Avionics News March 2014 - 15

The AEA will continue to promote standardization and consistency in regulatory
interpretation, promote the professionalism of the AEA membership and promote
the regulations. We will provide you with the tools to show the added value to
your customers; it is up to you to use them.

promotes standardization and consistency in regulatory
interpretation, as well as the Bilateral Aviation Safety
Agreement between the U.S. and EU. We consider this
to be a value-added benefit to your membership.
This leads me to the catalyst for this month's
column - the AEA's participation in local FAA safety
programs. A member recently asked the question,
why does the AEA participate in local FAA programs
labeled as IA training? The short answer is to
promote standardization and consistency in regulatory
interpretation, as well as promote the AEA with local
and regional FAA representatives. The balance we are
faced with is promoting consistency in the regulations
without necessarily promoting the audience or the A&P
(airframe and powerplant) with inspection authority.
But the avionics industry relies on the IA for many of
the airframe alterations as well as avionics - electrical
and avionics - powerplant interfaces.
One of the first challenges I faced after joining the
AEA staff was enhancing the relationship between
the avionics industry and the independent A&P.
Many avionics shops face unfair competition from
independent maintenance businesses without the
infrastructure or cost of a repair station. For what it's
worth, the maintenance repair stations face the same
unfair competition.
But for the record, according to the regulations, a
certificated mechanic may perform or supervise the
maintenance, preventive maintenance or alteration of
an aircraft or appliance, or a part thereof, for which

he or she is rated excluding any repair to, or alteration
of, instruments (§ 65.81(a)). So yes, radios are within
the scope of the mechanic's airframe rating, while
instrument repair is not.
This is step one. Step two is the A&P may not
approve for return to service any aircraft following
maintenance unless he or she has satisfactorily
performed the specific work at an earlier date under the
direct supervision of a certificated and appropriately
rated mechanic, or a certificated repairman.
So generally speaking, while radios are within the
mechanic's airframe rating, they seldom have the
training necessary to adequately approve the aircraft for
return to service; especially modern avionics systems
with the current level of integration.
But it doesn't stop there. The performance rules have
additional requirements. First, each person performing
maintenance shall use the methods, techniques and
practices prescribed in the current manufacturer's
maintenance manual or ICA (instructions for continued
airworthiness), or other methods, techniques and practices
acceptable to the administrator. Second, he or she must
use the tools, equipment and test apparatus necessary
to assure completion of the work in accordance with
accepted industry practices (§ 43.13 (a)).
So where does a non-dealer obtain the technical
data necessary to perform maintenance properly?
Oh, they use the advisory circular or other methods,
Continued on page 79
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Avionics News March 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News March 2014
