sec. 145.107  Satellite repair stations.

    (a) A satellite repair station is a repair station with its 
certificate issued by the Administrator that operates under the 
managerial control of a parent certificated repair station. A satellite 
repair station must
    (1) Meet the requirements for each rating held by the satellite 
repair station; and
    (2) Prepare a repair station manual required by Sec. 145.205 that 
is:
    (i) Consistent with the parent certificated repair station's 
manual; and
    (ii) Approved by the FAA certificate holding district office.
    (b) Unless the Administrator indicates otherwise, personnel and 
equipment from a certificated repair station and from each of the 
repair station's independent satellite repair stations may be cross-
utilized by the parent repair station or by any of its satellite repair 
stations.
    (c) A repair station located within the United States may not have 
a satellite repair station located outside the United States.
    (d) A repair station located outside of the United States may not 
have a satellite repair station located within the United States.


Sec. 145.109  Maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations 
performed at satellite repair stations.

    The holder of a repair station certificate may perform maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations at a satellite repair station if 
a chief inspector or assistant chief inspector is designated for each 
satellite repair station. That inspector must be available at the 
satellite repair station or, if away from the premises, by telephone, 
radio, or other electronic means.


Sec. 145.111  Equipment and material requirements.

    (a) Except when work is being performed at an authorized satellite 
facility, a certificated repair station must have, located on the 
premises and under its full control, the equipment and material 
necessary to perform the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations appropriate to the rating held by the repair station as set 
forth in appendix A to this part. Such equipment and material must be 
acceptable to the Administrator.
    (b) A certificated repair station must ensure that all inspection 
and test equipment used for product acceptance and/or for making a 
finding of airworthiness is tested at regular intervals to ensure 
correct calibration to a standard acceptable to the Administrator.
    (c) Each certificated repair station performing work under a rating 
other than a specialized service rating must have suitable tools and 
equipment for the functions set forth in appendix A to this part, as 
appropriate, for each rating held by the repair station. Repair 
stations with limited ratings and specialized service ratings must be 
equipped to perform the functions

[[Page 33168]]

applicable to the make and model of the article on which maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alteration is performed. The tools and 
equipment must be those recommended by the manufacturer of the article 
on which the repair station performs maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration, or tools and equipment that are equivalent 
to the manufacturer's recommendation and acceptable to the 
Administrator.
    (d) A certificated repair station performing work under a 
specialized service rating must have the appropriate technical data 
prescribed by the specification or manufacturer for performing the 
maintenance or alterations permitted by the specialized service rating. 
Such data must be approved by the Administrator.

Subpart D--Personnel


Sec. 145.151  Personnel requirements.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must:
    (1) Designate an individual as the accountable manager;
    (2) Have a sufficient number of personnel to plan and perform the 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations for which the 
repair station is rated; and
    (3) Determine the abilities of its noncertificated employees to 
perform maintenance operations, based on practical tests or employment 
records.
    (b) Each certificated repair station is responsible for ensuring 
the satisfactory performance of work by its maintenance employees.
    (c) Each certificated repair station must have a sufficient number 
of employees who have detailed knowledge of the particular maintenance 
function or technique for which the repair station is rated, based on 
satisfactory training or applicable technical experience with the 
article or technique involved.


Sec. 145.153  Supervisory and inspection personnel requirements.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must provide a sufficient 
number of trained personnel who can supervise and inspect the 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations for which the 
station is rated.
    (b) Each supervisor must have direct supervision over working 
groups but does not need to be experienced in supervision at the 
management level.
    (c) Whenever apprentices or students are used in working groups, 
the repair station must provide at least 1 supervisor for each 10 
apprentices or students, unless the apprentices or students are 
integrated into groups of experienced workers.
    (d) Each individual who is supervising a maintenance function in a 
repair station must:
    (1) Be appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman under 
part 65 of this chapter when supervising a maintenance function in a 
repair station located within the United States;
    (2) Have had at least 18 months of practical experience in the 
maintenance function that the individual is supervising; and
    (3) Be adequately trained on maintenance of the article upon which 
work is performed and be familiar with the procedures, practices, 
inspection methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations for which the 
repair station is rated.
    (e) At least one of the individuals in charge of maintenance 
functions for a repair station with an aircraft rating must have 
experience in the methods and procedures prescribed by the 
Administrator for approving aircraft for return to service after 
inspections required by Sec. 91.409 of this chapter.
    (f) A certificated repair station that is located outside the 
United States must have a sufficient number of supervisors and 
inspectors who understand the regulations in this chapter, the FAA 
Airworthiness Directives, and the manufacturers' maintenance and 
service instructions for the articles on which the repair station 
performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations. These 
supervisors and inspectors:
    (1) Are not required to have U.S. airman certificates issued under 
this chapter;
    (2) Are not considered to be airmen within the meaning of Title 49, 
United States Code, with respect to work performed in connection with 
their employment by such a repair station; and
    (3) Must understand, read, and write the English language.
    (g) The Administrator may evaluate the ability of any certificated 
repair station supervisory or inspection personnel to meet the 
requirements of this section by
    (1) Inspecting that person's employment and experience records;
    (2) Conducting an oral or practical test; or
    (3) Any other method the Administrator elects.


Sec. 145.155  Recommendation of persons for certification as repairmen.

    (a) An applicant for a repair station certificate or for an 
additional rating on a current and valid repair station certificate who 
chooses to use repairmen to satisfy the personnel requirements of this 
part must:
    (1) Recommend at least the required number of individuals for 
certification as repairmen to meet the applicable requirements;
    (2) Certify that each person recommended is employed by the repair 
station and meets the requirements of Sec. 65.101 of this chapter; and
    (3) Certify that each person recommended has the necessary training 
and practical experience to perform the repair station work functions 
for which repairman certification is required.
    (b) The Administrator may evaluate any repairman's ability to meet 
this section's requirements by:
    (1) Inspecting that person's employment and experience records;
    (2) Conducting an oral or practical test; or
    (3) Any other method the Administrator elects.


Sec. 145.157  Records of management, supervisory, and inspection 
personnel.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must maintain the following:
    (1) A roster of management and supervisory personnel, including the 
names of the repair station officials who are responsible for its 
management and the names of its technical supervisors;
    (2) A roster with the names of all inspection personnel, including 
the chief inspector;
    (3) A roster of personnel authorized to sign a maintenance release 
for approving an altered or repaired article for return to service;
    (4) A summary of the employment of each individual whose name is on 
the management, supervisory, and inspection personnel roster. The 
summary must contain enough information on each individual listed on 
the roster to show compliance with the experience requirements of this 
part, including:
    (i) Present title;
    (ii) Total years of experience in type of maintenance work;
    (iii) Past employment record with names of places and periods of 
employment by month and year;
    (iv) Scope of present employment; and
    (v) If applicable, the type of mechanic or repairman certificate 
held and the ratings on that certificate.
    (b) The rosters required by this section must be kept current and 
reflect changes caused by termination, reassignment, change in duties 
or scope of assignment, or addition of personnel.

[[Page 33169]]

Sec. 145.159  Training requirements.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must have an employee training 
program that consists of initial and recurrent training and is approved 
by the Administrator.
    (b) The training program must ensure that each employee assigned to 
perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations, and each 
employee assigned to perform inspection functions is capable of 
performing the assigned task.
    (c) Each certificated repair station must document in a form 
acceptable to the Administrator programs pertaining to individual 
employee training. Individual training records for those employees who 
require training under the requirements in paragraph (b) of this 
section must be retained for the duration of each individual's 
employment.

Subpart E--Operating Rules


Sec. 145.201  Quality assurance and quality control systems.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must:
    (1) Establish and maintain a quality assurance system acceptable to 
the Administrator;
    (2) Establish and maintain a quality control and inspection system 
that ensures the airworthiness of the articles on which the repair 
station or any of its contractors performs maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations; and
    (3) Describe the systems required by this paragraph in the repair 
station's manual.
    (b) Each certificated repair station must maintain and keep current 
Airworthiness Directives, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, and 
service bulletins that relate to the articles on which that repair 
station performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations.
    (c) Each certificated repair station must possess all current 
manufacturers' maintenance manuals relating to an article when that 
repair station performs maintenance or alteration on the article.


Sec. 145.203  Capability list.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must prepare and retain a 
current capability list acceptable to the Administrator. The repair 
station may not perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations on an article until the article has been listed on the 
capability list in accordance with this section and Sec. 145.207(g).
    (b) The capability list must identify each article by make and 
model, part number, or other nomenclature designated by the article's 
manufacturer.
    (c) An article may be listed on the capability list only if the 
article is within the scope of the ratings and classes of the repair 
station's certificate, and only after the repair station has performed 
a self-evaluation in accordance with Sec. 145.207(g). The repair 
station must perform the self-evaluation described in this paragraph to 
determine that the repair station has all of the facilities, equipment, 
material, technical data, processes, housing, and trained personnel in 
place to perform the work on the article as required by part 145. If 
the repair station makes that determination, it may list the article on 
the capability list.
    (d) The document of the evaluation described in paragraph (c) of 
this section must be signed by the accountable manager and must be 
retained on file by the repair station.
    (e) Upon listing an additional article on its capability list, the 
repair station must send a copy of the list to its certificate holding 
district office.


Sec. 145.205  Repair station manual.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must prepare, keep current, 
and follow an approved repair station manual for the ratings authorized 
that is consistent with the size and complexity of the repair station.
    (b) The certificated repair station manual must:
    (1) Set forth the procedures and policies approved by the 
Administrator for the repair station's operation in accordance with the 
requirements of this part; and
    (2) Be followed by the repair station's personnel while conducting 
station operations.
    (c) Each certificated repair station must maintain at least one 
copy of its current manual at its facility.
    (d) A copy of the repair station's current manual must be made 
readily available to repair station personnel required by subpart D of 
this part.
    (e) The repair station must provide to the certificate holding 
district office:
    (1) A current paper copy of the repair station manual; or
    (2) A current electronic copy of the repair station manual that is 
accompanied by the means to access the electronic copy.
    (f) Except for changes to the capability list, each revision to the 
repair station manual must be submitted to the Administrator for 
approval.


Sec. 145.207  Repair station manual contents.

    Each certificated repair station's manual must include the 
following:
    (a) An organizational chart containing the name of each management 
employee who is authorized to act for the repair station, the 
employee's assigned area of responsibility, and the employee's duties, 
responsibilities, and authority;
    (b) A roster of authorized inspection personnel who may approve an 
article for return to service;
    (c) A description of the certificated repair station's operations, 
including a description of the facilities, equipment, material, and 
housing as required by subpart C of this part;
    (d) An explanation of the certificated repair station's quality 
assurance system, including:
    (1) The quality control system;
    (2) References, where applicable, to the manufacturer's inspection 
standards for a particular article, including reference to any data 
specified by that manufacturer;
    (3) A sample copy of the inspection forms and instructions for 
completing such forms or a reference to a separate forms manual;
    (4) Procedures for updating the capability list required by 
Sec. 145.203, including notification of the certificate holding 
district office; and
    (5) Procedures for the implementation of corrective actions for any 
discrepancies found by the quality assurance system;
    (e) A description of the training program required by Sec. 145.159;
    (f) Procedures to govern maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations performed in accordance with Sec. 145.103(c);
    (g) Procedures for self-evaluations, including methods and 
frequency of such evaluations, and procedures for reporting results to 
the accountable manager for review and action;
    (h) A list of the maintenance functions contracted to an outside 
facility with:
    (1) The name of the facility;
    (2) The type of certificate and ratings, if any, held by such 
facility; and
    (3) Procedures for qualifying and surveilling the facility and for 
accepting maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations performed 
by the facility;
    (i) Procedures for maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations performed under Sec. 145.7;
    (j) A description of the required records and the recordkeeping 
system used to obtain, store, and retrieve the required records;
    (k) The repair station's capability list;
    (l) Procedures necessary for revising the repair station's manual 
to include the names of persons authorized to approve such revisions 
before submitting the revision to the Administrator for approval;

[[Page 33170]]

    (m) The date of the latest revision on each page;
    (n) A list of effective pages;
    (o) A table of contents and list of revisions to the repair station 
manual with the date of each revision; and
    (p) The procedures for changes in location and facilities of the 
repair station.


Sec. 145.209  Quality control system and procedures.

    (a) The inspection personnel for each certificated repair station 
must be thoroughly familiar with all inspection methods, techniques, 
and equipment used to determine the airworthiness of an article on 
which the repair station performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, 
or alterations.
    (b) A certificated repair station's inspection personnel must:
    (1) Maintain proficiency with the inspection aids used;
    (2) Have available and understand FAA Airworthiness Directives, 
service bulletins, and current specifications involving inspection 
tolerances, limitations, and procedures established by the manufacturer 
for the article the individual inspects; and
    (3) In cases where maintenance inspection equipment is used, be 
skilled in operating that equipment and be able to interpret defects 
indicated by that equipment.
    (c) Each certificated repair station must provide a satisfactory 
method of inspecting incoming articles and materials. This system must 
provide for:
    (1) Inspection of raw materials and articles to ensure acceptable 
quality and, where applicable, conformity with type design data;
    (2) Inspection of those articles on which contract maintenance or 
alterations were performed as provided for in Sec. 145.213 to ensure 
that before such an article is placed in stock or installed in an 
aircraft or part thereof, the article is in a good state of 
preservation, is free from apparent defects or damage, is in conformity 
with type design data, and is in condition for safe operation;
    (3) A preliminary inspection system for all articles on which the 
repair station performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations to determine the state of preservation, locate defects, and 
to ensure that any required records are present; and
    (4) Entering the results of each inspection on the appropriate form 
as set forth in the repair station's manual.
    (d) Each certificated repair station must provide a system so that 
any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, 
component, or part thereof that has been involved in an accident is 
inspected thoroughly for hidden damage before maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration is performed. The repair station must enter 
the results of this inspection on the inspection form required by 
paragraph (c)(4) of this section.
    (e) Each certificated repair station must ensure the continuity of 
inspection responsibility for its facility.


Sec. 145.211  Inspection of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alterations performed.

    (a) A certificated repair station must inspect each aircraft, 
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part 
thereof upon which it has performed maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations as described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of 
this section before approving that article for return to service.
    (b) Each repair station must certify on an article's maintenance 
release that the article is airworthy with respect to the maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alterations performed after:
    (1) The repair station performs work on the article; and
    (2) A qualified inspector inspects the article on which the repair 
station has performed work and determines it to be airworthy.
    (c) For the purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the 
qualified inspector must:
    (1) Be a certificated repair station designated employee who has 
shown by experience an understanding of the inspection methods, 
techniques, and equipment used to determine the airworthiness of the 
article concerned;
    (2) Be proficient in using the various types of maintenance and 
visual inspection aids appropriate for the article being inspected; and
    (3) If the certificated repair station is located outside the 
United States, the inspector must meet the requirements of 
Sec. 145.153(f).
    (d) Except for individuals employed by a repair station located 
outside the United States, only a certificated employee is authorized 
to sign off on final inspections and maintenance releases for the 
repair station.


Sec. 145.213  Contract maintenance.

    (a) A certificated repair station may not contract a job function 
to another certificated repair station unless:
    (1) The contracting repair station meets the quality control and 
inspection system requirements of 145.201(a)(2) and 145.209(c)(2), and
    (2) The contracting repair station's approved repair station manual 
contains the information and procedures specified in 145.207(h).
    (b) A certificated repair station may not contract a job function 
to a noncertificated person unless:
    (1) The certificated repair station meets the quality control and 
inspection system requirements of 145.201(a)(2) and 145.209(c)(2);
    (2) The certificated repair station's approved repair station 
manual contains the information and procedures specified in 145.207(h);
    (3) The certificated repair station supervises or otherwise remains 
directly in charge of the job function; and
    (4) The certificated repair station verifies, by test and/or 
inspection, that the job function has been satisfactorily performed by 
the noncertificated person prior to approving the article for return to 
service.
    (c) A certificated repair station may not contract the maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, or alteration of a complete type-certificated 
product, and it may not provide only approval for return to service of 
any article following contract maintenance.


Sec. 145.215  Privileges and limitations of certificate.

    (a) A certificated repair station may:
    (1) Perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations 
only on any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, 
component, or part thereof for which it is rated;
    (2) Arrange for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or 
alteration of any article for which it is rated at another organization 
only if that organization is under the quality control system of the 
repair station, as prescribed by Sec. 145.201(a); and
    (3) Approve for return to service only an article or component of 
an article for which it is rated after maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration has been performed.
    (b) A certificated repair station may not approve for return to 
service:
    (1) Any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, 
component, or part thereof unless the maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alteration was performed in accordance with approved 
technical data or data acceptable to the Administrator;
    (2) Any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or 
appliance after a major repair or a major alteration unless the major 
repair or major alteration was performed in accordance with approved 
technical data; and
    (3) Any experimental aircraft after a major repair or major 
alteration unless the major repair or major alteration was

[[Page 33171]]

performed in accordance with methods and technical data acceptable to 
the Administrator.


Sec. 145.217  Recordkeeping.

    (a) Each certificated repair station located inside the United 
States must retain adequate records and reports of maintenance, 
preventive maintenance, and alterations performed on any aircraft, 
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part. The 
records and reports retained by a repair station must:
    (1) Be sufficiently detailed to show the make, model, 
identification number, and serial number (when applicable) of the 
article involved;
    (2) Be retained for a minimum of 2 years from the date on which the 
article was approved for return to service;
    (3) Include a copy of the maintenance release; and
    (4) Be kept in the form of the actual work documents, or copies 
thereof, or by means of an automated data processing system that is 
protected from unauthorized use and access and that is acceptable to 
the Administrator.
    (b) Each certificated repair station must give a copy of the 
maintenance release to the owner or operator of the article on which 
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration was performed. The 
maintenance release given to the owner or operator must be retrievable 
in English. The repair station may use as the maintenance release the 
record that it completes to comply with Secs. 43.9 and 43.11 of this 
chapter.
    (c) Each certificated repair station must make all maintenance 
records required to be kept by this section available for inspection by 
the Administrator or any authorized representative of the National 
Transportation Safety Board. The record must be provided in English, 
either in paper format or, if provided in other than paper format, with 
the means necessary to create a paper copy of the record.
    (d) Certificated repair stations located outside the United States 
must:
    (1) Retain such records and reports as described in paragraph 
(a)(1) through (4) of this section for at least 2 years with respect 
to--
    (i) U.S.-registered aircraft and aircraft engines, propellers, 
appliances, or component parts for use on U.S.-registered aircraft; and
    (ii) Foreign-registered aircraft operated under the provisions of 
part 121 or part 135 of this chapter and aircraft engines, propellers, 
appliances, or component parts for use on these foreign-registered 
aircraft; and
    (2) Meet the requirements of Appendixes A and B to part 43 of this 
chapter, in the case of major repairs or major alterations.


Sec. 145.219  Reports of defects or unairworthy conditions.

    (a) Each certificated repair station must meet the requirements of 
paragraph (b) of this section within 72 hours after discovering any 
serious defect in, or other recurring unairworthy condition of, any 
aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component 
part on which the repair station performs maintenance, preventive 
maintenance, or alterations under this part.
    (b) Each repair station must report the defect or unairworthy 
condition it discovers to the Administrator on a form and in a manner 
prescribed by the Administrator. The report must include as much of the 
following information as is available:
    (1) Type, make, and model of the aircraft, airframe, aircraft 
engine, propeller, appliance, or component part;
    (2) Name and address of the operator;
    (3) Date of the discovery of the serious defect or other recurring 
unairworthy condition;
    (4) Nature of the failure, malfunction, or defect;
    (5) Identification of the article or system involved, including 
available information on type designation of the article and time since 
last overhaul;
    (6) Apparent cause of the failure, malfunction, or defect (e.g., 
wear, crack, design deficiency, or personnel error); and
    (7) Other pertinent information that is necessary for more complete 
identification, determination of seriousness, or corrective action.
    (c) The holder of a repair station certificate who is also the 
holder of a part 121, 125, or 135 Certificate, Type Certificate 
(including a Supplemental Type Certificate), Parts Manufacturer 
Approval (PMA), or Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization, or who 
is the licensee of a Type Certificate holder, does not need to report a 
failure, malfunction, or defect under this section if the failure, 
malfunction, or defect has been reported under Secs. 21.3, 121.703, 
125.409, or 135.415 of this chapter.


Sec. 145.221  FAA inspections.

    Each certificated repair station must allow the Administrator to 
inspect that repair station and any of its contract maintenance 
facilities at any time to determine compliance with this chapter. 
Arrangements for maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations by 
a contractor must include provisions for inspections of the contractor 
by the Administrator.

Appendix A to Part 145--Job Functions

    Except for job functions that are contracted out, each 
certificated repair station must provide equipment and material so 
that the job functions listed in this appendix, as appropriate to 
the class or limited rating held or applied for, can be performed as 
required. The job functions are as follows:
    (a) For an aircraft rating:
    (1) Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5:
    (i) Metal skin and structural components:
    (A) Repair and replace steel tubes and fittings using the proper 
welding techniques, when appropriate.
    (B) Apply anticorrosion treatment to the interior and exterior 
of parts.
    (C) Perform simple machine operations.
    (D) Fabricate steel fittings.
    (E) Repair and replace metal skin.
    (F) Repair and replace alloy members and components.
    (G) Assemble and align components using jigs or fixtures.
    (H) Make up forming blocks or dies.
    (I) Repair or replace ribs.
    (ii) Wood structure:
    (A) Splice wood spars.
    (B) Repair ribs and spars.
    (C) Align interior of wings.
    (D) Repair or replace plywood skin.
    (E) Apply treatment against wood decay.
    (iii) Fabric covering:
    Repair fabric surfaces.
    (iv) Aircraft control systems:
    (A) Repair and replace control cables.
    (B) Rig complete control system.
    (C) Replace and repair all control system components.
    (D) Remove and install control system units and components.
    (v) Aircraft systems:
    (A) Replace and repair landing gear hinge-point components and 
attachments.
    (B) Maintain elastic shock absorber units.
    (C) Conduct landing gear retraction cycle tests.
    (D) Maintain electrical position-indicating and -warning 
systems.
    (E) Repair and fabricate fuel, pneumatic, hydraulic, and oil 
lines.
    (F) Diagnose electrical and electronic malfunctions.
    (G) Repair or replace electrical wiring and electronic data 
transmission lines.
    (H) Install electrical and electronic equipment.
    (I) Perform bench check of electrical and electronic components. 
(This check is not to be confused with the more complex functional 
test after overhaul.)
    (vi) Assembly operations:
    (A) Assemble aircraft components or parts, such as landing gear, 
wings, and controls.
    (B) Rig and align aircraft components, including the complete 
aircraft and control system.
    (C) Install powerplants.
    (D) Install instruments and accessories.
    (E) Assemble and install cowlings, fairings, and panels.
    (F) Maintain and install windshields and windows.

[[Page 33172]]

    (G) Jack or hoist complete aircraft.
    (H) Balance flight control surfaces.
    (vii) Nondestructive inspection and testing using dye penetrants 
and magnetic, ultrasonic, radiographic, fluorescent, or holographic 
inspection techniques.
    (viii) Inspection of metal structures:
    Inspect metal structures using appropriate inspection equipment 
to perform the inspections required on an aircraft under this 
chapter.
    (2) Classes 6 and 7:
    (i) In addition to having the capability to perform the 
appropriate functions set forth for Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 aircraft 
ratings, a repair station holding a Class 6 or Class 7 aircraft 
rating for composite aircraft must have the following equipment:
    (A) Autoclave capable of providing positive pressure and 
temperature consistent with materials used.
    (B) Air circulating oven with vacuum capability.
    (C) Storage equipment such as freezer, refrigerator, and 
temperature-control cabinets or other definitive storage areas.
    (D) Honeycomb core cutters.
    (E) Nondestructive inspection equipment such as x-ray, 
ultrasonic, or other types of acoustic test equipment as recommended 
by the manufacturer.
    (F) Cutting tools, such as diamond or carbide saws or router 
bits, suitable for cutting and trimming composite structures.
    (G) Scales adequate to ensure proper proportioning by weight of 
epoxy adhesive and resins.
    (H) Mechanical pressure equipment such as vacuum bagging or sand 
bags, as appropriate.
    (I) Thermocouple probes necessary to monitor cure temperatures.
    (J) Hardness testing equipment using heat guns that are 
thermostatically controlled for curing repairs.
    (ii) Appropriate inspection equipment to perform inspection of 
composite structures as recommended by the manufacturer and as 
required for inspection of an aircraft under this chapter.
    (b) Powerplant rating:
    (1) Class 1:
    (i) Maintain and alter powerplants, including replacement of 
parts:
    (A) Perform chemical and mechanical cleaning.
    (B) Perform disassembly operations.
    (C) Replace bushings, bearings, pins, and inserts.
    (D) Perform heating operations that may involve the use of 
recommended techniques that require controlled heating facilities.
    (E) Perform chilling or shrinking operations.
    (F) Remove and replace studs.
    (G) Inscribe or affix identification information.
    (H) Paint powerplants and components.
    (I) Apply anticorrosion treatment for parts.
    (ii) Inspect all parts, using appropriate inspection aids:
    (A) Determine precise clearances and tolerances of all parts.
    (B) Inspect alignment of connecting rods, crankshafts, and 
impeller shafts.
    (C) Inspect valve springs.
    (iii) Accomplish routine machine work:
    (A) Ream inserts, bushings, bearings, and other similar 
components.
    (B) Reface valves.
    (iv) Accomplish assembly operations:
    (A) Perform valve-and ignition-timing operations.
    (B) Fabricate and test ignition harnesses.
    (C) Fabricate and test rigid and flexible fluid lines.
    (D) Prepare engines for long-or short-term storage.
    (E) Hoist engines by mechanical means.
    (2) Classes 2 and 3:
    (i) In addition to having the capability to perform the 
appropriate functions as required for a Class 1 powerplant rating, a 
repair station holding a Class 2 or a Class 3 powerplant rating must 
have the following equipment:
    (A) Testing equipment.
    (B) Surface treatment antigallant equipment.
    (ii) Functional and equipment requirements recommended by the 
manufacturer; and
    (iii) Appropriate inspection equipment.
    (c) Propeller rating:
    (1) Class 1:
    (i) Remove and install propellers.
    (ii) Maintain and alter propellers, including installation and 
replacement of parts:
    (A) Replace blade tipping.
    (B) Refinish wood propellers.
    (C) Make wood inlays.
    (D) Refinish plastic blades.
    (E) Straighten bent blades within repairable tolerances.
    (F) Modify blade diameter and profile.
    (G) Polish and buff.
    (H) Perform painting operations.
    (iii) Inspect components using appropriate inspection aids:
    (A) Inspect propellers for conformity with manufacturer's 
drawings and specifications.
    (B) Inspect hubs and blades for failures and defects using all 
visual aids, including the etching of parts.
    (C) Inspect hubs for wear of splines or keyways or any other 
defect.
    (iv) Balance propellers:
    (A) Test for proper track on aircraft.
    (B) Test for horizontal and vertical unbalance using precision 
equipment.
    (2) Class 2:
    (i) Remove and install aircraft propellers, which may include 
installation and replacement of parts.
    (A) Perform all functions listed under Class 1 propellers when 
applicable to the make and model propeller in this class.
    (B) Properly lubricate moving parts.
    (C) Assemble complete propeller and subassemblies using special 
tools when required.
    (ii) Inspect components using appropriate inspection aids for 
those functions listed for Class 1 propellers under paragraph 
(c)(1)(iii) of this appendix when applicable to the make and model 
of the propeller being worked on.
    (iii) Repair or replace components or parts:
    (A) Replace blades, hubs, or any of their components.
    (B) Repair or replace anti-icing devices.
    (C) Remove nicks or scratches from metal blades.
    (D) Repair or replace electrical propeller components.
    (iv) Balance propellers, including those functions listed for 
Class 1 propellers under paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this appendix when 
applicable to the make and model of the propeller being worked on.
    (v) Test propeller pitch-changing mechanism:
    (A) Test hydraulically operated propellers and components.
    (B) Test electrically operated propellers and components.
    (d) Avionics rating:
    (1) Classes 1, 2, and 3:
    (i) Perform physical inspection of avionics systems and 
components by visual and mechanical methods.
    (ii) Perform electrical inspection of avionics systems and 
components by means of appropriate electrical and/or electronic test 
instruments.
    (iii) Check aircraft wiring, antennas, connectors, relays, and 
other associated avionics components to detect installation faults.
    (iv) Check engine ignition systems and aircraft accessories to 
determine sources of electrical interference.
    (v) Check aircraft power supplies for adequacy and proper 
functioning.
    (vi) Remove, repair, and replace aircraft antennas.
    (vii) Measure transmission-line attenuation.
    (viii) Measure audio and radio frequencies to appropriate 
tolerances and perform calibration necessary for proper operation, 
as appropriate.
    (ix) Measure avionics component values such as inductance, 
capacitance, and resistance.
    (x) Determine wave forms and phase in avionics equipment when 
applicable.
    (xi) Determine proper aircraft avionics antenna, lead-in, and 
transmission-line characteristics and determine proper locations for 
type of avionics equipment to which the antenna is connected.
    (xii) Determine the operational condition of avionics equipment 
installed in aircraft by using appropriate portable test apparatus.
    (xiii) Test all types of transistors; solid-state, integrated 
circuits; or similar devices in equipment appropriate to the class 
rating.
    (2) Class 1:
    In addition to having the capability to perform the job 
functions listed in paragraph (d)(1):
    (i) Test and repair headsets, speakers, and microphones.
    (ii) Measure radio transmitter power output.
    (iii) Measure modulation values, noise, and distortion in 
communication equipment.
    (3) Class 2:
    In addition to having the capability to perform the job 
functions listed in paragraph (d)(1):
    (i) Test and repair headsets.
    (ii) Test speakers.
    (iii) Measure loop antenna sensitivity by appropriate methods.
    (iv) Calibrate to approved performance standards any radio 
navigational equipment, en route and approach aids, or similar 
equipment, as appropriate to this rating.

[[Page 33173]]

    (4) Class 3:
    (i) In addition to having the capability to perform the job 
functions listed in paragraph (d)(1):
    (ii) Measure transmitter power output.
    (e) Computer systems rating:
    (1) Classes 1, 2, and 3:
    (i) Maintain computer systems in accordance with manufacturer's 
specifications, test requirements, and recommendations.
    (ii) Remove, maintain, and replace computer systems in aircraft.
    (iii) Inspect, test, and calibrate computer system equipment, 
including software.
    (2) [Reserved].
    (f) Instrument rating:
    (1) Class 1:
    (i) Diagnose instrument malfunctions of the following 
instruments:
    (A) Rate-of-climb indicators.
    (B) Altimeters.
    (C) Airspeed indicators.
    (D) Vacuum indicators.
    (E) Oil pressure gauges.
    (F) Fuel pressure gauges.
    (G) Hydraulic pressure gauges.
    (H) Deicing pressure gauges.
    (I) Pitot-static tube.
    (J) Direct indicating compasses.
    (K) Accelerometer.
    (L) Direct indicating tachometers.
    (M) Direct reading fuel quantity gauges.
    (ii) Inspect, test, and calibrate the instruments listed under 
paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this appendix on and off the aircraft, as 
appropriate.
    (2) Class 2:
    (i) Diagnose instrument malfunctions of the following 
instruments:
    (A) Tachometers.
    (B) Synchroscope.
    (C) Electric temperature indicators.
    (D) Electric resistance-type indicators.
    (E) Moving magnet-type indicators.
    (F) Resistance-type fuel indicators.
    (G) Warning units (oil and fuel).
    (H) Selsyn systems and indicators.
    (I) Self-synchronous systems and indicators.
    (J) Remote indicating compasses.
    (K) Quantity indicators.
    (L) Avionics indicators.
    (M) Ammeters.
    (N) Voltmeters.
    (O) Frequency meters.
    (ii) Inspect, test, and calibrate instruments listed under 
paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this appendix on and off the aircraft, as 
appropriate.
    (3) Class 3:
    (i) Diagnose instrument malfunctions of the following 
instruments:
    (A) Turn and bank indicators.
    (B) Directional gyros.
    (C) Horizon gyros.
    (ii) Inspect, test, and calibrate instruments listed under 
paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this appendix on and off the aircraft, as 
appropriate.
    (4) Class 4:
    (i) Diagnose instrument malfunctions of the following 
instruments:
    (A) Capacitance-type quantity gauge.
    (B) Laser gyros.
    (C) Other electronic instruments.
    (ii) Inspect, test, and calibrate instruments listed under 
paragraph (f)(4)(i) of this appendix on and off the aircraft, as 
appropriate.
    (g) Accessory rating:
    (1) Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4:
    (i) Perform the following functions in accordance with the 
manufacturers specifications and recommendations:
    (A) Diagnose accessory malfunctions.
    (B) Maintain and alter accessories, including installing and 
replacing parts.
    (C) Inspect, test, and calibrate accessories on and off the 
aircraft, as appropriate.
    (ii) [Reserved].
    (2) [Reserved].

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 11, 1999.
L. Nicholas Lacey,
Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 99-15383 Filed 6-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P