Aviation mechanic maintenance and inspection records study guide
14 CFR 43.2, 43.9, 43.10, 43.11 and Appendix B to Part 43 set the FAA's rules for maintenance and inspection records. This guide sets out what the regulation text states on when an item may be described as overhauled or rebuilt, the maintenance record entry required after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding or alteration, the control and transfer of life-limited parts, the entry required after inspections under parts 91, 125 and 135, the list of discrepancies and inoperative placards, and how major repairs and major alterations are recorded on FAA Form 337. goraedu does not train, test or certificate mechanics, and this is not an FAA test. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Overhauled and rebuilt descriptions
No person may describe an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part as being overhauled in any required maintenance entry or form unless both conditions in 43.2(a) are met.
“No person may describe in any required maintenance entry or form an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part as being overhauled unless”
First condition: using methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator, the item has been disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, and reassembled.
“Using methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator, it has been disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, and reassembled; and”
Second condition: the item has been tested by one of two options: in accordance with approved standards and technical data, or in accordance with current standards and technical data acceptable to the Administrator that were developed and documented by the holder of the type certificate, supplemental type certificate, or a material, part, process, or appliance approval under part 21.
“It has been tested in accordance with approved standards and technical data, or in accordance with current standards and technical data acceptable to the Administrator, which have been developed and documented by the holder of the type certificate, supplemental type certificate, or a material, part, process, or appliance approval under part 21 of this chapter.”
No person may describe an item as being rebuilt in any required maintenance entry or form unless it has been disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, reassembled, and tested to the same tolerances and limits as a new item.
“No person may describe in any required maintenance entry or form an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part as being rebuilt unless it has been disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, reassembled, and tested to the same tolerances and limits as a new item”
The rebuilt description also requires that this was done using either new parts or used parts (one of the options); used parts must conform either to new part tolerances and limits or to approved oversized or undersized dimensions.
“using either new parts or used parts that either conform to new part tolerances and limits or to approved oversized or undersized dimensions.”
Maintenance record entries
Except as provided in 43.9(b) and (c), each person who maintains, performs preventive maintenance, rebuilds, or alters an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part shall make an entry in the maintenance record of that equipment containing the information listed in 43.9(a).
“Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, each person who maintains, performs preventive maintenance, rebuilds, or alters an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part shall make an entry in the maintenance record of that equipment containing the following information:”
The entry contains a description of work performed, or a reference to data acceptable to the Administrator.
“A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of work performed.”
The entry contains the date of completion of the work performed.
“The date of completion of the work performed.”
The entry contains the name of the person performing the work if that person is other than the person approving the work under 43.9(a)(4).
“The name of the person performing the work if other than the person specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.”
If the work has been performed satisfactorily, the entry contains the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the work.
“If the work performed on the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part has been performed satisfactorily, the signature, certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving the work.”
That signature constitutes the approval for return to service only for the work performed.
“The signature constitutes the approval for return to service only for the work performed.”
Each holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate issued under Part 121 or 135 that is required by its approved operations specifications to provide for a continuous airworthiness maintenance program shall make a record of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration on the equipment it operates in accordance with the applicable provisions of Part 121 or 135, as appropriate.
“Each holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate issued under Part 121 or 135, that is required by its approved operations specifications to provide for a continuous airworthiness maintenance program, shall make a record of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration, on aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, or component parts which it operates in accordance with the applicable provisions of Part 121 or 135 of this chapter, as appropriate.”
43.9 does not apply to persons performing inspections in accordance with Part 91, 125, § 135.411(a)(1), or § 135.419.
“This section does not apply to persons performing inspections in accordance with Part 91, 125, § 135.411(a)(1), or § 135.419 of this chapter.”
In addition to the 43.9(a) entry, major repairs and major alterations shall be entered on a form, and the form disposed of, in the manner prescribed in appendix B, by the person performing the work.
“In addition to the entry required by paragraph (a) of this section, major repairs and major alterations shall be entered on a form, and the form disposed of, in the manner prescribed in appendix B, by the person performing the work.”
Not covered here
Who may approve work for return to service, and the content of Parts 121 and 135 record rules, are outside the sections this guide covers. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Life-limited parts
A life-limited part means any part for which a mandatory replacement limit is specified in the type design, the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or the maintenance manual.
“Life-limited part means any part for which a mandatory replacement limit is specified in the type design, the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or the maintenance manual.”
Life status means the accumulated cycles, hours, or any other mandatory replacement limit of a life-limited part.
“Life status means the accumulated cycles, hours, or any other mandatory replacement limit of a life-limited part.”
When a life-limited part is temporarily removed and reinstalled for the purpose of performing maintenance, no disposition under 43.10(c) is required if all three conditions in 43.10(b) are met.
“When a life-limited part is temporarily removed and reinstalled for the purpose of performing maintenance, no disposition under paragraph (c) of this section is required if”
First condition: the life status of the part has not changed.
“The life status of the part has not changed;”
Second condition: the removal and reinstallation is performed on the same serial numbered product.
“The removal and reinstallation is performed on the same serial numbered product; and”
Third condition: that product does not accumulate time in service while the part is removed.
“That product does not accumulate time in service while the part is removed.”
Except as provided in 43.10(b), after April 15, 2002 each person who removes a life-limited part from a type-certificated product must ensure that the part is controlled using one of the methods in 43.10(c).
“Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, after April 15, 2002 each person who removes a life-limited part from a type-certificated product must ensure that the part is controlled using one of the methods in this paragraph.”
The method must deter the installation of the part after it has reached its life limit.
“The method must deter the installation of the part after it has reached its life limit.”
One option is a record keeping system that substantiates the part number, serial number, and current life status of the part. The record must be updated with the current life status each time the part is removed from a type certificated product, and the system may include electronic, paper, or other means of record keeping.
“The part may be controlled using a record keeping system that substantiates the part number, serial number, and current life status of the part. Each time the part is removed from a type certificated product, the record must be updated with the current life status. This system may include electronic, paper, or other means of record keeping.”
One option is a tag or other record attached to the part, including the part number, serial number, and current life status. Each time the part is removed from a type certificated product, either a new tag or record must be created, or the existing one must be updated with the current life status.
“A tag or other record may be attached to the part. The tag or record must include the part number, serial number, and current life status of the part. Each time the part is removed from a type certificated product, either a new tag or record must be created, or the existing tag or record must be updated with the current life status.”
One option is legible non-permanent marking showing current life status, updated each time the part is removed from a type certificated product; if the mark is removed, another method in 43.10 may be used. The mark must be accomplished in accordance with the instructions under § 45.16 in order to maintain the integrity of the part.
“The part may be legibly marked using a non-permanent method showing its current life status. The life status must be updated each time the part is removed from a type certificated product, or if the mark is removed, another method in this section may be used. The mark must be accomplished in accordance with the instructions under § 45.16 of this chapter in order to maintain the integrity of the part.”
One option is legible permanent marking showing current life status, updated each time the part is removed from a type certificated product. Unless the part is permanently removed from use on type certificated products, the permanent mark must be accomplished in accordance with the instructions under § 45.16.
“The part may be legibly marked using a permanent method showing its current life status. The life status must be updated each time the part is removed from a type certificated product. Unless the part is permanently removed from use on type certificated products, this permanent mark must be accomplished in accordance with the instructions under § 45.16 of this chapter in order to maintain the integrity of the part.”
One option is segregation using methods that deter its installation on a type-certificated product. These methods must include, at least, maintaining a record of the part number, serial number, and current life status, and ensuring the part is physically stored separately from parts that are currently eligible for installation.
“The part may be segregated using methods that deter its installation on a type-certificated product. These methods must include, at least—(i) Maintaining a record of the part number, serial number, and current life status, and (ii) Ensuring the part is physically stored separately from parts that are currently eligible for installation.”
One option is mutilation to deter installation in a type certificated product. The mutilation must render the part beyond repair and incapable of being reworked to appear to be airworthy.
“The part may be mutilated to deter its installation in a type certificated product. The mutilation must render the part beyond repair and incapable of being reworked to appear to be airworthy.”
Another option is any other method approved or accepted by the FAA.
“Other methods. Any other method approved or accepted by the FAA.”
Each person who removes a life-limited part from a type certificated product and later sells or otherwise transfers it must transfer with the part the mark, tag, or other record used to comply with 43.10, unless the part is mutilated before it is sold or transferred.
“Each person who removes a life-limited part from a type certificated product and later sells or otherwise transfers that part must transfer with the part the mark, tag, or other record used to comply with this section, unless the part is mutilated before it is sold or transferred.”
Not covered here
The marking instructions in § 45.16 are named by 43.10 but are not set out here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Inspection record entries
After any inspection performed in accordance with part 91, 125, § 135.411(a)(1), or § 135.419, the person approving or disapproving the equipment for return to service shall make an entry in its maintenance record containing the information listed in 43.11(a).
“The person approving or disapproving for return to service an aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part after any inspection performed in accordance with part 91, 125, § 135.411(a)(1), or § 135.419 shall make an entry in the maintenance record of that equipment containing the following information:”
The entry contains the type of inspection and a brief description of the extent of the inspection.
“The type of inspection and a brief description of the extent of the inspection.”
The entry contains the date of the inspection and aircraft total time in service.
“The date of the inspection and aircraft total time in service.”
The entry contains the signature, the certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving or disapproving for return to service.
“The signature, the certificate number, and kind of certificate held by the person approving or disapproving for return to service the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component part, or portions thereof.”
Except for progressive inspections, if the aircraft is found to be airworthy and approved for return to service, the entry contains the rule's statement, or a similarly worded one, certifying that the aircraft was inspected in accordance with the named type of inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition.
“Except for progressive inspections, if the aircraft is found to be airworthy and approved for return to service, the following or a similarly worded statement—“I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with (insert type) inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition.””
Except for progressive inspections, if the aircraft is not approved for return to service because of needed maintenance, noncompliance with applicable specifications, airworthiness directives, or other approved data, the entry contains the rule's statement, or a similarly worded one, certifying that the aircraft was inspected in accordance with the named type of inspection and that a dated list of discrepancies and unairworthy items has been provided for the aircraft owner or operator.
“Except for progressive inspections, if the aircraft is not approved for return to service because of needed maintenance, noncompliance with applicable specifications, airworthiness directives, or other approved data, the following or a similarly worded statement—“I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with (insert type) inspection and a list of discrepancies and unairworthy items dated (date) has been provided for the aircraft owner or operator.””
For progressive inspections, the entry contains the rule's statement, or a similarly worded one, certifying that, in accordance with a progressive inspection program, a routine inspection and a detailed inspection were performed (identifying what each covered) and whether the aircraft or components are approved or disapproved for return to service.
“For progressive inspections, the following or a similarly worded statement—“I certify that in accordance with a progressive inspection program, a routine inspection of (identify whether aircraft or components) and a detailed inspection of (identify components) were performed and the (aircraft or components) are (approved or disapproved) for return to service.””
If disapproved after a progressive inspection, the entry further states that a dated list of discrepancies and unairworthy items has been provided to the aircraft owner or operator.
“If disapproved, the entry will further state “and a list of discrepancies and unairworthy items dated (date) has been provided to the aircraft owner or operator.””
If an inspection is conducted under an inspection program provided for in part 91, 125, or § 135.411(a)(1), the entry must identify the inspection program and the part of it accomplished, and contain a statement that the inspection was performed in accordance with the inspections and procedures for that particular program.
“If an inspection is conducted under an inspection program provided for in part 91, 125, or § 135.411(a)(1), the entry must identify the inspection program, that part of the inspection program accomplished, and contain a statement that the inspection was performed in accordance with the inspections and procedures for that particular program.”
Not covered here
The inspections themselves (which ones are required and when) are set by other parts and are not described here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Discrepancy lists and placards
If the person performing any inspection required by part 91 or 125 or § 135.411(a)(1) finds that the aircraft is unairworthy or does not meet the applicable type certificate data, airworthiness directives, or other approved data upon which its airworthiness depends, that person must give the owner or lessee a signed and dated list of those discrepancies.
“If the person performing any inspection required by part 91 or 125 or § 135.411(a)(1) of this chapter finds that the aircraft is unairworthy or does not meet the applicable type certificate data, airworthiness directives, or other approved data upon which its airworthiness depends, that persons must give the owner or lessee a signed and dated list of those discrepancies.”
For items permitted to be inoperative under § 91.213(d)(2), that person shall place a placard that meets the aircraft's airworthiness certification regulations on each inoperative instrument and the cockpit control of each item of inoperative equipment, marking it "Inoperative."
“For those items permitted to be inoperative under § 91.213(d)(2) of this chapter, that person shall place a placard, that meets the aircraft's airworthiness certification regulations, on each inoperative instrument and the cockpit control of each item of inoperative equipment, marking it “Inoperative,””
That person shall also add those items to the signed and dated list of discrepancies given to the owner or lessee.
“and shall add the items to the signed and dated list of discrepancies given to the owner or lessee.”
Not covered here
Which items § 91.213(d)(2) permits to be inoperative is outside this guide. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
FAA Form 337 and Appendix B
Except as provided in Appendix B paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), each person performing a major repair or major alteration has three duties under Appendix B(a).
“Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this appendix, each person performing a major repair or major alteration shall”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
That person executes FAA Form 337 at least in duplicate and gives a signed copy of that form to the aircraft owner.
“Execute FAA Form 337 at least in duplicate; (2) Give a signed copy of that form to the aircraft owner; and”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
That person also forwards a copy of the form to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, within 48 hours after the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance is approved for return to service.
“Forward a copy of that form to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, within 48 hours after the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance is approved for return to service.”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
For major repairs made in accordance with a manual or specifications acceptable to the Administrator, a certificated repair station may follow Appendix B(b) in place of the requirements of Appendix B(a).
“For major repairs made in accordance with a manual or specifications acceptable to the Administrator, a certificated repair station may, in place of the requirements of paragraph (a)”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
Under that option the repair station uses the customer's work order upon which the repair is recorded.
“Use the customer's work order upon which the repair is recorded;”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
It gives the aircraft owner a signed copy of the work order and retains a duplicate copy for at least two years from the date of approval for return to service.
“Give the aircraft owner a signed copy of the work order and retain a duplicate copy for at least two years from the date of approval for return to service of the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance;”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
It gives the aircraft owner a maintenance release signed by an authorized representative of the repair station, incorporating the information listed in Appendix B(b)(3).
“Give the aircraft owner a maintenance release signed by an authorized representative of the repair station and incorporating the following information:”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
The repair station also includes the following or a similarly worded statement: the item identified was repaired and inspected in accordance with current Regulations of the Federal Aviation Agency and is approved for return to service.
“Include the following or a similarly worded statement—“The aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance identified above was repaired and inspected in accordance with current Regulations of the Federal Aviation Agency and is approved for return to service.”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
Except as provided in Appendix B(d), for a major repair or major alteration made by a person authorized in § 43.17, both the person who performs the work and the person authorized by § 43.17 to approve it shall execute an FAA Form 337 at least in duplicate.
“Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this appendix, for a major repair or major alteration made by a person authorized in § 43.17, the person who performs the major repair or major alteration and the person authorized by § 43.17 to approve that work shall execute an FAA Form 337 at least in duplicate.”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
In that case a completed copy is given to the aircraft owner and forwarded to the FAA Aircraft Registration Branch within 48 hours after the work is inspected.
“A completed copy of that form shall be— (1) Given to the aircraft owner; and (2) Forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Registration Branch, Post Office Box 25504, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, within 48 hours after the work is inspected.”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
For extended-range fuel tanks installed within the passenger compartment or a baggage compartment, the person who performs the work and the person authorized to approve the work by § 43.7 shall execute an FAA Form 337 in at least triplicate.
“For extended-range fuel tanks installed within the passenger compartment or a baggage compartment, the person who performs the work and the person authorized to approve the work by § 43.7 shall execute an FAA Form 337 in at least triplicate.”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
For those tanks, a completed copy is placed on board the aircraft as specified in § 91.417 and another is given to the aircraft owner.
“A completed copy of that form shall be— (1) Placed on board the aircraft as specified in § 91.417 of this chapter; (2) Given to the aircraft owner; and”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
A completed copy is also forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Registration Branch, Post Office Box 25724, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, within 48 hours after the work is inspected.
“Forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Registration Branch, , Post Office Box 25724, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, within 48 hours after the work is inspected.”
14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations
Not covered here
The examples of major repairs and major alterations in Appendix A, and the fields of FAA Form 337 itself, are not covered here. §§ 43.7, 43.17 and 91.417 are named only where Appendix B names them. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 14 CFR 43.2, Records of overhaul and rebuilding (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 43.9, Content, form, and disposition of maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration records (except inspections performed in accordance with part 91, part 125, § 135.411(a)(1), and § 135.419 of this chapter) (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 43.10, Disposition of life-limited aircraft parts (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR 43.11, Content, form, and disposition of records for inspections conducted under parts 91 and 125 and §§ 135.411(a)(1) and 135.419 of this chapter (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix B—Recording of Major Repairs and Major Alterations (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other FAA aviation mechanic study guides: Eligibility, ratings, knowledge, experience and skill, Privileges, recent experience and display, Inspection authorization, Who may perform maintenance and approve return to service, Performance and inspection rules, Major alterations, major repairs and preventive maintenance