Preventive Maintenance

Paragraph 3b(3) references part 43, appendix A, paragraph (c)(30), which defines when inspection and maintenance tasks are considered preventive maintenance.

Paragraph 3c(1) adds § 43.3 (h) and (i) and removes obsolete references to § 43.5.

Paragraph 3c(2) references conditions included in § 43.3 (h) and (i) under which holders of certificates issued under 14 CFR part 135 may perform preventive maintenance.

Paragraph 3c(3) includes the addition of holders of sport pilot certificates to those who may perform preventive maintenance as described in §§ 43.3 and 43.7.

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 1, § 1.1, General definitions.

Part 43, Maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration.

Part 61, Certification: Pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors.

Part 91, General operating and flight rules.

Part 145, Repair stations.

Because these persons are authorized to perform maintenance functions as both preventive and other maintenance, it is of little consequence to them how a particular function is classified. Additionally, the procedures used in approving items for return to service and recording preventive and other maintenance are identical. This AC will, therefore, consider preventive maintenance from the point of view of the owner/operator or pilot.

Part 43, appendix A, paragraph (c) contains the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) list of tasks that meet the requirements of the preventive maintenance definition. If a task or maintenance function does not appear in the list, it is not preventive maintenance. Also, because of differences in aircraft, a function may be preventive maintenance on one aircraft and not on another. To provide for this, paragraph (c) contains the limitation, “provided it does not involve complex assembly operations” on the aircraft involved. Owners and pilots must use good judgment when determining if a specific function should be classified as preventive maintenance.

As described in part 43, appendix A, paragraph (c)(30), inspection and maintenance tasks are considered preventive maintenance if they are prescribed and specifically identified as preventive maintenance in a primary category aircraft type certificate or Supplemental Type Certificate holder’s approved special inspection and preventive maintenance program. The tasks must be performed by the holder of at least a private pilot certificate issued under part 61 who is the registered owner (or co-owner) of the aircraft.

Authorization to Perform Preventive Maintenance and Approve for Return to Service.

In addition to those persons listed in paragraph 3a, § 43.3(g), (h), and (i) authorize the holder of a pilot certificate issued under part 61 to perform preventive maintenance. Section 43.7 limits the privilege to persons holding at least a private or sport pilot certificate and § 91.407(a)(1) prohibits operation of the aircraft unless approved for return to service. Further, pilots may only approve for return to service preventive maintenance which they themselves have accomplished.

A pilot may only perform preventive maintenance on an aircraft used under part 135 if the conditions of § 43.3(h) and (i) are met.

The holder of a sport pilot certificate may perform preventive maintenance on an aircraft owned or operated by that pilot and issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the light-sport category.

Use methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator. These are normally set forth in the manufacturer’s maintenance manuals; however, some may be found in ACs published by the FAA.

Use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to ensure the work is completed in accordance with accepted industry practices. This means that the person performing the preventive maintenance must use proper tools and test apparatus, appropriately calibrated, if applicable. Normally these are listed as part of any FAA-approved manufacturer’s maintenance literature.

Use any special equipment recommended by the manufacturer, or an equivalent to that equipment, in a manner acceptable to the Administrator. This provision is more directly applicable to maintenance than preventive maintenance, but owners and pilots should be aware of it.

Perform work in such a manner, and use materials of such quality, that the item worked on is at least equal to its original condition upon completion of the work. Exercise caution because some functions which appear to be simple tasks may, in fact, be quite complicated. Owners/operators should ensure that the individual performing the preventive maintenance understands the manufacturer’s instructions, and the function is within the individual’s capability. The function must be within the definition of preventive maintenance, and listed in part 43, appendix A, paragraph (c).

“A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed” (§ 43.9(a)(1)). The description should indicate what was done and how it was done. This is normally quite simple for preventive maintenance; however, if the description is extensive, it is acceptable to reference documents containing that description. These may be manufacturer’s manuals, ACs, or other documents or references containing data acceptable to the Administrator. If documents other than types commonly used are referenced, the document should be included in the maintenance record.

“The date of completion of the work performed” (§ 43.9(a)(2)). This is self explanatory and is the date on which the entry is made.

If the work has been performed satisfactorily,“...the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the work” (§ 43.9(a)(4)). When preventive maintenance is performed as authorized in § 43.3(g), (h), and (i), the certificate may be indicated in a manner which would be clear to the reader (e.g., PP, CP, or ATP might be used to indicate private, commercial, or airline transport pilot, respectively). The certificate number is that number displayed on the certificate being exercised. Affixing a signature to the entry, which describes the work accomplished, constitutes approval for return to service.