Maintenance and Modifications
FAA Interpretation Disallows Remote Mx Supervision
Letter further claims that non-licensed techs must be watched 100% of the time
Duncan Aviation apprentices
At right, Darwin Godemann, team leader of Duncan Aviation's technical education center, works with two apprentices at the company's Lincoln, Nebraska, facility. (Photo: Duncan Aviation)

In a September 3 letter of interpretation, the FAA clarified that the term “in person” in Part 43 maintenance regulations means that remote supervision of aircraft maintenance is forbidden. This could have a profound effect on the aviation maintenance industry because the letter essentially supports a requirement that a supervising mechanic must watch every move made by a non-licensed individual performing maintenance.

A request for reconsideration was submitted to the FAA on September 24, citing “irreparable harm” that the interpretation will cause to MRO facilities that employ non-certificated mechanic trainees or apprentices.