Chapter 12. Publications, Forms, & Records Airworthiness Limitations The ICA must contain a separate and clearly distinguishable section titled “Airworthiness Limitations." Within this section are mandatory replacement times, structural inspection interval, and related inspection procedures. All of this is quite understandable to be included in the initial release of documents when the aircraft is delivered. However, over the course of the life of an aircraft, various modifications can and often do occur. Whether these are as simple as a new cabin to galley sliding door, or as complex as a navigation related STC, any major alteration requires that this type of maintenance data be provided to the owner, so that subsequent maintenance, inspection, and repair can be properly accomplished. As aircraft and their systems become more and more complex, and society continues its preoccupation with litigation for every incident, it is imperative that the technician have the right information, that it is current, and that he or she has the proper tools, including those required for any special inspection, and correct replacement parts. If any one these items is required, and the technician does not have it accessible, he or she is in violation of 14 CFR §§65.81(b), 43.13(a), and 43.16 if he or she attempts to return the aircraft to service. Manufacturers may provide this required information in a variety of different manuals: Operating Instructions — The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) provides the pilot with the necessary and proper information to properly operate the aircraft. These manuals are usually listed in the aircraft type certificate data sheet, and therefore are a required item for the aircraft to be considered airworthy. Maintenance Manuals — These manuals are often referred to as AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual) or CMM (Component Maintenance Manual). The AMM is focused on the entire aircraft and therefore provides the “big picture" for the maintenance technician. It provides information concerning the maintenance (including troubleshooting and repair) of the aircraft and systems on the aircraft. The CMM, on the other hand, is focused on a specific item or component such as hydraulic pump, generator, or thrust reverser. It will provide the bench mechanic with detail troubleshooting information and will usually serve also as an overhaul manual giving details for disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair as necessary, reassembly, and testing in accordance with approved standards and technical data accepted by the Administrator. (Refer to 14 CFR §43.2(a).) When maintenance is done according to the CMM, the technician should always include the appropriate references in the maintenance record entry required by §43.9 or 43.11. Service Bulletins (SB) Throughout the life of a product (whether TC’d or not), manufacturing defects, changes in service, or design improvements often occur. When that happens, the OEM will frequently use an SB to distribute the information to the operator of the aircraft. SBs are good information and should be strongly considered by the owner for implementation to the aircraft. However, SBs are not required unless they are referred to in an AD note or if compliance is required as a part of the authorized inspection program. (Refer to §39.27.)

©AvStop Online Magazine                                                                                                                                                      Contact Us              Return To Books

Grab this Headline Animator