📘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.

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✅ 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.

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🛩️ 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.

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📌 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.

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📚 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