On April 19, ARSA sent a letter to two members of the European Parliament commending their recent inquiries to the European Commission regarding original equipment manufacturers making maintenance manuals available to MROs.

In the letter, ARSA’s Vice President for Legislative Affairs Daniel Fisher detailed the fact that regulatory bodies aren’t enforcing their own safety requirements that design approval holders make instructions for continuing airworthiness (ICAs) available, particularly when MROs are required to follow them. Fisher wrote, “ARSA has long been concerned about not only the economic impact of this problem, but also the fact that it can and will adversely affect safety by creating inconsistent maintenance practices.”

The government-induced predatory practice, which essentially produces a monopoly for OEMs, is troubling. Some manufacturers refuse outright to provide ICAs (e.g., maintenance manuals); others charge an exorbitant amount, constructively denying access.

According to a 2012 association survey, 72 percent of the respondents said that over the past two years they saw an increase in restrictive contract provisions for manufacturer maintenance data or other practices limiting access to instructions for continued airworthiness.

Parliamentary questions are inquiries addressed by Members of the European Parliament to other parts of the European Union (EU) government.  The process is a direct form of parliamentary scrutiny and oversight of other EU institutions and bodies.  Answers to written questions are generally required within six weeks.

To view the questions asked by Eija-Riitta Korhola of Finland please click here.

To view the questions asked by Mark Demesmaeker of Belgium please click here.

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