Regulatory

Devoted to the regulatory needs of the worldwide civil aviation community, ARSA works to develop clear, concise and consistent rules, guidance, policy and interpretations; allowing uniform application of the law, both in the United States and abroad.

ARSA is dedicated to helping regulated entities run their operations efficiently by differentiating between government functions and industry responsibilities. By engaging in the rulemaking process, helping to refine guidance and clarifying compliance ambiguity ARSA works towards uniform enforcement of regulation. The association ensures members have the knowledge to be compliant by delivering information through training, publications and member communications.

Aviation is a global industry. While countless governmental bodies oversee civil aviation operations internationally, the regulatory bodies in North America and Europe – in addition to certain emerging players from Asia and South America – are prominent:

United States — FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates civil aviation activities in the United States.

The U.S. Congress – the Senate and House of Representatives – created the independent Federal Aviation Agency, which later became the modern FAA, by passing the Federal Aviation Act in 1958. The Act, codified by Public Law 103-272 as Title 49 U.S. Code Subtitle VII, and amended frequently, establishes the legal mandate for the FAA to promulgate regulations affecting civil aviation safety and security.

To see more about how the FAA oversees design, production, sales, operation and maintenance of civil aviation products and articles – and how ARSA works to make the agency better – click here.

United States — Customs and Border Protection

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau for Customs and Border Protection regulates the flow of people and goods into and out of the United States.

For aviation businesses, Customs’ oversight of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft is of particular importance. Under the agreement, many civil aviation products and parts are exempt from import duties. In addition to having to pay duties, maintenance providers have devoted considerable resources for navigating Customs rules and dealing with conflicting views from exporters, importers and government agents. One major question has been whether the imported part must be airworthy to qualify for duty-free treatment. 

To get a complete briefing on customs issues related to aircraft parts importation, click here.

United States — Transportation Security Administration

On Jan. 13, 2014, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) finalized the aircraft repair station security rules (Docket No. TSA–2004–17131; 49 CFR part 1554). While the final regulation applies to all repair stations certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR part 145 (except those located on U.S. or foreign government military bases), only certain repair stations are required to implement “Security Measures.”

To see the association’s coverage of TSA-related issues, click here.

To access a fact sheet on general repair station security practices, click here.

To access the association’s security compliance checklist, click here.

Europe — EASA

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulates civil aviation activities in the European Union.

For information about ARSA’s model EASA supplement, designed for U.S.-based, FAA-certificated repair stations who wish to work on EU-registered aircraft (civil aeronautical components under the regulatory control of EASA) and plan to apply for (or renew) EASA part 145 certification, visit the publications page.

As a resource for industry, ARSA is maintaining a basic resource page on the status of aviation issues related to the UK’s departure from the EU (“Brexit”). Click here to go to the page.

To view ARSA’s archived content regarding EASA, click here.

Canada — TCCA

Transport Canada (TCCA) regulates civil aviation activities in Canada.

For information about ARSA’s Canadian Supplement and Cross-Reference Table for repair stations performing maintenance, preventive maintenance and alteration under the regulatory authority of the TCCA, visit the publications page.

ARSA Works

To see all the ways ARSA is working as the voice of the aviation maintenance industry, visit the ARSA Works page or navigate the menu above.

In addition to proactive compliance efforts, training resources, publications and other communications, the association maintains issue-specific information pages as a resource for its membership. With overviews and regulatory timelines, these pages can be repository of knowledge, best practices and tools that highlight ARSA’s long-term efforts on behalf of the aviation maintenance providers.

Major/Minor

Drug & Alcohol Testing

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations

For further information or questions related to specific topics, always ask ARSA first!

To view all of ARSA’s archived content regarding regulatory matters, click here.