FAA Issues InFO on Service Difficulty Reports
March 19, 2012
The FAA has released guidance clarifying the regulatory requirement for filing Service Difficulty Reports under 14 CFR § 121.703.
Section 121.703 requires certificate holders to file reports with the FAA on the occurrence or detection of certain failures, malfunctions or defects within 96 hours. The rule does not specifically address the reporting timeframe for defects discovered on aircraft that are out of service due to scheduled maintenance lasting more than 72 hours.
The FAA guidance, an “Information for Operators” bulletin (InFO 12005) released Feb. 15, 2012, states that 14 CFR § 121.703 reporting requirements are met so long as all repairs on an aircraft out of service for more than 72 hours are reported within 96 hours after the aircraft is approved for return to service. This clarification should resolve industry confusion resulting from different FAA opinions on the reporting timeframe for aircraft in heavy check.
~~~ posted 3/19/12 ~~~
More from ARSA
ARSA Remembers – Mark Swearingin
Mark Swearingin, long-time industry veteran and friend of the association who participated in and spoke at multiple ARSA events died on Feb. 20. Mark’s wife, Liz, alerted colleagues and friends…Read MorePreventing Baseless Electronic Recordkeeping Requirements
February 26, 2026 | Categories:
ARSA News & Updates, Design & Production, EASA, FAA, Maintenance, Press Releases, Regulatory
On Feb. 26, ARSA and the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) jointly commented on the FAA’s Draft Advisory Circular (AC) 120-78B, “Electronic Signatures, Electronic Recordkeeping, and Electronic Manuals.” The associations acknowledged…Read More
Mid-Month Member Asked – Recordkeeping Guidance?
February 24, 2026 | Categories:
ARSA News & Updates, Design & Production, EASA, FAA, Maintenance, Press Releases, Regulatory
Most editions of the hotline – ARSA’s premier member newsletter – include something “A Member Asked” in the previous month. That individual query increases the knowledge of all members. This…Read More
ARSA Survey Invite Sent
February 17, 2026 | Categories:
ARSA News & Updates
On Feb. 17, an invitation to complete ARSA’s member survey was sent to the email address of every primary contact. The message was subjected “ARSA 2026 Member Survey Invitation” and…Read More
