Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The FAA has issued a stay on a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-09-24/faa-interpretation-disallows-remote-mx-supervision">legal interpretation</a> that would have required supervising aircraft mechanics to observe apprentices closely enough to intervene if needed, according to the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA).
Referred to as the Moss Interpretation, the response was from an FAA lawyer to a request for clarification by Little Rock, Arkansas Flight Standards District Office manager Jonathan Moss. His request sought to determine whether it is legal for mechanics to supervise non-licensed technicians remotely—for example, via streaming video calls or similar technology.
The response to the request disallowed that remote supervision capability but then went further to define the meaning of “in person” when a supervising mechanic is overseeing a non-licensed technician’s activities, such as an apprentice performing work under the supervision of a licensed technician. According to the legal interpretation, “in person” means essentially that the supervisor be watching the non-licensed technician closely enough to intervene if something was done incorrectly.
Supervised work has been long accomplished safely with the supervisor observing as needed, sometimes closely and also often from elsewhere in the facility or even in a different location.&nbsp;This is a long-standing practice in aviation and an important capability for training new technicians and helping non-licensed personnel log the time needed to qualify to take the written and practical tests for the FAA mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant (A&amp;P) ratings.
ARSA and 15 other aviation organizations asked the FAA to suspend the interpretation, following a request for reconsideration submitted to the FAA by Savvy Aviation. The group’s letter to the FAA noted: “The only time a mechanic or repairman should be subject to enforcement is if the supervision was insufficient to determine the work was performed correctly. To presume that result before the work is approved for return to service is beyond the plain language of the regulations that allows the certificated person to determine the amount and extent of supervision required.”
On October 15, the FAA <a href="https://arsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Moss-Interp-Stay_AGC-200.pdf">responded</a> to the group and Savvy Aviation. “This letter is to inform you that the FAA is issuing a stay of the legal Interpretation of 14 CFR § 43.3(d) dated September 3, 2024, while the agency reviews its policies and regulatory options. This stay does not represent a conclusion on the contents of that interpretation and will be effective until such time as the agency issues new or supplemental guidance.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

FAA Issues Stay on Burdensome Moss Maintenance Supervision Interpretation

Industry experts believed the FAA letter overstepped bounds

An FAA legal interpretation that appeared to prohibit arms-length monitoring of apprentice mechanics has been rescinded. 

FAA Issus Stay on Burdensome Moss Maintenance Interpretation

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Curt Epstein

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

SEA Adds Mission Console and Sensor Mount for Caravan

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

New customer support leader Lor Izzard is building on earlier improvements

Gulfstream Steps Up Investment in Customer Support

Kerry Lynch

Industry experts caution on the need for a full pre-buy and one that is carefully laid out

Back on the Plate, Pre-buys Still Face Post-covid Challenges

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Hartzell Lengthens Warranty on Props for Raisbeck King Airs

Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

The addition will support Flightstar’s MRO growth

Jet Parts, DAS Aviation Merger To Improve Efficiency

Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

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Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

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Industry experts caution on the need for a full pre-buy and one that is carefully laid out

Kazakhstan Approves China’s ExecuJet Haite for Maintenance

Beijing-based MRO provider has its first approval in Central Asia

Turbulence Canceling Technology Could Make the Skies Smoother for Aircraft

Active control surface system cancels turbulence effects.

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