Join ARSA Ask ARSA Pay ARSA

ARSA Asks FAA to Release Association’s Working Away Advisory

On May 23, ARSA requested the FAA issue an advisory circular on the ability of a repair station to work away from its fixed location. To assist in this effort, the association provided a draft advisory circular it developed based on the plain language of the regulations and internal agency guidance.

Conditions under which a repair station works away from its fixed location have changed dramatically over the years. At one time, the need to perform work under the auspices of a repair station certificate was limited to a permanent location, or in the event of a special circumstance, such as an aircraft on the ground, away from that fixed location.

Today, work is performed at various locations away from the fixed location, some are familiar sites or facilities known to the repair station and used sporadically to meet customer demands and business needs. Other locations may be ad hoc, where work is done at a customer’s behest for varying periods of time. Some repair stations utilize mobile repair units that may travel across state lines or even internationally to address commercial obligations and provide customer maintenance services.

The purpose of the ARSA’s advisory circular is to outline the ability and conditions for repair stations to work away from their fixed locations, and methodologies for controlling such work under its quality system, taking into account the current business environment. The document was created in response to numerous member inquiries regarding 14 CFR § 145.203, in order to a “compliance road map” for repair stations.

While ARSA works with the agency to get the AC issued, the association’s version is available for free to members. Complete the form below or visit the Publications page to obtain a copy.


To access the advisory, log in to ARSA’s secure member portal at arsa.member365.com


Previously from ARSA...

Working Away Advisory Update

August 7, 2015

A revised version of the association’s draft Working Away Advisory is available for industry comment; contributors are asked to submit feedback by Sept. 15.

In response to numerous member inquiries regarding 14 CFR § 145.203, working away from the fixed location, ARSA developed an advisory that would provide 14 CFR part 145 repair stations a “compliance road map.” The initial draft document was released in June (see previous story for more information about the advisory and its purpose). Feedback was received and incorporated. Thank you to those who participated.

ARSA Releases Working Away Advisory for Industry Comment

June 8, 2015

Conditions under which a repair station works away from its fixed location have changed dramatically over the years. At one time, the need to perform work under the auspices of a repair station certificate was limited to a permanent location, or in the event of a special circumstance, such as an aircraft on the ground, away from that fixed location.

Today, work is performed at various locations away from the fixed location, some are familiar sites or facilities known to the repair station and used sporadically to meet customer demands and business needs. Other locations may be ad hoc, where work is done at a customer’s behest for varying periods of time. Some repair stations utilize mobile repair units that may travel across state lines or even internationally to address commercial obligations and provide customer maintenance services.

In response to numerous member inquiries regarding 14 CFR § 145.203, working away from the fixed location, ARSA developed an advisory that would provide 14 CFR part 145 repair stations a “compliance road map.”

The purpose of the advisory is to outline the ability and conditions for repair stations to work away from their fixed locations, and methodologies for controlling such work under its quality system, taking into account the current business environment.

The association requests industry review and comment on the draft advisory. Once observations are disbursed, the association will work with the agency to ensure the guidance is acceptable for compliance with working away regulatory requirements, including utilization of mobile units.

 



More from ARSA

Good Maintenance Cheer this Holiday Season

The office of ARSA’s management firm will be closed from Dec. 24, 2024 to Jan. 2, 2025. Periodicals will not be distributed on these dates, but the association continues collecting…Read More

FAA Requires Foreign D&A Testing by 2027

On Dec. 18, the U.S. Federal Register published the FAA’s long-awaited final rule expanding drug and alcohol testing requirements to repair station personnel outside the United States. The new rule…Read More

Don’t Be Ignored – STC Audit Survey

Congress’ May 2024 reauthorization of the FAA, requires the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) to audit the FAA’s Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services (see P.L. 118-63,…Read More

2025 ARSA Annual Conference

March 18-21, 2025 Event Information | Registration | Hotel  Arlington, Virginia and Washington, D.C. with Livestream Options for Online Participants Experience the international aerospace maintenance community’s premier event. Join ARSA members…Read More

Clarifying (by Dividing) Recordkeeping Guidance

On Nov. 19, ARSA submitted a pair of draft advisory circulars for FAA consideration to replace its proposed update to AC 43-9, Maintenance Records. The documents divide overlapping responsibilities previously…Read More
ARSA