The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates aviation maintenance through Part 145, which outlines the standards for repair stations to ensure safety and compliance in the aviation industry.
Repair station operators play a critical role in maintaining and repairing aircraft, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards.
The prime responsibility of a repair station operator is to obtain and maintain FAA certification. This involves submitting an application, undergoing an inspection, and demonstrating that the facility, equipment, personnel, and procedures meet FAA requirements.
Once certified, operators must adhere to all regulatory standards, ensuring ongoing compliance through regular audits and inspections by the FAA.
Additionally, operators must ensure that all personnel involved in maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations are properly qualified and trained. This includes having the necessary licenses and certifications as well as completing ongoing training to stay current with the latest industry standards and technological advancements.
The FAA mandates that repair stations establish and follow a training program to ensure all employees maintain a high level of competency.
Maintenance and quality control also fall under the job responsibility of repair station operators as in developing and maintaining a quality control system. This system must ensure that all work is performed according to FAA-approved procedures and standards.
Operators are responsible for maintaining detailed records of all maintenance activities, inspections, and alterations performed. This documentation is crucial for ensuring traceability and accountability in the maintenance process.
Reporting and record keeping also fall under the bailiwick of repair station operators who must maintain accurate and up-to-date records as required by the FAA. This includes records of maintenance activities, personnel training, equipment calibration, and any incidents or discrepancies.
These records must be readily available for FAA inspection and must be retained for a specified period as mandated by the regulations.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Overview of Repair Station Operators (FAA Part 145), a 2-day course where participants learn about the regulatory framework of repair station operations governed by FAA Part 145.
Participants will also identify the key roles and responsibilities of repair station operators as mandated by FAA regulations as well as learn the processes and procedures required for obtaining and maintaining FAA Part 145 certification.
This course is designed for:
- Individuals aspiring to establish or manage repair station operations.
- Aviation professionals involved in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities.
- Quality assurance personnel responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of FAA regulations governing repair stations.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.