Maintenance and Modifications
FAA Publishes Legal Interpretation of AD Rules
Agency says operators have an “ongoing obligation” to ensure that the maintenance or modification mandated by an AD is maintained.

In response to a 2011 proposed legal interpretation of FAR Part 39 AD rules, the FAA recently issued a final interpretation. The agency received numerous comments on the proposal, with most responses focusing on two specific questions: “what is the extent of an operator’s continuing obligation following the issuance of an AD?” and “what is the extent of an operator’s responsibilities when an AD requires an action that cannot be accomplished?”