📘14 CFR §43.5 – Approval for Return to Service After Maintenance

🚩 Overview

After any maintenance activity, an aircraft cannot be operated until it has been properly inspected and approved for return to service by authorized personnel. This approval ensures the aircraft’s continued airworthiness and operational safety.

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✅ Key Operational Requirements

🔧 1. Required Approval

• Aircraft maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration must receive an approval for return to service from an authorized individual or organization before flight.

🔍 2. Authorized Personnel

Approval for return to service may only be given by:

• FAA-certificated mechanics (A&P), holding appropriate ratings for work performed.

• FAA-approved repair stations (Part 145).

• FAA-certified aircraft manufacturers.

• Individuals holding an FAA-issued Inspection Authorization (IA) for annual inspections or major repairs/alterations.

📋 3. Documentation

• Proper documentation confirming return to service must be entered into the aircraft’s maintenance records, detailing:

  • Description of maintenance performed.

  • Date completed.

  • Signature, certificate type, and number of the approving person or entity.

🚫 4. Prohibition of Operation

• No person may operate an aircraft unless the aircraft has been officially approved for return to service following any maintenance activities.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

Your aircraft has undergone a routine oil change and spark plug cleaning. Before flying again, ensure your FAA-certificated mechanic makes the required entry into your aircraft’s maintenance logbook, clearly indicating the aircraft is approved for return to service. Do not operate the aircraft until this approval is documented.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Teach Logbook Review: Train students to habitually verify approval entries in aircraft logbooks following any maintenance activities.

• Safety and Compliance: Reinforce the critical role proper documentation and return-to-service approval plays in ensuring both compliance with FAA regulations and operational safety.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §43.5 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-43/section-43.5

• FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-9C (Maintenance Records and Return to Service): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_43-9C_CHG_2.pdf

• FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – Aircraft Maintenance: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak