On Oct. 6, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a draft policy regarding the availability of instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA).

The agency outlines what it believes are inappropriate restrictive actions by design and production approval holders based on the plain language of section 21.50(b) of the regulations. The policy focuses on the relationship between the “owner/operator” and the repair station (or maintenance provider).

“This policy is certainly a major step in the FAA’s position on availability of maintenance instructions,” said ARSA Executive Director Sarah MacLeod.

ARSA will be responding with comments to the proposed policy. The Association’s comments will center on the fact that “anyone required to comply” with maintenance instructions are those persons contained in section 43.3; therefore, the relationship between the owner/operator and the maintenance provider is of less importance when it comes to restrictive practices.

~~~ posted 10/12/11 ~~~

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