📘14 CFR §43.12 – Maintenance Records: Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration
🚩 Overview
The accuracy and integrity of aircraft maintenance records are essential for safety and compliance. FAA regulations strictly prohibit falsifying, altering, or improperly reproducing any maintenance record or document.
✅ Key Requirements and Prohibitions
🚫 1. Falsification Prohibited
No person may intentionally falsify or alter aircraft maintenance records or documentation required by FAA regulations.
⚠️ 2. Improper Reproduction or Alteration
Reproducing, altering, or creating false or misleading maintenance records is strictly prohibited.
🚨 3. Consequences of Violation
Violating this regulation can result in severe penalties, including:
Suspension or revocation of FAA certificates (pilot, mechanic, repair station, etc.).
Civil penalties and fines.
Possible criminal charges, depending on severity.
🛩️ Example Scenario
If you or your mechanic unintentionally make an incorrect logbook entry, clearly cross it out with a single line, initial the correction, and provide a new, accurate entry. Never attempt to erase, falsify, or alter the original maintenance entry. Doing so could lead to serious legal consequences.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Ethical Record-Keeping: Teach your students the critical importance of ethical and accurate record-keeping as foundational to aviation safety.
Correction Procedures: Train students on proper, FAA-approved methods for correcting logbook mistakes without risking violations of FAA regulations.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §43.12 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-43/section-43.12
FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-9C (Maintenance Records): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_43-9C_CHG_2.pdf
FAA Compliance and Enforcement Handbook (FAA Order 2150.3): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_2150.3C.pdf
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