📘14 CFR §43.3 – Persons Authorized to Perform Maintenance
🚩 Overview
The FAA specifies clear guidelines regarding individuals who can legally perform aircraft maintenance tasks. Understanding these qualifications ensures safety, compliance, and aircraft airworthiness.
✅ Key Authorized Persons
🔧 1. Certified Mechanics
FAA-certificated mechanics (A&P – Airframe and Powerplant) may perform maintenance and preventive maintenance according to their ratings.
🔍 2. Certified Repair Stations
FAA-approved repair stations (Part 145) are authorized to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, alterations, and inspections according to their certifications.
✈️ 3. Aircraft Manufacturers
Manufacturers can perform maintenance and preventive maintenance on aircraft they produce, per their FAA-issued manufacturing certificate.
🎓 4. Persons Working Under Supervision
Non-certified individuals can perform maintenance when working under direct supervision of an FAA-certificated mechanic or repair station.
🛠️ 5. Pilots Performing Preventive Maintenance
Pilots holding at least a Private Pilot certificate may perform certain preventive maintenance tasks listed explicitly by FAA regulations (Appendix A to Part 43) on aircraft they own or operate.
🏛️ 6. Air Carriers and Operators
Air carriers or operators under Parts 121, 135, or 125 may perform maintenance per FAA-approved procedures outlined in their operation specifications or manuals.
🛩️ Example Scenario
You're a private pilot who owns your aircraft. According to §43.3 and Appendix A to Part 43, you may personally perform preventive maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire replacements, or spark plug cleaning, provided you properly document these tasks in the aircraft’s logbooks.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Teach Preventive Maintenance: Train your students (especially aircraft owners/operators) clearly about what preventive maintenance tasks they're legally permitted to perform.
Documentation Discipline: Reinforce the importance of accurate record-keeping for any maintenance tasks performed personally or by authorized personnel.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §43.3 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-43/section-43.3
FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-12A (Preventive Maintenance): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_43-12A_CHG_1.pdf
FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – Maintenance: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak
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