📘14 CFR §91.407 – Operation after Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, or Alteration
🚩 Overview
FAA regulations outline specific procedures pilots must follow to confirm the airworthiness of an aircraft after maintenance has been performed. These requirements help ensure aircraft safety and reliability.
✅ Key Operational Requirements
🔧 1. Approval for Return to Service
After maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration, an aircraft must be approved for return to service by an authorized person (mechanic, inspector, or repair station).
📋 2. Documentation and Records
Pilots must verify appropriate entries have been recorded in the aircraft's maintenance logbooks.
Log entries must include details of the work performed, date completed, and signature/certificate number of the authorized individual.
✈️ 3. Operational Checks and Flights
After alterations or maintenance that could appreciably affect aircraft operation or flight characteristics, an operational check flight must be performed by at least a private pilot (rated and appropriately certificated) before passengers are carried.
Operational check flights must confirm that the maintenance or alteration has not adversely affected aircraft performance or controllability.
🛩️ Example Scenario
Your aircraft has just completed an engine overhaul. Before carrying passengers, confirm the proper logbook entry has been completed and the aircraft has been approved for return to service. Then, perform an operational check flight solo or with necessary crew only, ensuring the aircraft handles correctly and safely.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Maintenance Awareness: Teach students to always review maintenance records carefully and verify return-to-service documentation before any post-maintenance flights.
Flight Safety Protocol: Emphasize the importance of conducting operational check flights after significant maintenance or alterations before passenger flights.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §91.407 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-E/section-91.407
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
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