📘14 CFR §43 – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration

✏️ Plain-English Summary

Part 43 outlines the requirements for aircraft maintenance and specifies who is authorized to perform various maintenance tasks. It defines preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alterations permissible on aircraft. Understanding these regulations ensures the safety, airworthiness, and legal compliance of the aircraft being operated.

✅ Key Takeaways

Who Can Perform Maintenance?

• A&P Mechanics (Airframe & Powerplant): Qualified to perform most maintenance and repairs.

• Preventive Maintenance: May be performed by pilots authorized by the FAA, typically covering basic maintenance tasks.

• Rebuilding and Alterations: Require certified professionals and might need specific authorization or inspection.

Preventive Maintenance

Pilots can perform certain basic maintenance tasks without the supervision of a licensed mechanic. Common examples include:

• Changing the oil

• Replacing spark plugs

• Lubricating flight controls

Resource: Preventive Maintenance Tasks (FAA)

Rebuilding

Rebuilding involves restoring an aircraft to its original specifications or creating a newly certified version of an older aircraft. This work typically demands extensive effort by a properly certified mechanic.

Alteration

Alterations involve modifications to the aircraft's design or the addition of new equipment (e.g., upgrading avionics, adding winglets). Alterations must:

• Comply with FAA authorization and documentation standards

• Be properly logged in the aircraft’s maintenance records

• Follow Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) guidelines

Resource: FAA STC Overview

✈️ Scenario

• You’re about to fly a club DA40 that recently had an autopilot installed.

Action: ❌ No, it is not legal to fly without verifying the alteration is properly documented in maintenance records and complies with the STC (Supplemental Type Certificate).

• You perform an oil change on your DA20 yourself.

Action: ✅ Yes, this is legal if you are the Pilot in Command (PIC) and the task is classified as preventive maintenance authorized by the FAA.

🎓 CFI Teaching Tip

For preventive maintenance tasks:

“Always use the aircraft’s Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) or Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) to verify permitted preventive maintenance tasks. Regularly review maintenance logs during preflight inspections—this practice enhances safety and reflects responsible airmanship.”

🧠 Memory Aid

• "Always check maintenance records and STC compliance for alterations."

• "Preventive maintenance is pilot-friendly; major repairs and rebuilds require certified mechanics."

📚 References

• FAR §43 – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration

• AIM 4-3-3 – Maintenance and Inspections Overview

• AC 43-13-1B – Acceptable Methods for Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance