Regulations and Government
Proposed Contract Maintenance Rule Gets Mixed Industry Review

Proposed amendments to FAA maintenance regulations affecting contract maintenance providers and carriers operating under Parts 121 and 135 have evoked some skepticism as well as support from organizations representing repair stations and business aviation operators.

The amendments are contained in an FAA notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register on November 13. The NPRM responds to congressional direction in the 2012 FAA reauthorization act requiring the agency within three years to issue regulations over who may perform “covered work” on an aircraft. While the maintenance provision in the reauthorization act references Part 121 carriers, the NPRM would extend the new requirements to Part 135 operators of aircraft with 10 or more passenger seats.