The FAA and EASA announced an update to the international safety agreement between the two bodies slated for December 8 implementation but there was a complication. Change 5 to the Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) created a clear requirement for a specific FAA Form—the 8130-3—to be issued by production approval holders (PAH). However, under current FAA rules, only the agency or its designees can issue the document for a new part. The FAA addressed the problem in an October 1 final rule that allows U.S. PAHs to issue a Form 8130-3 without needing an FAA designee. Unfortunately, aerospace manufacturers cannot implement the new privilege until the final rule's March 29, 2016 effective date. On October 7, a coalition of aviation trade associations sent a letter to both agencies seeking an implementation delay until the effective date of the FAA's new rule and the agencies have concurred.
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