Aircraft Maintenance Basics

Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance

• Maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations can be performed by persons under supervision of an authorized mechanic, who must observe the work to ensure proper execution.
• A holder of at least a private pilot certificate can perform preventive maintenance on owned or operated aircraft not used in air carrier service.

Aircraft Return to Service

• Approval for return to service requires:
  • A maintenance record entry
  • Executed repair or alteration form
  • Revised aircraft flight manual if any operational limitations or flight data change.

Approving Aircraft After Maintenance

• Approval after preventive maintenance can be done by anyone holding at least a private pilot certificate, mechanic certificate, inspection authorization, or repairman’s certificate.

Maintenance Record Entries

• Maintenance records must include:
  • Description of work performed
  • Date of completion
  • Name and signature of the person performing the work
  • Certification details of the person approving the work.

Life-Limited Parts

• Life-limited parts have specified mandatory replacement limits in the type design, Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or maintenance manual.
• The "life status" of a life-limited part refers to its accumulated cycles, hours, or mandatory replacement limits.

Types of Repairs

• Minor repairs are classified as those that do not qualify as major repairs.
• Inspection record entries must detail type and description of inspection, inspection date, total time in service, and certification details.

Inspection Records

• For non-progressive inspections, maintenance entries must include a certification statement confirming the aircraft's airworthy condition after inspection.

Fraudulent Entries Consequences

• Intentionally false statements or alterations in maintenance records can lead to suspension or revocation of relevant airman certificates.

Inspection Procedures

• Annual and 100-hour inspections require the use of a checklist provided by the equipment manufacturer or other reliable sources.
• Preventive maintenance refers to simple operations that do not involve complex assembly.

Regulatory References

• Scope and details for Annual and 100-Hour Inspections are found in 14 CFR 43 Appendix D.
• A list of Major Alterations, Major Repairs, and Preventive Maintenance is also located in Appendix A to Part 43.

Overhaul vs Rebuild

• The distinction between overhauled and rebuilt items is based on the specific tolerances to which they were inspected.

Return to Service Approval

• Approval for return to service after any maintenance action is signified by the responsible person's signature.

Major Alterations

• Major alterations such as rotor blade modifications for helicopters are classified under airframe, powerplant, or appliance alterations.
• Converting fuel types or ratings constitutes a powerplant major alteration.

Performance Standards Post-Maintenance

• Maintenance work must be done to assure the aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance is at least equal to its original condition or properly altered state.