📘14 CFR §43.9 – Content, Form, and Disposition of Maintenance Records

🚩 Overview

Proper maintenance documentation is crucial for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of aircraft. FAA regulations clearly define the required entries and information that must be documented after each maintenance action.

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✅ Key Requirements for Maintenance Records

Maintenance records must include the following information clearly documented after each maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration performed on an aircraft:

📋 1. Description of Work

• A clear, detailed description of the maintenance tasks performed or reference to acceptable data.

📆 2. Date of Completion

• The exact date when the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration was completed.

🛠️ 3. Authorized Individual’s Information

• Name, signature, FAA certificate type, and certificate number of the authorized individual who performed or supervised the work.

📖 4. Approval for Return to Service

• Clear indication that the aircraft has been approved for return to service after completion of the maintenance.

📑 5. Retention and Disposition of Records

• Maintenance records must be retained and available for inspection, maintained with the aircraft, and transferred to new owners/operators upon sale or lease of the aircraft.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

After completing a 100-hour inspection, your mechanic must carefully enter the inspection details in your aircraft’s maintenance logbooks. Ensure the entry clearly describes all maintenance tasks performed, states the date completed, includes your mechanic’s name, FAA certification number, and explicitly approves the aircraft for return to service.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Logbook Accuracy: Train students to habitually verify maintenance entries for clarity and completeness, ensuring compliance and accurate record-keeping.

• Record Ownership: Stress the importance of proper maintenance record retention and organization as fundamental to responsible aircraft ownership and safe operation.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §43.9 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-43/section-43.9

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

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