Avionics News August 2013 - 17

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
United States
Maintenance Records
The following information is from 14 CFR Part 43 and
Advisory Circular 43-9C Maintenance Records.

QUESTION:

Can I list a reference rather than a description of the work
in the maintenance records?

ANSWER:

The simple answer is yes, 14 CFR § 43.9 (a) (1) with a
few exceptions states that each person who maintains an
aircraft or article shall make an entry in the maintenance
record of that equipment containing a description or reference to data acceptable to the administrator of work
performed.
AC 43-9C Maintenance Records further echoes that
option in paragraph 5 on maintenance record requirements. In citing the maintenance record requirements of
Part 91, paragraph d states:
Section 91.417(a)(1)(i). Requires the maintenance record entry to include “a description of
the work performed.” The description should be
in sufficient detail to permit a person unfamiliar
with the work to understand what was done,
and the methods and procedures used in doing
it. When the work is extensive, this results in a
voluminous record. To provide for this contingency, the rule permits reference to technical

CANADA

News & Regulatory Updates
Aerospace Manufacturing and Design
Gets a Boost in 2013 Budget
The government of Canada released its 2013 budget March
21, 2013, and it contained significant content related to the
aerospace industry. In particular, the budget speech specifically
mentioned, “We are also supporting Canadian manufacturers

data acceptable to the administrator in lieu of
making the detailed entry. Manufacturer’s manuals, service letters, bulletins, work orders, FAA
ACs, and others, which accurately describe
what was done, or how it was done, may be referenced. Except for the documents mentioned,
which are in common usage, referenced documents are to be made a part of the maintenance
records and retained in accordance with section
91.417(b).
While not specified, it is implied that when
using a reference (or multiple references), the
description in the reference is as thorough a
description of the work as if you were to have
written the entire maintenance entry. A broad
reference to a manual or advisory circular is
inadequate to describe the work performed,
which is why there seems to be a growing
emphasis for page and paragraph references
when listing a reference document.
Remember, the primary purpose of the maintenance
entry is for the technician who follows you to be able to
identify what was done and/or to maintain the modified
system in an airworthy condition. As such, when making
a maintenance entry, consider that you will use this entry
to troubleshoot the system years into the future.

Note: The AEA offers “Frequently Asked Questions” to foster greater understanding of the aviation regulations and the rules governing
the industry. The AEA strives to ensure FAQs are as accurate as
possible at the time of publication; however, rules change. Therefore
information received from an AEA FAQ should be verified before
being relied upon. This information is not meant to serve as legal
advice. If you have particular legal questions, they should be directed to an attorney. The AEA disclaims any warranty for the accuracy
of the information provided.

through important investments in key sectors like aerospace,
forestry and military procurement.” It is significant that
aerospace is mentioned in the budget speech, signifying the
importance the government is placing on this industry.
The section of the budget that discussed the aerospace
industry is called, “Strengthening the Competitiveness
of the Manufacturing Sector.” The government sees the
manufacturing sector as a major contributor to the Canadian
economy and a key player in the future. There are four sectors
in which the government is investing in aerospace:
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Avionics News August 2013

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