[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 131 (Thursday, July 9, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37172-37210]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17589]
[[Page 37171]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Department of Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
Federal Aviation Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
14 CFR Parts 65, 66, and 147
Revision of Certification Requirements: Mechanics and Repairmen;
Proposed Rules
Proposed Advisory Circulars, 66-XX: Aviation Maintenance Personnel
Certification Regulations, Recurrent Training Requirements, and
Aviation Maintenance Technician Training Program Providers Approval;
Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 131 / Thursday, July 9, 1998 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 37172]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Parts 65, 66, and 147
[Docket No. 27863; Notice No. 98-5]
RIN 2120-AF22
Revision of Certification Requirements: Mechanics and Repairmen
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to amend the Federal Aviation
Regulations (FAR) that prescribe the certification and training
requirements for mechanics and repairmen. Current regulations
prescribing these requirements do not reflect the extensive differences
in the maintenance skills required of currently certificated personnel,
the significant technological advances that have occurred in the
aviation industry, and the enhancements in training and instructional
methods that have affected all aviation maintenance personnel. The
proposed rule would consolidate and clarify all certification,
training, and experience requirements for aviation maintenance
personnel in a newly established part of the Code of Federal
Regulations. The proposed rule would create additional certificates and
ratings, and would modify the privileges and limitations of current
certificates to respond more closely to the responsibilities of
aviation maintenance personnel. In addition, the proposal would
establish new training requirements that would enhance the technical
capabilities of, and increase the level of professionalism among,
aviation maintenance personnel. Further, as current rules do not
provide the FAA with an accurate assessment of active aviation
maintenance personnel, the proposal also would provide the FAA with
essential demographic information that could be used to disseminate
vital aviation safety and training information, thereby enhancing
aviation safety. All of the proposals in this document have been
extensively researched for the FAA by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory
Committee (ARAC) Part 65 Working Group, and all proposals made in this
document are based on the ARAC's recommendations.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 6, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Comments on this proposed rule should be delivered or
mailed, in triplicate, to: Federal Aviation Administration, Office of
the Chief Counsel, Attn: Rules Docket (AGC-200), Docket No. 27863, Room
915G, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591. Comments
submitted must be marked: ``Docket No. 27863.'' Comments also may be
submitted electronically to the following Internet address: 9-NPRM-
[email protected] Comments may be examined in Room 915G on weekdays,
except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leslie K. Vipond, AFS-350, Continuous
Airworthiness Maintenance Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20591, telephone (202) 267-3269.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Comments relating to the environmental, energy,
federalism, or economic impact that might result from adopting the
proposals in this notice also are invited. Substantive comments should
be accompanied by cost estimates. Comments should identify the
regulatory docket or notice number and should be submitted in
triplicate to the Rules Docket address specified above.
All comments received, as well as a report summarizing each
substantive public contact with FAA personnel on this rulemaking, will
be filed in the docket. The docket is available for public inspection
before and after the comment closing date.
All comments received on or before the closing date will be
considered by the Administrator before taking action on this proposed
rulemaking. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent
practicable. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must include a pre-addressed,
stamped postcard with those comments on which the following statement
is made: ``Comments to Docket No. 27863.'' The postcard will be date
stamped and mailed to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Using a modem and suitable communications software, an electronic
copy of this document may be downloaded from the FAA regulations
section of the FedWorld electronic bulletin board service (telephone:
(703) 321-3339), the Government Printing Office's electronic bulletin
board service (telephone: (202) 512-1661), or the FAA's Aviation
Rulemaking Advisory Committee bulletin board service (telephone: (800)
322-2722).
Internet users may reach the FAA's webpage at http://www.faa.gov/
avr/nprm/nprm.htm or the Government Printing Office's webpage at http:/
/www.access.gpo.gov/nara for access to recently published rulemaking
documents.
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1,
800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202)
267-9860. Communications must identify the notice number of this NPRM.
Persons interested in being placed on the mailing list for future
NPRMs should request from the above office a copy of Advisory Circular
(AC) No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System,
which describes the application procedure.
Background
Statement of the Problem
In keeping with the FAA's policy of reviewing and upgrading
regulations to ensure that they are consistent with changes in the
aviation environment, the FAA has conducted a multiphase regulatory
review to amend subparts D and E of 14 CFR part 65, which pertain to
mechanics and repairmen. Since the recodification of the Civil Air
Regulations into the FAR on August 10, 1962, a complete regulatory
review of the certification requirements for these airmen has not been
accomplished, and few significant revisions to these subparts have been
made. However, numerous technological advances in the aviation
industry, recent FAA and international regulatory activities, concerns
over aging aircraft, and enhancements in training methods have
significantly affected all aspects of aviation maintenance operations.
Additionally, various and often conflicting interpretations of the
existing regulations have resulted in confusion among the airmen for
whom this part was intended. Based on these factors, the FAA has
instituted this complete regulatory review of part 65, subparts D and
E.
[[Page 37173]]
History
In November 1989, a joint industry/FAA part 65 review group was
formed to evaluate and review certification requirements for mechanics
and repairmen. The review group's objective was to develop and present
a unified position on recommended changes to part 65. The group was
composed of representatives from several aviation associations and was
coordinated by the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
(PAMA). FAA interests were represented by the Aircraft Maintenance
Division (AFS-300) of the FAA.
The review group conducted a series of panel discussions throughout
the United States and, as a result, drafted the ``Industry/FAA Part 65
Review Group Working Paper,'' which was completed on January 31, 1991.
This paper presented the issues of general agreement within the review
group and issues that the group believed would require further
discussion.
In support of this regulatory review, the FAA also completed a
historical review of part 65, subparts D and E, on October 22, 1991.
This review revealed that, as of October 1991, there had been 17
amendments (1 of which was rescinded), 3 petitions for rulemaking, and
100 exemption actions to these subparts since recodification in 1962.
In addition, one accident, the Aloha Airlines Boeing 737 structural
failure on April 28, 1988, generated National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) recommendations related to amending these subparts.
The three petitions for rulemaking addressed issues associated with
establishing certificates and ratings for avionics and instrument
technicians, recertifying mechanics, and allowing applicants for
mechanic certificates who have not graduated from an aviation
maintenance technician school approved under 14 CFR part 147 to take
the oral and practical tests for a certificate or rating before
completing the required written tests.
The majority of the requests for exemption, FAA policy letters, and
legal interpretations regarding mechanics pertained to issues affecting
inspection authorization renewal or to general eligibility and
experience requirements. The majority of requests for similar actions
concerning repairmen involved issues pertaining to certificate
privileges and limitations.
During 1991, the FAA conducted a survey of FAA regional offices on
the certification of mechanics, holders of inspection authorizations,
and repairmen. A copy of this survey has been placed in Docket No.
27863.
The survey questions were derived from issues that were raised
during FAA participation in listening sessions with aviation industry
associations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licensing Panel and from issues
identified in legal interpretations, petitions for exemption, petitions
for rulemaking, and enforcement actions.
Results of this survey showed clear support for: (1) replacing the
term ``mechanic'' with ``aviation maintenance technician''; (2)
developing a system for granting additional privileges and limitations
for mechanics; (3) encouraging additional FAA participation with ICAO
and other aviation authorities to standardize training and
certification of maintenance personnel; (4) using aviation maintenance
instructor experience to satisfy recent experience requirements; (5)
clarifying Sec. 65.75(b), regarding written test requirements; (6)
adding the term ``facsimile'' to Sec. 65.16; and (7) developing a
separate certificate or rating for balloon repairmen. The majority of
the respondents supported changes in the English-language requirements
for mechanics and repairmen, the continued acceptance of military
aircraft maintenance experience as the basis for airframe and
powerplant mechanic certification, and changes in the units of time
(from months to hours) used in current Sec. 65.77 to measure experience
requirements for mechanics.
Further impetus for the part 65 review came with the establishment
of the ARAC. The ARAC charter became effective on February 5, 1991 (56
FR 2190, January 22, 1991). It was most recently renewed on February 5,
1997 (FAA Order 1110.119C, Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee;
March 3, 1997). The ARAC was established to assist the FAA in the
rulemaking process by providing input from outside the Federal
Government on major regulatory issues affecting aviation safety. The
ARAC includes representatives of air carriers, manufacturers, general
aviation, labor groups, colleges, universities, associations, airline
passenger groups, and the general public. The ARAC's formation has
given the FAA additional opportunities to solicit information directly
from significantly affected parties, who meet and exchange ideas about
proposed rules and existing rules that should be revised or eliminated.
The FAA has received significant assistance from the ARAC in this
review and in the formulation of the proposals in this NPRM.
At its first meeting on air carrier/general aviation maintenance
issues on May 24, 1991 (56 FR 20492, May 3, 1991), the ARAC established
the Part 65 Working Group. The ARAC tasked this Working Group to
conduct a review of the certification requirements for mechanics,
mechanics holding inspection authorizations, and repairmen. At that
time, these requirements were in part 65, subparts D and E. Because the
scope of the Working Group's task was extensive, the group divided its
review of the certification requirements for aviation maintenance
personnel into two phases.
Once the first phase of this review was complete, the ARAC analyzed
the efforts of the Working Group and made a series of recommendations
to the FAA, which resulted in the FAA's issuance of Notice No. 94-27 on
August 17, 1994 (59 FR 42430). That NPRM proposed: (1) Establishing a
separate part 66 for aviation maintenance personnel; (2) removing
gender-specific terms from the original regulation; (3) changing the
term ``mechanic'' to ``aviation maintenance technician''; (4) changing
the term ``repairman'' to ``aviation repair specialist''; (5)
establishing the equivalency of the aviation maintenance technician
certificate and the aviation repair specialist certificate with current
mechanic and repairman certificates; (6) allowing facsimiles to be used
in the process of replacing lost or destroyed aviation maintenance
technician and aviation repair specialist certificates; (7) requiring
applicants to demonstrate English-language proficiency by reading and
explaining appropriate maintenance publications and by writing defect
and repair statements; (8) discontinuing the certification of aviation
maintenance personnel who are employed outside the United States and
who are not proficient in the English language; (9) requiring all
aviation maintenance technician applicants to pass a written test that
would examine their knowledge of all applicable maintenance
regulations; (10) clarifying the requirement that each applicant for an
aviation maintenance technician certificate pass all written tests
before applying for oral and practical tests; (11) recognizing
computer-based testing methods; (12) specifying all experience
requirements in hours instead of months for initial certification; (13)
establishing a basic competency requirement for aviation maintenance
technicians; (14) allowing aviation maintenance technicians to use
equipment-specific training as an additional means to qualify for the
exercise of certificate
[[Page 37174]]
privileges; (15) permitting aviation maintenance instructors to use
instructional time to satisfy currency requirements; (16) establishing
training requirements for aviation maintenance technicians who desire
to use their certificates for compensation or hire; (17) extending the
duration of an inspection authorization from 1 to 2 years; and (18)
expanding the renewal options available to the holder of an inspection
authorization.
After further work by the Part 65 Working Group and the rapid
completion of the second phase of the Working Group's review of the
certification requirements for mechanics and repairmen, the ARAC
recommended that the FAA consolidate the proposals made in Notice 94-27
with those proposals made by the ARAC at the completion of the second
phase of the regulatory review. This decision was based on the ARAC's
evaluation that the proposals made in the second phase of the Part 65
Working Group's review of the certification requirements for aviation
maintenance personnel would cause significant changes to the format and
content of proposed part 66, as set forth in Notice No. 94-27, which
proposed the changes recommended by the ARAC and the FAA after the
completion of the first phase of the review. As a result of the
creation of new subparts in proposed part 66 for the aviation
maintenance technician (transport) (AMT(T)) certificate and the
inspection authorization, the addition of a separate rating for
aviation maintenance instructors, and the creation of an additional
aviation repair specialist certificate, the ARAC determined that the
general organization of part 66, as previously proposed, would be
greatly altered.
The FAA, in an effort to avoid confusion in the implementation of
the final rule, agreed with the ARAC's recommendation and determined
that the changes proposed in the earlier NPRM and the additional
changes proposed as a result of recommendations made at the completion
of the second phase of the regulatory review should be reconciled and
consolidated into a single NPRM containing both sets of proposals.
Therefore, the FAA is withdrawing the initial NPRM in a document
published elsewhere in this separate part of the Federal Register. The
FAA contends that the creation of part 66, as set forth in the earlier
proposal, followed by a series of sweeping changes to implement the
additional proposals set forth in this NPRM, would have been confusing
to the aviation maintenance community and would have hindered the
implementation of the changes that the Working Group has set out to
accomplish.
The proposals developed during both phases of the part 65
regulatory review, and set forth in this NPRM, cover a broad range of
issues affecting the certification of aviation maintenance personnel.
This NPRM reconciles the proposals made in the earlier NPRM with the
proposals made as a result of the completion of the second phase of the
ARAC's review of the certification requirements for aviation
maintenance personnel. As stated previously, all of the proposals in
this NPRM have been extensively researched for the FAA by the Part 65
Working Group, and all proposals made in this NPRM are based on the
ARAC's recommendations.
General Discussion of the Proposal
Modification of the Previous Proposal
A majority of the proposals developed during the first phase of the
regulatory review and set forth in Notice No. 94-27 also have been set
forth in this proposal. Of those 18 specific proposals previously noted
as being set forth in the earlier NPRM, fewer than half have been
significantly modified in this NPRM.
Many of the discrepancies between the current proposal and the
earlier NPRM resulted from the previous proposal to equate a mechanic
certificate to an aviation maintenance technician (AMT) certificate. As
a result of the completion of the second phase of this review, the FAA
proposes the creation of AMT and AMT(T) certificates. The current
mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings would be
equivalent to the proposed AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating
(with no loss of privileges) and not the AMT certificate, as stated in
the earlier NPRM. The original proposal to change the term ``mechanic''
to ``aviation maintenance technician'' has, therefore, been modified to
reflect the proposed change. All privileges granted to an AMT(T) with
an aircraft rating, as set forth in this notice, would apply to the
holder of a current mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant
ratings. The holder of the proposed AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating would not possess the full approval for return-to-service
privileges of the holder of either the current mechanic certificate
with an airframe and powerplant rating or the proposed (and equivalent)
AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating.
This proposal also would combine the current airframe and
powerplant ratings into a single ``aircraft'' rating. The FAA would not
issue any proposed certificates with airframe and powerplant ratings as
stated in the previous NPRM.
In the earlier NPRM, information pertaining to inspection
authorizations was found solely in the subpart of proposed part 66 that
would pertain to AMTs. The current proposal, however, would create two
certificates (the AMT and AMT(T)), both of whose holders would be
eligible for inspection authorization privileges. Therefore, the
proposal would remove those sections that pertain to inspection
authorizations from the subpart, proposed in the earlier NPRM, that was
applicable solely to the AMT certificate and place this information in
a separate subpart applicable to AMT and AMT(T) certificates.
Additionally, the proposal would not permit participation in current
inspection programs recommended by the manufacturer or other inspection
programs established by the registered owner or operator under 14 CFR
Sec. 91.409(f)(3) or (4), as a means of satisfying inspection
authorization renewal requirements.
By establishing a new type of aviation repair specialist
certificate based on proficiency in a designated specialty area but not
linked to employment, this proposal significantly reorganizes the
subpart of previously proposed part 66 applicable to aviation repair
specialists. Although Notice No. 94-27 states that a valid repairman
certificate would be equal to an aviation repair specialist
certificate, under the proposal contained in this notice, the current
repairman certificate would only be equivalent to the aviation repair
specialist certificate issued on the basis of employment (ARS-II) and
not to the aviation repair specialist certificate issued on the basis
of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I) (unless the FAA
issued the current repairman certificate based on compliance with a
recognized national standard, such as that established for
nondestructive inspection).
Additionally, as a result of comments received on the earlier NPRM,
the proposal to specify practical experience requirements in hours for
the issuance of an AMT certificate would be retained; however, the time
interval in which recent experience requirements would be measured
would continue to be stated in months. Also as a result of comments
received, this proposal would propose a mandatory recurrent training
requirement for AMTs and AMT(T)s who use their certificates for
compensation or hire; however, this NPRM would not propose that this
recurrent training consist of a minimum of 16 hours of recurrent
training every
[[Page 37175]]
24 months, as stated in the previous NPRM. To afford aviation
maintenance personnel greater latitude in the types of training that
could be used to qualify for the exercise of certificate privileges,
this proposal would change the more restrictive term ``equipment-
specific training,'' as set forth in the earlier proposal, to
``appropriate training.'' The proposal also would permit training on
the ``tasks to be performed'' to be used to qualify a person for the
exercise of certificate privileges, rather than require training to be
on the ``equipment on which the work is to be performed.'' Therefore,
completion of training sufficient to permit the exercise of certificate
privileges would not need to be conducted on the identical make and
model of an item on which subsequent work would be performed.
Maintenance personnel would be permitted to complete training by
performing similar maintenance tasks on different makes and models of
equipment. This would provide maintenance personnel with increased
opportunities to obtain qualifying training without causing any
decrease in safety.
To decrease the possibility that a certificate holder would have to
make any additional requests for a telegram or facsimile to be used as
proof of certification after a replacement certificate has been
requested, this NPRM also would increase the period of validity of
telegrams and facsimiles used as proof of certification from 60 days to
90 days.
Additionally, the FAA has revised the certificate eligibility
requirements relating to English-language proficiency to permit
aviation maintenance personnel who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech
impaired, or possess similar medical conditions, yet have a command of
the English language, to meet certificate eligibility requirements.
Therefore, the FAA has added a provision to the proposed certificate
eligibility requirements that would permit an individual who has a
demonstrated proficiency in the English language, but who may not be
able to meet the proposed requirements because of a medical condition,
to have limitations placed on his or her certificate that would permit
the exercise of certificate privileges.
New Proposals Based on the Completion of the Second Phase of the
Regulatory Review of the Certification Requirements for Mechanics and
Repairmen
Additional proposals developed during Phase II of the regulatory
review and set forth in this NPRM would: (1) establish AMT and AMT(T)
certificates; (2) establish additional training requirements for
individuals seeking the AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating; (3)
consolidate current airframe and powerplant ratings into a proposed
aircraft rating; (4) provide for the registration of holders of AMT and
AMT(T) certificates; (5) establish an aviation maintenance instructor
rating; (6) permit AMTs and AMT(T)s to perform maintenance on
horizontal card liquid-filled compasses; (7) grant inspection
authorization privileges based on the type of certificate held by an
individual; (8) require applicants for the inspection authorization to
successfully complete an inspection authorization refresher course
before application; (9) establish an aviation repair specialist
certificate that may be issued independent of employment (ARS-I), based
on proficiency in designated specialty areas; (10) require the holder
of any certificate issued under proposed part 66 to notify the FAA of a
change of address to continue to exercise the privileges of the
certificate; (11) establish procedures for the approval of AMT(T)
training providers; (12) permit certain aviation maintenance technician
schools to test applicants for the AMT certificate; (13) establish
procedures by which the Administrator would be able to grant, by
waiver, certificates to applicants who have not met certain
requirements of proposed part 66; and (14) replace the term ``written
test'' with ``knowledge test''.
The remainder of this preamble addresses the proposed changes
resulting from both phases of the FAA's review of the certification
requirements for mechanics and repairmen through a discussion of the
principal issues and in a section-by-section analysis of the proposed
rule.
Principal Issues
Establishment of a Separate Subpart for Aviation Maintenance Personnel
Current part 65, in addition to regulating the certification
requirements for aviation maintenance personnel, regulates the
certification of airmen such as aircraft dispatchers, air traffic
control tower operators, and parachute riggers, whose certification
requirements and duties differ markedly from those of aviation
maintenance personnel. Current industry estimates indicate that there
are more than 145,000 certificated mechanics and repairmen. Among
personnel certificated by the FAA, the number of certificated aviation
maintenance personnel is second only to the number of certificated
pilots. Aviation maintenance personnel work in all aspects of the
aviation environment, perform tasks vastly different from those
performed by other airmen, and are affected by training and recent
experience requirements that are substantially more extensive than
those affecting other airmen currently regulated by part 65. The
aviation maintenance sector is one of the most complex sectors of the
aviation community, and all aviation maintenance personnel must possess
many technical skills. Therefore, the FAA proposes to establish a new
part 66 under the title ``Certification: Aviation maintenance
personnel.'' This new part would be created by removing subparts D
(Mechanics) and E (Repairmen) from current part 65 and by using these
existing subparts as the nucleus for the newly created subpart B
(Aviation Maintenance Technicians), subpart C (Aviation Maintenance
Technicians (Transport)), subpart D (Inspection Authorizations), and
subpart E (Aviation Repair Specialists) under proposed part 66. The
sections of current subpart A (General) of part 65 that apply to
aviation maintenance personnel would be included in subpart A of
proposed part 66.
The addition of this new part to the FAR is warranted because of
the proposed creation of additional certificates and ratings for
aviation maintenance personnel, the expansion of current certification
requirements, and the increasing complexity of the training and
experience requirements affecting aviation maintenance personnel.
Redesignation of the Term ``Mechanic''
Because of changes in aircraft technology, the amount of
specialized training required to perform aviation maintenance has
increased significantly since the introduction of the term
``mechanic.'' The highly complex and technical field of contemporary
aviation maintenance requires substantially more than the manual skills
typically associated with individuals classified as ``mechanics.'' The
FAA asserts that the term ``aviation maintenance technician'' more
completely describes the types of skills necessary to maintain today's
complex aircraft and more accurately reflects the level of
professionalism found in the aviation maintenance industry.
Additionally, adoption of the term ``aviation maintenance technician''
would standardize terminology throughout the aviation industry and make
part 66 consistent with part 147 (which regulates aviation maintenance
technician schools), aviation maintenance trade publications, and the
[[Page 37176]]
civil aviation regulations of many ICAO member states. Accordingly, the
FAA proposes not to use the term ``mechanic'' to designate certificates
issued under proposed part 66.
Establishment of Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Certificates and
Aviation Maintenance Technician (Transport) (AMT(T)) Certificates
The Pilot and Aviation Maintenance Technician Blue Ribbon Panel, in
its report titled ``Pilots and Aviation Maintenance Technicians for the
Twenty-First Century: An Assessment of Availability and Quality,''
noted that current FAA certification requirements do not give aviation
maintenance personnel the entry-level experience and skills necessary
for work involving transport-category aircraft that employ new
technology. The panel further noted that because of the rapid
acceleration of technological advances, the ability of AMTs to master
this new technology without enhanced training is becoming exceedingly
difficult. The Blue Ribbon Panel concluded that more preparation and
training are required to meet the higher levels of qualification that
the aviation maintenance industry demands.
The Blue Ribbon Panel strongly recommended that the FAA develop the
means necessary to train aviation maintenance personnel to a level of
expertise beyond the level currently required. The FAA agrees that this
training must be accomplished to ensure that aviation maintenance
personnel possess the necessary skills to maintain the sophisticated
aircraft that are in service today.
In recognition of the increasing complexity and integrated nature
of the systems found in transport-category airplanes and transport-
category rotorcraft, and as a result of the Blue Ribbon Panel's and
ARAC's recommendations, the FAA proposes the creation of the AMT
certificate and the AMT(T) certificate.
Under the proposal, the holder of an AMT(T) certificate with an
aircraft rating would possess full approval for return-to-service
privileges for all types of aircraft, including those transport-
category aircraft certificated under 14 CFR part 25 or 14 CFR part 29.
Individuals obtaining this certificate and rating after the effective
date of the rule would be required to complete additional training in
those systems and procedures of critical importance to the maintenance
of sophisticated transport-category aircraft. Holders of current
mechanic certificates with airframe and powerplant ratings would not be
required to obtain this additional training.
The holder of an AMT certificate with an aircraft rating would
possess all the privileges of the AMT(T) certificate (and the
equivalent mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings)
except for full approval for return-to-service privileges of aircraft
certificated under part 25 or part 29.
The proposal would, however, provide approval for return-to-service
privileges, for any aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29, to
the holder of the proposed AMT certificate under certain limited and
specified circumstances. The proposal recognizes that an AMT may
occasionally be called on to perform relatively uncomplicated
maintenance on aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29. The
holder of an AMT certificate would be permitted to approve these
aircraft for return to service only after the performance of those
preventive maintenance tasks specified in paragraph (c) of appendix A
to 14 CFR part 43, or after the performance of certain tasks specified
by the Administrator. Those additional tasks specified by the
Administrator would be published in advisory material. These exceptions
to permit the approval for return to service of an aircraft
certificated under part 25 or 29 by an AMT recognize that in certain
limited circumstances an AMT may be required to perform preventive
maintenance (or other tasks specifically approved by the Administrator)
on a transport-category aircraft and approve that aircraft for return
to service. This need could arise at a remote location where an AMT(T)
would not be available.
An AMT would be permitted to perform maintenance and preventive
maintenance on transport-category aircraft but would be permitted to
approve for return to service only the airframe, or aircraft engine,
propeller, appliance, component, or part of the aircraft. The AMT
certificate holder would not be permitted to approve the transport-
category aircraft for return to service following the completion of
tasks that are not specified in paragraph (c) of appendix A to part 43,
or those tasks that have not otherwise been specified by the
Administrator.
In formulating this proposed rule, the ARAC and the FAA considered
requiring certificate holders operating under 14 CFR part 121 to ensure
that any person approving its aircraft for return to service,
regardless of the aircraft's certification basis, possess a current and
valid AMT(T) certificate. This restriction would not apply, however, to
approval for return to service of an aircraft after the performance of
those tasks specified in paragraph (c) of appendix A to part 43 or
other tasks approved by the Administrator. The FAA solicits comments on
including the provisions of this proposal in part 121. Based on the
comments received, the FAA may adopt such provisions in a final rule.
Under the proposed rule, current limitations pertaining to the
approval of items for return to service after the completion of major
repairs or major alterations would be retained for holders of the
proposed AMT(T) certificate and the AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating.
As a result of the regulatory changes to the certification
requirements in this portion of the proposal and in the section of this
proposal pertaining to the issuance of aviation repair specialist
certificates (discussed below), the proposal would result in a
certification process that would be compatible with that recommended by
ICAO. The proposed certificate structure also would more closely
reflect Transport Canada's proposed technician certification structure
and would, therefore, facilitate the implementation of the fairly
comprehensive provisions that pertain to the reciprocal acceptance of
maintenance actions by U.S. and Canadian entities that operate under
the terms of the U.S.-Canadian Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement.
Any current and valid mechanic certificate with airframe and
powerplant ratings would be equivalent to an AMT(T) certificate with an
aircraft rating. Therefore, any individual who possesses a mechanic
certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings before the effective
date of the rule would possess the same approval for return-to-service
privileges as the holder of the proposed AMT(T) certificate with an
aircraft rating. A valid mechanic certificate with an airframe and
powerplant rating could be exchanged for an AMT(T) certificate with an
aircraft rating. However, such an exchange would not be necessary
because both certificates would continue to be recognized by the FAA
and the privileges and limitations of the certificates would be
identical.
After the effective date of the rule, the FAA would cease issuing
and no longer recognize mechanic certificates with aircraft and
aircraft engine ratings. Mechanic certificates with these ratings have
not been issued since 1952. Individuals who hold valid mechanic
certificates with aircraft and aircraft engine ratings and who intend
to exercise the privileges of the AMT(T) certificate are encouraged to
exchange
[[Page 37177]]
these certificates for mechanic certificates with airframe and
powerplant ratings, as specified in current Sec. 65.73(b), before the
effective date of the rule. If these individuals exchange their
mechanic certificates with aircraft and aircraft engine ratings for
mechanic certificates with airframe and powerplant ratings before the
effective date of the rule, these individuals would hold the privileges
of the AMT(T) certificate after the effective date of the rule. After
the effective date of the rule, a mechanic certificate with aircraft
and aircraft engine ratings could not be exchanged for a valid mechanic
certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings or an AMT(T)
certificate with an aircraft rating.
In addition, after the effective date of the rule, the FAA would
cease issuing mechanic certificates with airframe and powerplant
ratings. However, mechanic certificates with airframe and powerplant
ratings issued before the effective date of the rule would continue to
be recognized by the FAA. The proposal would not require holders of
valid mechanic certificates with airframe and powerplant ratings to
exchange their certificates for the proposed AMT(T) certificate. If the
holder of a valid mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant
ratings wished to exchange his or her certificate for an AMT(T)
certificate after the effective date of the rule, that individual could
do so without having to receive any additional training. In the event
of a lost or destroyed certificate, the holder of a valid mechanic
certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings would be issued an
AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating. A mechanic, however, would
not be precluded from completing the AMT(T) training curriculum (or
obtaining credit for previous equivalent training).
Establishment of Additional Training Requirements for Holders of the
Aviation Maintenance Technician (Transport) Certificate
An essential prerequisite for an individual to obtain the proposed
AMT(T) certificate would be the completion of an AMT(T) training
program. Successful completion of this program would ensure that a
person approving transport-category aircraft for return to service
would possess the requisite level of expertise necessary to accomplish
such tasks.
All aviation maintenance personnel must possess a basic level of
knowledge and skill to maintain an aircraft properly and approve that
aircraft for return to service. Therefore, the FAA contends that the
complexity of large transport aircraft systems and the enhanced level
of safety required in air carrier operations, where transport-category
aircraft are primarily used, necessitate that aviation maintenance
personnel approving these aircraft for return to service possess
additional specialized skills and training.
The FAA recognizes that acquiring these skills is a time-consuming
process and that today's mechanics often learn the requisite skills
while working for an air carrier or repair station. However, whether a
current mechanic has these skills cannot be readily discerned through a
review of an individual's current certification record. The proposed
AMT(T) certificate would ensure that all aviation maintenance personnel
certificated after the effective date of the rule who approve
transport-category aircraft for return to service possess these skills.
The AMT(T) certificate also would provide the individual with a readily
available, FAA-sanctioned recognition of a level of proficiency that
previously could not be determined by reference to the individual's
certificate.
Through the creation of this certificate, operators of aircraft
certificated under part 25 or part 29 could be assured that the holder
of an AMT(T) certificate issued after the effective date of the rule
possesses the requisite knowledge and skill to approve these aircraft
for return to service. This would enable operators to employ aviation
maintenance personnel who could more rapidly meet the needs of their
specific operating environment without having to participate in
extensive operator-sponsored training programs before performing
maintenance on these aircraft. Therefore, operators would be able to
focus their training resources on aircraft type and difference training
rather than on primary aircraft maintenance skills for transport-
category aircraft. Aviation maintenance technician training schools
also would be able to apply their training resources more efficiently
and could spend more time training their students in the fundamental
concepts and basic skills of aviation maintenance.
Under the proposal, an applicant for an AMT(T) certificate who does
not already possess the equivalent mechanic certificate with airframe
and powerplant ratings would only be required to possess a current and
valid AMT certificate and present evidence that he or she has completed
an AMT(T) training program, administered by an approved training
provider, that meets specific curriculum requirements. These training
requirements would be designed to ensure that the holder of the
certificate is competent to approve these aircraft for return to
service.
The proposed training requirements for the issuance of the AMT(T)
certificate with an aircraft rating would place no burden on current
mechanics with airframe and powerplant ratings. Currently certificated
mechanics possess approval for return-to-service authority for aircraft
certificated under part 25 and part 29. Any holder of a current and
valid mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings would,
therefore, possess the privileges of the AMT(T) certificate with the
aircraft rating. The proposal would not require a certificate exchange,
and the FAA would recognize a current mechanic certificate with
airframe and powerplant ratings as being equivalent to the proposed
AMT(T) certificate with the aircraft rating. As stated previously, if
the holder of a valid mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant
ratings wished to exchange the certificate for an AMT(T) certificate
with an aircraft rating, the individual could do so after the effective
date of the rule without having to receive any additional training.
After the effective date of the proposed rule, individuals
intending to obtain an AMT(T) certificate would have to possess a
current and valid AMT certificate and attend and successfully complete
an AMT(T) training program, given by an approved training provider,
that consists of 573 hours of training in subjects of critical
importance to individuals who maintain aircraft certificated under part
25 or part 29. Training would be provided in subject areas such as
electronics, composites, publications, safety and environmental
concerns, structural repair, and powerplants and systems. Inclusion of
these specific subject areas and the determination of the specific
amount of training time that would be devoted to each individual
subject area were specifically recommended by the ARAC after extensive
consultations with aviation maintenance personnel, aviation maintenance
educators, and operators of transport-category aircraft.
The FAA, in conjunction with the ARAC and the Part 65 Working
Group, has developed a detailed list of those individual subjects that
it recommends should be required for inclusion in each subject area.
The FAA has not, however, proposed that these individual subjects be
included in the proposal, as their inclusion would require that any
future proposal to change the subjects taught would have to be
accomplished through rulemaking or through the grant of a petition for
exemption. The FAA would publish, before the effective date of the
[[Page 37178]]
final rule, a detailed list, in advisory material, of those subjects to
be taught in an AMT(T) training program. By publishing this subject
list in advisory material, the FAA could inform AMT(T) training
providers of those subjects that should be taught in an AMT(T) training
program and, in response to future developments in aviation technology,
rapidly revise the list of subjects that are taught.
Because much of this training also can be obtained in aviation
maintenance training programs used by certificate holders operating
under 14 CFR part 121 or part 135, or repair stations certificated
under 14 CFR part 145, individuals currently employed by these
operators would be permitted to use the training gained in such
programs to satisfy the requirements for the proposed AMT(T)
certificate. However, these training programs would be required to meet
the same standards as those of an AMT(T) training program administered
by an approved training provider. The FAA contends that the flexibility
provided by these training programs would enable the operator to tailor
its training programs to meet current organizational maintenance
requirements.
To refrain from unduly penalizing individuals currently possessing
a mechanic certificate with a single rating, the effective date of the
final rule is proposed for 18 months after its publication. This would
permit these individuals to acquire either the airframe or powerplant
rating, as appropriate, and facilitate the issuance of an AMT(T)
certificate with an aircraft rating and its associated privileges and
limitations. An individual possessing a mechanic certificate with a
single rating would still be permitted to exercise the current
privileges of that individual rating and those specified under proposed
Sec. 66.109, except as noted in proposed Sec. 66.105.
Under the proposed rule, an individual holding a mechanic
certificate with a single rating would be considered to hold the
equivalent of an AMT(T) certificate limited to the privileges of the
single rating. If the holder wished to exchange the certificate for an
AMT(T) certificate, the AMT(T) certificate would include a specific
endorsement limiting the certificate holder to the exercise of
privileges identical to those of the current certificate and rating. In
either case, the holder would not be permitted to approve for return to
service the powerplant or propeller of any aircraft certificated under
this chapter (or any related appliance, component, or part thereof) if
the individual possessed only an airframe rating, or the airframe of
any aircraft certificated under this chapter (or any related appliance,
component, or part thereof) if the individual possessed only a
powerplant rating. To have the limitation removed before the effective
date of the rule, the individual would have to meet the knowledge,
experience, and skill requirements necessary to obtain either the
aircraft or powerplant rating, as appropriate. After the effective date
of the rule, to have the limitation removed, the individual would have
to receive the 573 hours of training required for the AMT(T)
certificate. Therefore, the FAA strongly encourages anyone who holds a
mechanic certificate with a single rating interested in obtaining an
AMT(T) certificate without a limitation to obtain both the airframe and
powerplant ratings before the effective date of the rule.
Additionally, certain individuals currently enrolled in aviation
maintenance training programs may have enrolled in these training
programs with the intent to apply only for one rating when they apply
for the current mechanic certificate. To give these individuals the
opportunity to complete their intended training without the additional
expense of training for an unwanted rating, the FAA will continue to
issue mechanic certificates and their associated ratings until the
effective date of the rule. After that period, the FAA will only accept
applications for, and issue, the proposed new certificates and ratings.
Most individuals currently enrolled in aviation maintenance
training programs have enrolled in these programs with the intent of
obtaining the approval for return-to-service privileges of the current
mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant ratings. The FAA
recognizes that some of these individuals may have only limited
resources and may have enrolled in current mechanic training programs
without notice of the proposed additional training requirements for the
AMT(T) rating. The FAA contends that by establishing an effective date
for the final rule as 18 months after its publication, these
individuals would be provided with an adequate period of time to
complete their training objectives and obtain mechanic certificates
with airframe and powerplant ratings. Additionally, the FAA contends
that the aviation maintenance training industry would require 18 months
to develop adequate programs to train applicants for the AMT(T)
certificate; therefore, a proposed effective date of 18 months after
publication of the final rule is warranted.
Although the holder of a current mechanic certificate with airframe
and powerplant ratings would possess the same privileges as the holder
of an AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating and could exchange
that mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings for an
AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating without having to receive
additional training, the FAA would encourage all current mechanics to
complete the proposed training requirements for the AMT(T) certificate
and aircraft rating.
Creation of an Aircraft Rating To Replace Current Airframe and
Powerplant Ratings
In view of the integrated nature of today's aircraft and their
associated systems, the FAA recognizes that the differences between the
privileges and limitations conveyed by the current airframe and
powerplant ratings are becoming less distinct. The FAA contends that
the demands of current and future aviation technology require that
aviation maintenance personnel have a broad-based level of knowledge.
These demands frequently require the concurrent use of expertise
associated with the disciplines of both airframe and powerplant
maintenance.
Therefore, the proposal would require an applicant for an AMT
certificate to possess the knowledge currently required of an applicant
for the current mechanic certificate with both airframe and powerplant
ratings at the time the individual applies for the proposed AMT
certificate. The FAA contends that, by establishing an aircraft rating
encompassing both the current airframe and powerplant ratings and by
requiring an applicant to possess the training for both disciplines at
the time of application for an AMT certificate, aviation maintenance
personnel will better understand the nature and interrelationship of
aviation systems as opposed to the individual maintenance disciplines.
Such knowledge should lead to a greater understanding of how individual
components affect other components within an aircraft and to a
subsequent increase in the quality of aviation maintenance.
Similarly, an applicant for an AMT(T) certificate would be required
to complete additional training that would encompass the disciplines of
airframe and powerplant maintenance for transport-category aircraft and
systems. After completion of this training, an applicant for an AMT(T)
certificate would be awarded the AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft
rating.
The proposal also would provide aviation maintenance technician
[[Page 37179]]
schools with greater flexibility in developing their individual course
curriculums. By requiring an applicant to apply for the consolidated
aircraft rating, aviation maintenance technician schools would have the
incentive to integrate the training requirements for each of the
current ratings into a single consolidated program. This integration
should result in a more productive and less costly use of the resources
of these schools. It also should eliminate any duplication of training
requirements found in separate airframe and powerplant rating training
programs.
As a result of the issuance of the aircraft rating to new
applicants for the AMT certificate, the differentiation of tasks
between current holders of the airframe rating or the powerplant rating
would gradually diminish. To give the FAA the opportunity to develop
new types of testing procedures to facilitate this change, the proposal
would remove current regulatory language stating that the installation
and maintenance of propellers is covered on the powerplant test and
that an applicant for a powerplant rating must show the ability to make
satisfactory minor repairs to, and minor alterations of, propellers.
Although the FAA will continue to certificate applicants using these
procedures, removing this language would permit the FAA to develop
testing procedures that are more flexible and more appropriately suited
to the integrated aviation maintenance environment.
Establishment of Recurrent Training Requirements for Certificated
Aviation Maintenance Personnel
Under current part 65, there are no specific provisions that
require recurrent training for certificated mechanics. Current
Secs. 121.375 and 135.433 require that an operator have a training
program to ensure that persons performing maintenance or preventive
maintenance functions be informed fully about procedures, techniques,
and new equipment in use. Additionally, Sec. 145.2(a) requires that
repair stations performing maintenance for a part 121 operator comply
with part 121, subpart L (which includes the requirements of
Sec. 121.375).
In an effort to ensure that all AMTs and AMT(T)s are fully informed
of current maintenance practices in the rapidly changing aviation
maintenance environment, the FAA proposes the adoption of recurrent
training requirements for AMTs and AMT(T)s who use their certificates
for compensation or hire. The proposal would particularly benefit AMTs
and AMT(T)s who support operations conducted under part 91 and who do
not receive training comparable to that received by AMTs and AMT(T)s
who support operations conducted under part 121, part 135, or
Sec. 145.2(a). This proposal would ensure that all holders of AMT or
AMT(T) certificates who exercise the privileges of their certificates
for compensation or hire, and who have the sole responsibility for
ensuring the airworthiness of the equipment on which they perform
maintenance, meet training requirements similar to those in place for
AMTs and AMT(T)s supporting operations under part 121, part 135, or
Sec. 145.2(a). In addition, this proposal also would ensure that all
AMTs and AMT(T)s who support U.S.-certificated repair stations that do
not have maintenance and preventive maintenance training programs
receive comparable training.
Under the proposed rule, an AMT or AMT(T) who meets the prescribed
work experience requirements and wishes to exercise, for compensation
or hire, the privileges of the certificate or rating would be required
to complete recurrent training.
Individuals who participate in currently required maintenance and
preventive maintenance training programs provided by a certificate
holder would meet the proposed recurrent training requirement.
Individuals who do not receive recurrent training through a training
program provided by a certificate holder could use a number of methods
to meet the proposed requirement. An AMT refresher course, inspection
authorization refresher course, or a series of such courses that are
appropriate to the duties of an AMT or AMT(T) and acceptable to the
Administrator could be used to satisfy the proposed recurrent training
requirement. The FAA notes that by including a specific reference to
the inspection authorization refresher course, the proposal seeks to
encourage completion of this course by an AMT or AMT(T) who does not
hold a current inspection authorization and, thereby, enhance that
individual's understanding of the regulations relevant to the
inspection authorization.
As an alternative to training provided in the form of an AMT,
AMT(T), or inspection authorization refresher course, an AMT or AMT(T)
who wishes to comply with the proposed recurrent training requirements
and to exercise, for compensation or hire, the privileges of the
certificate, may complete other training appropriate to the duties of
an AMT or AMT(T). This training may be broad-based and would consist of
any course, or series of courses, of instruction acceptable to the
Administrator. A description of those additional types of courses that
would be considered acceptable to the Administrator would be published
in advisory material accompanying the publication of the final rule.
For example, the completion of courses dealing with general maintenance
practices or regulations applicable to maintenance operations would
satisfy the intent of this proposed rule.
The FAA recognizes that many current mechanics who support part 91
operations, or other maintenance facilities without maintenance or
preventive maintenance training programs in place, receive periodic
maintenance training. For example, these mechanics may receive training
through aviation training centers or manufacturers' courses. The
proposed rule would permit this type of maintenance instruction to be
credited toward completion of the proposed recurrent training
requirement, provided the instruction is acceptable to the
Administrator.
The proposal also would include specific provisions applicable to
individuals exercising the privileges of their certificates while
employed by an operator under part 121 or part 135, or by a repair
station performing work for an operator under part 121. Such
individuals would be considered to meet the recurrent training
requirements set forth in the proposed rule.
In addition, an aviation maintenance instructor providing
instruction for an aviation maintenance training program acceptable to
the Administrator, or serving as the direct supervisor of individuals
providing aviation maintenance instruction for an aviation maintenance
training program acceptable to the Administrator, would meet the
proposed recurrent training requirements. As a result of their position
as aviation maintenance instructors, these individuals are continually
exposed to current maintenance practices and often disseminate
information about new practices, techniques, and equipment to the
aviation maintenance community. These individuals would be considered
fully informed about current maintenance practices.
The FAA notes, however, that an aviation maintenance instructor
could meet the requirements for the exercise of the privileges of the
aircraft rating but might not be able to exercise the privileges of the
aviation maintenance instructor rating if the instructor has provided
less than 300 hours of instruction or served as a supervisory
[[Page 37180]]
instructor for less than 300 hours during the preceding 24 months.
However, recent experience requirements for the aviation maintenance
instructor rating could be met if the individual successfully completed
an AMT refresher course (or other course of instruction acceptable to
the Administrator and appropriate to the duties of an aviation
maintenance instructor) or if the Administrator specifically determined
that the individual met the standard prescribed for the issuance of the
rating.
Although the FAA considered establishing a requirement that
recurrent training consist of a minimum of 16 hours every 24 months for
AMTs and AMT(T)s supporting operations under part 91 and working for
compensation or hire, the FAA has not proposed such action in this
NPRM. The inclusion of a 16-hour recurrent training requirement for
these individuals had been recommended by some participants in the Part
65 Working Group; however, it was the general consensus of the group
that the specific number of hours for any proposed recurrent training
requirement should be determined at a later date. Although written
comments were solicited from all members of the group to provide
justification for a specific recurrent training requirement, the FAA
did not receive written comments providing such justification.
Currently, the FAA is engaged in a number of studies and activities
to determine the appropriate level of recurrent training for aviation
maintenance personnel. Specifically, the FAA is conducting an expanded
job task analysis of those tasks performed by all aviation maintenance
personnel to determine the appropriate focus and depth of recurrent
training. The FAA also is analyzing accident data and airmen violations
in which maintenance elements were a causal factor and is surveying its
field inspectors in an effort to develop recurrent training
requirements. The FAA also is sponsoring an ongoing study to determine
the feasibility of forming a national training council that is composed
of individuals, representatives of the aviation maintenance industry,
and the FAA to determine proposed training requirements for aviation
maintenance personnel. As a result of these efforts, the FAA is
evaluating the appropriateness of consolidating all maintenance
training into a single future NPRM and issuing detailed advisory
material to provide specific guidance for the completion of training
requirements. The FAA strongly supports the concept of recurrent
training for aviation maintenance personnel and has proposed a
recurrent training requirement in proposed part 66 that would establish
a basic recurrent training for aviation maintenance personnel.
The recurrent training required under this proposal, as set forth
in proposed Secs. 66.65 and 66.111, encompasses more types of training
than the types of training that may be used to satisfy the provisions
of proposed Secs. 66.63 and 66.109 for the exercise of specific
privileges granted to AMTs and AMT(T)s with an aircraft rating.
``Training acceptable to the Administrator on the tasks to be
performed,'' as set forth in proposed Secs. 66.63 and 66.109, is
encompassed within the concept of training ``appropriate to the
duties'' of an AMT or AMT(T), as set forth in proposed Secs. 66.65 and
66.111, and may be used to satisfy both requirements. However,
compliance with the proposed recurrent training requirements of
Sec. 66.65 or Sec. 66.111 does not automatically authorize the AMT to
perform a specific task. For example, an AMT who received maintenance
training on a specific make and model of aircraft, which enabled the
AMT to perform work on that specific aircraft under proposed Sec. 66.63
or Sec. 66.109, also may credit the instruction received as satisfying
the recurrent training requirements in proposed Sec. 66.65 or
Sec. 66.111. The completion of a course in general maintenance
procedures would not, however, provide the specialized level of
training required by the proposal to permit an AMT or an AMT(T) to
perform work on a specific make and model of aircraft. (The use of
training to qualify for the exercise of certificate privileges is
discussed more thoroughly below.)
An individual who exercises the privileges of an AMT certificate or
an AMT(T) certificate, but not for compensation or hire, would not need
to complete the proposed recurrent training requirements. These
individuals perform only limited work on aircraft that they own or on a
limited range of aeronautical equipment. In such cases, knowledge of a
broad range of current maintenance technologies is not necessarily
required. Although the FAA encourages these personnel to attend
recurrent training, the FAA has determined that a mandatory recurrent
training requirement for these individuals is not currently warranted.
The proposal also sets forth a provision that would permit an AMT
or AMT(T) who has not met the work experience and proposed recurrent
training requirements of the certificate within the preceding 24 months
to exercise the privileges of the certificate (including for
compensation or hire) by completing requalification training acceptable
to the Administrator. A specific minimum time requirement and course
content for requalification training has not been specified in the
proposed regulation to provide instructors and examiners with greater
flexibility in assisting noncurrent AMTs and AMT(T)s to achieve the
required proficiency. To be considered acceptable to the Administrator,
any requalification training would need to include a review of those
regulations applicable to the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or
alteration of aircraft under the provisions of the FAR.
The holder also may continue to exercise all of the privileges of
the certificate and associated ratings if the Administrator finds that
the AMT or AMT(T) is competent to exercise those privileges. Passing an
oral and practical test with a designated examiner (currently, a
designated mechanic examiner (DME)) also would satisfy all recent
experience requirements.
In recognition of enhancements in training technology, the proposed
rule also requires successful completion of these courses, rather than
attendance and successful completion. Therefore, the Administrator may
find self-study courses acceptable for fulfilling the requirements
specified in proposed Sec. 66.65 or Sec. 66.111.
This proposal for continued aviation maintenance training addresses
concerns such as those expressed in recent proposals to require formal
training for all aircraft mechanic applicants. In conjunction with the
issuance of a final rule, the FAA will develop policy on the content
and conduct of any AMT refresher course, AMT(T) refresher course, the
range of training considered appropriate to the duties of an AMT or
AMT(T), and requalification training. Any AMT refresher course or
AMT(T) refresher course should also include a substantial review of
those regulations pertinent to the exercise of the privileges of the
AMT certificate or AMT(T) certificate, as appropriate.
Registration of Holders of Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)
Certificates and Aviation Maintenance Technician (Transport) (AMT(T))
Certificates
The FAA currently has no accurate means to determine the number or
location of active aviation maintenance personnel. Without this
demographic information, the FAA is unable to make
[[Page 37181]]
accurate assessments of the status of the current mechanic population
or provide currently active mechanics with essential safety and
training information.
Based on the number of certificates issued, the FAA estimates that
the number of certificated mechanics is second only to the number of
certificated pilots. However, pilots (other than those of gliders or
free balloons) are required to obtain a medical certificate issued
under 14 CFR part 67 to exercise the privileges of their certificates.
As a result of this process, the FAA is able to update its airman
records effectively and make accurate assessments of the size of the
active pilot population. Because no similar form of recurrent medical
testing is required for current mechanics, the FAA is unable to assess
accurately the number of active mechanics or delete deceased, inactive,
or ineligible mechanics from its records. Therefore, any estimate of
the current and active mechanic population is solely a matter of
conjecture. Lack of this vital demographic information seriously
hinders the FAA's ability to make accurate predictions of future
industry requirements and to communicate important safety information
to active mechanics.
In its report, the Blue Ribbon Panel expressed its concern about
the FAA's aviation maintenance personnel records. The panel noted that,
although the FAA issues approximately 20,000 mechanic certificates
annually, the FAA has no procedures to identify the current number of
active mechanics or to obtain other necessary demographic information
pertaining to these individuals. In view of this finding, the panel
recommended that the FAA conduct periodic registration of mechanics to
obtain vital information about FAA-certificated aviation maintenance
personnel and to ensure that these individuals could be provided with
safety and training information whenever necessary. The Part 65 Working
Group made a similar proposal to the ARAC, which concurred with the
recommendation.
The FAA has accepted the ARAC and Blue Ribbon Panel
recommendations; therefore, the FAA proposes to establish a periodic
registration requirement for each holder of an AMT or AMT(T)
certificate. In an effort to obtain a valid initial assessment of the
current number of active aviation maintenance personnel, the FAA
proposes that each AMT and AMT(T) be required to notify the FAA of his
or her current address within 12 months after the effective date of
this rule. The FAA contends that a 12-month period is sufficient to
obtain a basic estimate of the current and active AMT and AMT(T)
population and that any deviations from the estimate of the current
population, as a result of changes to the AMT and AMT(T) population
during the 12-month period, would be statistically insignificant. A 12-
month period also would give all current certificate holders adequate
notice of this proposed requirement and time to comply with the
requirement.
After completion of this initial registration period, AMTs and
AMT(T)s would be required to provide similar registration information
during every subsequent 48-calendar-month period. The FAA considers
that a 48-month continuing requirement is necessary to provide an up-
to-date record of current and active AMTs and AMT(T)s. The FAA contends
that changes to the AMT and AMT(T) populations, which occur as a result
of the death of certificate holders or of personnel entering inactive
status and not complying with current change of address requirements,
would become statistically significant after a 48-month period. To
ensure an accurate record of the size of the AMT and AMT(T) population,
a reassessment would be required during each consecutive 48-month
period.
In an effort to eliminate the repetitive submission of current
address information to the FAA, an airman who notifies the FAA of a
change of address, obtains an additional certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization issued under this (or any other) part, or
provides the FAA with current address information as a result of the
application for an airman medical certificate during this period would
be considered to have fulfilled the registration requirement.
The FAA has not proposed a periodic registration requirement for
holders of aviation repair specialist certificates because holders of
an aviation repair specialist certificate (except experimental aircraft
builders) cannot exercise the privileges of that certificate without
being employed by a certificated entity. Because the FAA could obtain
any required demographic information pertaining to the holders of
aviation repair specialist certificates from the operator or repair
station under which an aviation repair specialist is exercising
privileges, the proposal would not require the submission of
registration information from aviation repair specialists. Therefore,
the FAA contends that requiring the registration of aviation repair
specialists would place an unnecessary burden on these individuals.
The responsibility for complying with the proposed registration
requirement would rest solely on AMT and AMT(T) certificate holders. To
simplify the proposed registration requirement for individual
certificate holders, the FAA would only require AMT and AMT(T)
certificate holders to provide their names and current addresses. The
submission of any additional information would not be required, nor
would the submission be required to be made on any specific form. To
encourage compliance with these proposed requirements, an AMT or AMT(T)
certificate holder who does not provide current address information to
the FAA during the registration period would not be permitted to
exercise the privileges of the certificate until that individual had
complied with the proposed registration requirement.
The FAA specifically requests comments on its proposed registration
of AMT and AMT(T) certificate holders. Based on its analysis of
comments received, the FAA may adjust the lengths of the proposed
initial and recurring registration periods.
Establishment of Training as an Additional Means for Aviation
Maintenance Personnel To Qualify for the Exercise of Certificate
Privileges
Through the use of training, the proposal would provide holders of
AMT certificates and AMT(T) certificates with an additional means to
remain qualified to approve for return to service any aircraft,
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part and
to supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, alteration, and
approval for return to service of these items.
Under current Sec. 65.81, a certificated mechanic may supervise
maintenance operations or approve and return to service an aircraft,
appliance, or part if the certificate holder has: (1) Previously
performed the work, (2) performed the work to the satisfaction of the
Administrator, or (3) performed the work under the direct supervision
of a certificated mechanic or repairman who has had previous experience
with that specific task.
The proposal would allow AMTs and AMT(T)s to use appropriate
training to obtain the competency necessary to supervise these
operations or approve an item for return to service without previously
having performed the work that is anticipated. Through the adoption of
appropriate training to satisfy this experience requirement, the FAA
recognizes enhancements in aviation maintenance training, which can
provide the AMT with technical
[[Page 37182]]
knowledge equivalent to knowledge gained in the work environment.
However, in allowing training to replace actual work experience, the
FAA would require an appropriate level of specificity between the
training and the actual work to be performed or supervised. Therefore,
the proposal would require that the training used to satisfy this
requirement be appropriate to the equipment on which the work is to be
performed. For example, a course of instruction detailing the
maintenance tasks for the same make and model aircraft on which an AMT
will perform work, or a course of instruction detailing the maintenance
tasks for a part or appliance on which the individual will perform
work, would satisfy the provisions of the proposed rule and permit the
exercise of certificate privileges under proposed Sec. 66.63 or
Sec. 66.109. Such courses may be provided by any manufacturer,
individual, or organization whose training has been found acceptable to
the Administrator.
Training of a more general nature, which may be used to satisfy
recent experience requirements as proposed in Secs. 66.65 and 66.111,
may not be sufficiently specific to allow an AMT or AMT(T) to perform
work on a specific aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller,
appliance, component, or part. For example, a course in the FAR that is
applicable to maintenance procedures would not satisfy the provisions
of proposed Sec. 66.63 or Sec. 66.109 but could be used to satisfy the
provisions of proposed Sec. 66.65 or Sec. 66.111, respectively.
The FAA also proposes to clarify the intent of current Sec. 65.81
by proposing language in part 66 that would allow AMT and AMT(T)
certificate holders who desire to exercise supervisory, return-to-
service, or approval responsibilities, to demonstrate, to the
satisfaction of the Administrator, the ability to perform the work. The
current regulation requires actual performance of the work.
An additional change to the current rule would enhance the ability
of noncurrent AMTs and AMT(T)s to meet the recent experience
requirements to exercise the privileges of their certificates and
ratings. The proposed rule would allow these individuals to credit the
time they work under the supervision of a certificated AMT or AMT(T)
toward recent experience requirements. The FAA considers that work
performed by a certificated but noncurrent AMT or AMT(T) under such
circumstances would provide the individual with a level of experience
equivalent to actual performance of the work.
Use of Instructional Time by Aviation Maintenance Instructors To
Satisfy Recent Experience Requirements
The purpose of recent experience requirements is to ensure that all
aviation maintenance personnel are familiar with current maintenance
practices and the applicable FAR. The aviation maintenance instructor
must keep abreast of current maintenance practices in a wide variety of
disciplines to provide high-quality instruction. Aviation maintenance
instructors perform a critical function in the aviation maintenance
education process, and the FAA believes that the changes set forth in
the proposed rule would recognize this importance.
Under current Sec. 65.83, there are no provisions for allowing
individuals involved in aviation maintenance instruction to use that
experience for maintaining the recent experience required to exercise
the privileges of their certificate and ratings. The FAA recognizes
that the experience gained while providing aviation maintenance
instruction or directly supervising other aviation maintenance
instructors is commensurate with the experience obtained while directly
performing aviation maintenance. The FAA already recognizes
instructional experience for holders of an inspection authorization in
current Sec. 65.91(c)(2). Within that section, the phrase ``actively
engaged'' includes instructors who are exercising the privileges of
their certificate and ratings at an aviation maintenance technician
school certificated under part 147. Therefore, the FAA proposes to
allow the use of instructional time to satisfy recent experience
requirements for holders of the AMT and AMT(T) certificates.
Under the proposed rule, the holder of an AMT or AMT(T) certificate
with an aircraft rating could meet recent experience requirements by
serving as an aviation maintenance instructor or by directly
supervising other aviation maintenance instructors. The instruction
concerned would have to be directly related to aviation maintenance and
acceptable to the Administrator so that the time an individual spends
providing instruction or directly supervising other instructors is
equivalent to the experience gained while performing aviation
maintenance tasks. For example, instructional time provided for a part
147 aviation maintenance technician school, an approved air carrier
maintenance training program, an approved training provider, or a
manufacturer's training program would be acceptable and would meet the
intent of the proposed rule.
AMT(T) Recent Experience Requirements
Because the AMT(T) certificate would upgrade the level of
maintenance proficiency of those individuals performing maintenance on
aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29, or on any airframe,
aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part thereof, the
FAA would require that all work experience necessary to meet recent
experience requirements for retention of the privileges of this
certificate be maintained through work performed or supervised, or
through instruction given or supervised, on aircraft certificated under
part 25 or part 29, or on any airframe, aircraft engine, propeller,
appliance, component, or part thereof. The holder of an AMT(T)
certificate who does not meet recent experience requirements on
aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29 could exercise the more
limited privileges of the AMT certificate if the holder complies with
the AMT certificate's corresponding recent experience requirements.
Approval of AMT(T) Training Providers
To ensure that applicants for the proposed AMT(T) certificate
possess the necessary knowledge and skill to approve aircraft
certificated under part 25 and part 29 for return to service, the FAA
has proposed that applicants for this certificate be required to
complete an AMT(T) training program. For this program, the proposal
would set forth a curriculum that would be specifically geared to the
needs of individuals performing maintenance on transport-category
aircraft. Although the proposed curriculum would be comprehensive in
nature, it also would be flexible enough to be modified easily to
respond to changes in aviation maintenance practices and techniques.
To determine the subject areas in the proposed AMT(T) training
curriculum and the amount of training to be provided in each subject
area, the Part 65 Working Group conducted a survey of 13 air carriers.
The survey requested that its participants specify the depth and
breadth of skills that aviation maintenance personnel must possess to
perform work on transport category aircraft and approve these aircraft
for return to service. The results of this survey were reviewed by
aviation maintenance educators within the Part 65 Working Group and
consolidated into the AMT(T) training curriculum proposed in this
notice. The proposed
[[Page 37183]]
AMT(T) training curriculum would require that 573 hours of training be
offered in the six broad subject areas of advanced electronics,
composites, structural repair, powerplants and systems, safety and
environmental concerns, and publications. The specific amount of
training required in each individual subject area is specified in
appendix A to proposed part 66.
The basic requirements for approval of training providers
administering this AMT(T) training program are similar to those
specified for the approval of other training course requirements
specified in this subchapter. In its administrative requirements, the
program established by this proposal would correspond to other training
courses referenced in this subchapter; however, it will differ most
significantly from other training courses in that, under the proposal,
the FAA may approve the provider of the training program and not
specifically approve the training curriculum, as is currently the case
with training programs developed to satisfy the requirements of part
147. By approving the training provider, as opposed to the training
program itself, the FAA contends that the training provider would have
the necessary flexibility to modify the curriculum of the training
program rapidly to respond to advances in aviation maintenance
technology, while continuing to ensure that acceptable standards of
training are met.
To ensure that these programs meet current industry standards, the
FAA would require that an outline of the training program be provided
for review. In recognition of the diversity of current information
retrieval systems, this outline could be submitted in paper or
electronic format, or in any other format acceptable to the
Administrator. The outline would contain information specifying those
subject areas to be taught and the number of hours of instruction
required. Additional subject areas also could be included.
Facilities, equipment, and material requirements would be similar
to those found in other course requirements specified in this
subchapter; however, the training provider would ensure that all
instructors in a training program meet the requisite standards of
technical competency.
Revisions to the training program outline would be submitted in a
manner identical to that required for initial approval of the training
provider. Based on the improved effectiveness of training methods, the
FAA may permit training program revisions that would offer fewer than
the specified number of hours of instruction in the complete training
program or in a designated subject area. The training provider would be
required to provide justification for such a reduction. A reduction
would be permitted only if the quality of training provided did not
decrease. Sufficient indicators of student participation and progress
in the program would be required to be reported; however, if an
approved training provider already provided this information to the FAA
as a result of reporting requirements specified in another part, a
duplicate submission of this information would not be required.
The FAA notes that an aviation maintenance technician school
certificated under part 147 also could offer a combined AMT and AMT(T)
training program. In such a circumstance, the school would be required
to obtain approval as an AMT(T) training provider under proposed part
66. Instruction used to satisfy AMT course curriculum requirements also
could be used to satisfy AMT(T) training program requirements resulting
in a combined AMT and AMT(T) training curriculum with significantly
fewer hours of training than required to obtain the AMT and AMT(T)
certificates separately. Instruction used to satisfy both AMT course
curriculum requirements and AMT(T) training program requirements would
be specified in the training curriculum approved under part 147 for use
by the aviation maintenance technician school. The approved training
curriculum also would be required to meet the provisions of proposed
appendix A to part 66.
The proposal also would require approved training providers to
provide each student who successfully completes the training program
with a statement of graduation. Those students who complete only a
portion of a training program could, upon request, receive a record of
the training completed.
Although the proposal would permit training providers to contract
for services to assist in the provision of the required training,
records of any such contracts would have to be forwarded to the FAA.
The proposal also would reiterate that the training provider, not the
party providing contract services, would ultimately be responsible for
the conduct of the training program.
The proposal would permit a training provider, other than a
certificate holder operating under part 121 or part 135, an aviation
maintenance technician school certificated under part 147, or a repair
station that performs work under Sec. 145.2(a), to retain approval for
a period of 24 months. Because the training programs of these
certificate holders are routinely surveilled, a training provider that
also is a certificate holder under any of these parts would retain
approval for the duration of that certificate. However, approval may be
canceled at any time by the FAA or, voluntarily, by the training
provider, or as a result of change of ownership. Like other training
courses specified in this subchapter, the proposal would require that
applications for a training provider's renewal of approval be submitted
60 days before the expiration of the current approval.
Performance of Repairs and Alterations by AMTs and AMT(T)s on
Horizontal-Card Liquid-Filled Compasses
The current rule prohibits the repair or alteration of instruments
by mechanics. However, the aviation maintenance industry has recognized
that aviation instruments vary significantly in complexity. A commenter
to the short-term FAA regulatory review initiated in response to a
recommendation from the Clinton Administration's ``Initiative To
Promote a Strong Competitive Aviation Industry'' noted that the fairly
simple task of replenishing magnetic compass fluid and changing the
expansion diaphragm in a compass could be accomplished by a mechanic
with no adverse effect on safety. The commenter stated that these
instruments must often be sent to instrument repair shops for
maintenance that mechanics can readily accomplish. This action
frequently results in increased and unnecessary costs to the user and,
for certain operators, an unwarranted loss of use of the aircraft.
The ARAC and the FAA concur with this assessment and contend that
an AMT or an AMT(T) can readily perform maintenance on horizontal-card
liquid-filled compasses. Therefore, the FAA proposes that an AMT or an
AMT(T) be permitted to perform all maintenance actions on horizontal-
card liquid-filled compasses and that the limitations of the current
rule prohibiting the performance of repairs and alterations to these
instruments be removed.
Establishment of an Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating
Under the provisions of the current rule, persons providing
aviation maintenance instruction are not required to demonstrate any
degree of teaching proficiency. Flight instructors certificated under
part 61 are currently required to pass a knowledge test on the subjects
in which instruction is required by Sec. 61.185(a). These subjects
include: the learning process, elements of
[[Page 37184]]
effective teaching, student evaluation and testing, course development,
lesson planning, and classroom training techniques. Ground instructors
certificated under subpart I of part 61 also are required to show a
practical and theoretical knowledge of the subjects for which a rating
is sought by passing a similar knowledge test.
Because it is necessary that the subject material taught by
individuals providing aviation maintenance instruction be completely
understood and adequately applied by students to the maintenance
problems that they will eventually encounter in the aviation
maintenance industry, the FAA, based on the ARAC's recommendation,
proposes to create an aviation maintenance instructor rating that may
be obtained by the holder of the AMT certificate or the AMT(T)
certificate. The FAA contends that creation of this rating would serve
to enhance the quality of aviation maintenance instruction that is
provided in aviation maintenance programs. This enhancement would be
accomplished by ensuring that aviation maintenance instructors possess
not only technical proficiency in the subject material taught but also
the requisite teaching competence to ensure that their students
understand the material. Adoption of this proposal also would quantify
and recognize the special skills required of an aviation maintenance
educator, and would improve the images of aviation maintenance
educators and aviation maintenance education.
The Blue Ribbon Panel also recognized these deficiencies. In its
report, the panel noted that the instructional standards and the
quality of aviation maintenance instruction often are questioned. It
also noted that there was no certification, beyond that of a current
mechanic certificate, needed to teach in an aviation maintenance
technician school certificated under part 147. Therefore, the Blue
Ribbon Panel recommended that qualification, certification, and
recurrent training requirements be established for instructors who
teach in part 147 schools.
Under the proposal, an applicant for an aviation maintenance
instructor rating would be required to: hold a current and valid AMT
certificate or a current and valid AMT(T) certificate for at least 3
years before application; present evidence that he or she has been
actively engaged in the maintenance of aircraft for at least the 2-year
period before application; and pass a knowledge test on instructional
proficiency. The proposal recognizes the widespread use of computer-
based testing in the administration of FAA examinations and, therefore,
would require that a ``knowledge test'' rather than a ``written test''
be passed.
The FAA contends that the possession of an AMT certificate or an
AMT(T) certificate is necessary to ensure the basic technical
proficiency of the aviation maintenance instructor. The specific time
period proposed for the possession of either certificate and the amount
of time that the individual would be required to have been actively
engaged in the maintenance of aircraft also are identical to the
eligibility requirements for the issuance of an inspection
authorization. The FAA contends that this minimum amount of actual work
experience is required to give the aviation maintenance instructor the
requisite practical experience necessary to explain the application of
aviation maintenance concepts satisfactorily.
The proposed areas of educational theory and instructional
techniques in which the prospective aviation maintenance instructor
would be required to pass a knowledge test are the same areas that are
currently tested on the fundamentals of instruction knowledge test for
the flight instructor and ground instructor certificates. In
recognition of other training that a prospective aviation maintenance
instructor could receive, which would provide proficiency in
educational theory and instructional techniques, an applicant would not
be required to take this test if the applicant possesses a recognized
degree in education or holds a current and valid State teaching
certificate issued in the United States.
Under the proposal, any person providing or supervising aviation
maintenance instruction within 12 months after the effective date of
the rule at an aviation maintenance technician school certificated
under part 147 would not be required to pass a knowledge test on those
subjects specified in proposed Sec. 66.69 to obtain the aviation
maintenance instructor rating. To retain the ability to exercise the
privileges of the proposed rating and maintain a high degree of
instructional proficiency, the holder would be required to provide 300
hours of aviation maintenance instruction or serve as the supervisor of
aviation maintenance instructors for a period of 300 hours within the
preceding 24 months. For aviation maintenance instructors holding an
AMT(T) certificate, this instruction would not need to be provided in
transport-category aircraft or their associated systems. Recent
experience requirements also could be maintained if the individual
completed a refresher course acceptable to the Administrator and
appropriate to the duties of an aviation maintenance instructor or if
the Administrator determined that the aviation maintenance instructor
continues to meet the standards prescribed for the issuance of the
rating.
Current rules pertaining to the training of individuals at aviation
maintenance technician schools certificated under part 147 require 1
instructor for each 25 students in a shop class. Because the current
rule already recognizes the importance of qualified instructors in
these classes, the FAA proposes that the best qualified providers of
aviation maintenance education be available in these classes. Proposed
Secs. 147.23 and 147.36 would, therefore, require that these
instructors also possess an aviation maintenance instructor rating. To
enable instructors at these schools to acquire this rating, this
requirement would not become effective until 12 months after the
effective date of the rule.
The FAA also notes that certain subjects taught at aviation
maintenance technician schools do not require the technical knowledge
required of instructors who possess the AMT certificate or AMT(T)
certificate. Therefore, the proposal would not require instructors who
teach basic subjects (such as mathematics, physics, basic electricity,
basic hydraulics, drawing, or similar subjects) at AMT schools that are
certificated under part 147, to obtain an AMT or AMT(T) certificate and
aviation maintenance instructor rating.
Establishment of Basic Competency Requirements for AMT Certificate
Holders
Currently, Sec. 65.79, which sets forth the skill requirements for
a mechanic certificate, requires an applicant for a mechanic
certificate to pass an oral and practical test covering the applicant's
basic skills in performing practical projects covered by the written
test. Because of the complexity of current aviation maintenance
operations, the FAA proposes to establish a broad-based competency
requirement for AMT certificate applicants under proposed Sec. 66.59,
which would encompass more than the skill requirements included in the
current regulation.
Current interpretations of the existing regulation tend to
emphasize the evaluation of basic skills that solely involve tasks
requiring manual dexterity. Although mastery of these basic skills is
invaluable, the FAA asserts that a more comprehensive level of
competency, based on current
[[Page 37185]]
aviation maintenance practices, is required of AMTs. The proposed rule
would expand the evaluation of AMT applicants to include a
demonstration of competency in technical tasks and aircraft maintenance
more appropriate to the current aviation environment and the
certificate and rating sought. Therefore, all training provided to an
applicant for any certificate, rating, or inspection authorization
issued under the proposed part should be conducted to a proficiency-
based standard evidenced by demonstrated competency to perform required
tasks.
Specification of Practical Experience Requirements in Hours
The FAA proposes that the practical experience requirements for a
mechanic seeking airframe and powerplant ratings, currently expressed
in Sec. 65.77 as 30 months, be expressed as the equivalent number of
hours (5,000 hours) in proposed Sec. 66.57, for an applicant seeking
the AMT certificate with an aircraft rating. The FAA also proposes that
the practical experience requirements for a repairman seeking a
certificate, currently expressed as 18 months in Sec. 65.101, be
expressed as its hour equivalent of 3,000 hours in proposed
Sec. 66.203, for Aviation Repair Specialist-II (ARS-II) certificate
applicants.
A change to the hourly experience requirements would give the FAA
and the aviation maintenance industry a simpler method to measure and
verify the amount of practical work experience that the individual
applicant possesses. The proposed revision also would enable aviation
maintenance personnel working in part-time positions to quantify their
work experience more easily. FAA Order 8300.10, ``Airworthiness
Inspector's Handbook,'' currently permits the practice of measuring
part-time experience requirements in hours. The proposed rule would
expand this current practice by measuring part-time and full-time
experience in hours.
The FAA, in the previous NPRM, proposed that all experience
requirements, as stated in current Sec. 65.77; all recent experience
requirements, as stated in current Sec. 65.83; and all eligibility
requirements, as stated in current Sec. 65.101, be expressed in hours
instead of months. In response to comments received detailing the
difficulties that such a proposal would impose on the ability of part-
time aviation maintenance personnel to meet proposed recent experience
requirements for the exercise of certificate privileges, the FAA
proposes only that the practical experience necessary for the AMT
certificate with the aircraft rating and the eligibility requirements
for the ARS-II certificate be expressed in hours. Proposed recent
experience requirements for the exercise of certificate privileges,
however, would be expressed in months.
As the proposed rule would eliminate the issuance of individual
airframe and powerplant ratings, the provisions currently stated in
Sec. 65.77(a), which require 18 months of practical experience,
appropriate to the rating sought, with the procedures, practices,
tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing,
maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants, would be eliminated
under the proposal.
Establishment of a Requirement for Aviation Maintenance Technicians To
Pass a Knowledge Test on All Applicable FAR
Current regulations require an applicant for a mechanic certificate
to pass a written test that includes the applicable provisions of part
43 and part 91. Because contemporary maintenance operations require the
applicant to understand certification and maintenance regulations other
than those found solely in part 43 and part 91, the FAA proposes that
the knowledge requirements for the AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating require an applicant to pass a knowledge test on the applicable
provisions of the entire chapter. The proposal recognizes the use of
computer-based testing by replacing the term ``written test'' with
``knowledge test''.
Clarification of Requirement To Pass All Knowledge Tests Before
Applying for the Oral and Practical Tests
There has been some confusion among applicants for the current
mechanic certificate who are not enrolled at aviation maintenance
technician schools approved under part 147 with regard to the language
of current Sec. 65.75(b). The current section requires an individual to
pass each section of the written test before applying for the oral and
practical tests prescribed by Sec. 65.79. The FAA believes that it is
essential that the applicant display knowledge of the equipment and
procedures to be used by the applicant before the oral and practical
tests are given. The applicant must possess adequate knowledge before
being permitted to take the oral and practical tests because it is this
knowledge that enables an applicant to solve practical problems and
demonstrate the ability to perform the work of a certificated AMT. In
addition, when taking an oral or practical test, an applicant for a
certificate must handle complex equipment; a lack of knowledge about
the use of that equipment could injure the applicant or others.
Therefore, the FAA has clarified the current requirement by proposing
language that would require all applicants for the AMT certificate,
except students enrolled at an aviation maintenance technician school
approved under part 147, to pass all knowledge tests before applying
for the oral and practical tests.
Demonstration of English-Language Proficiency
The proposal would require all applicants for an AMT certificate,
AMT(T) certificate, or aviation repair specialist certificate to read,
write, speak, and understand the English language.
The current rule requires only those applicants desiring to
exercise the privileges of current certificates within the United
States to comply with English-language proficiency requirements. It
does not specify an appropriate means for the applicant to demonstrate
this proficiency nor does it provide a mechanism for the Administrator
to issue a certificate to an individual who may not meet these English-
language proficiency requirements solely because of a medical
condition.
The proposal would require the applicant to demonstrate English-
language proficiency by reading and explaining appropriate maintenance
publications and by writing defect and repair statements. This proposal
recognizes the highly technical nature of aviation maintenance in
today's aviation industry. Proficiency with the general terminology of
the English language is not sufficient to ensure the competency of an
FAA-certificated AMT or aviation repair specialist. The individual must
be able to understand and master the complex and often very specialized
language of airworthiness instructions and other terminology associated
with the maintenance of highly sophisticated aviation equipment.
In addition, the current airframe, powerplant, and general written
tests for mechanics are administered in the English language.
Applicants taking these tests must be proficient in the English
language to complete these examinations successfully. Although
currently certificated repairmen are not required to take written
tests, these individuals also work in environments that require more
than mere proficiency in the English language. Because the
[[Page 37186]]
FAA does not certify repairmen working under U.S.-certificated foreign
repair stations and because of the need for all certificated repairmen
to understand technical material written in English, the FAA proposes
that all aviation repair specialists demonstrate proficiency in the
English language.
In operations conducted at certificated U.S. air carriers,
certificated U.S. commercial operators, and U.S.-certificated repair
stations, the vast majority of technical information is conveyed in the
English language. The FAA has determined that the proposed rule would
guarantee a level of competency that would ensure that an applicant for
either certificate is able to use all relevant maintenance publications
effectively.
The proposal also would revise the current rule to permit the
Administrator to issue certificates to applicants who are deaf, hard of
hearing, speech impaired, or possess other similar medical conditions,
yet have a demonstrated proficiency in the English language. Under the
proposal, an applicant could be issued a certificate with specific
limitations necessary for the safe maintenance, preventive maintenance,
or alteration of aircraft if the applicant has a command of the English
language, yet is unable to meet the proposed requirements solely
because of a medical condition.
The FAA also proposes that exceptions found in current Secs. 65.71
and 65.101, which permit the certification of mechanics and repairmen
who are employed outside the United States but who are not proficient
in the English language, be deleted from the proposed rule. The FAA
proposes the inclusion of provisions in the proposed rule that would
permit the Administrator to waive compliance with the proposed English-
language proficiency requirement, in certain limited circumstances. The
waiver provisions are discussed in more detail below.
Current holders of a mechanic certificate or repairman certificate
who do not meet the English-language requirement but who are employed
outside the United States by a certificated U.S. air carrier or a
certificated U.S. repair station would continue to exercise the
privileges of their certificates without a further showing of
competency. Their certificates would remain endorsed, ``Valid only
outside the United States.''
Waiver of Specific Certificate Requirements
The FAA recognizes that in certain distinct and special
circumstances, deviations from compliance with the requirements of the
FAR may be in the public interest. To afford the FAA with a means to
respond rapidly to requests for deviations when such requests are in
the public interest, the FAA proposes that certain provisions of the
certification rules, contained in proposed part 66, be subject to
waiver. The FAA has specifically identified two sets of circumstances
where a waiver of the proposed certification requirements may be in the
public interest. Therefore, the FAA proposes to include provisions in
the proposed rule that would permit the issuance of certificates and
ratings in deviation from the requirements of proposed Secs. 66.51(b),
66.57, 66.201(b), and 66.203(b).
Although the FAA has proposed that all applicants for certificates
issued under proposed part 66 be able to read, write, speak, and
understand English, the FAA recognizes that in certain circumstances
the issuance of an AMT, AMT(T), or aviation repair specialist
certificate to an individual who does not meet this requirement may be
necessary to ensure the continued airworthiness of U.S.-registered
aircraft operating outside the United States. Only in such limited
instances where no FAA-certificated AMT, AMT(T), or aviation repair
specialist who can read, write, speak, and understand English is
available to maintain a U.S.-registered aircraft overseas, will the FAA
consider the issuance of a certificate. Any certificate issued in
accordance with the proposed waiver provisions would contain an
endorsement specifying that the certificate is valid only outside the
United States and that the certificate holder may exercise the
privileges of the certificate only while employed by a specific
operator or certificate holder. Such restrictive endorsements would
preclude any expansive use of the certificate's privileges to perform
work outside the United States.
The FAA also recognizes that applicants for an AMT certificate may
complete a significant portion of the required training at an aviation
maintenance technician school certificated under part 147 but may be
unable to complete the remaining portion of the required training. This
situation frequently occurs as a result of the closing of an FAA-
certificated aviation maintenance technician school or the relocation
of a student to a portion of the country where an aviation maintenance
technician school certificated under part 147 is not readily available.
In such circumstances, the proposal would permit the FAA to issue an
AMT certificate in deviation from the AMT training requirements
specified in part 147 and, therefore, recognize an equivalent
combination of formal training and work experience. The Administrator
would, however, require the applicant to demonstrate specifically that
he or she has received an amount of experience equivalent to that
required of an applicant for the proposed certificate who has completed
the training specified in part 147 for the issuance of the AMT
certificate.
Issuance of any certificate under these provisions would be based
on a demonstrated need and a finding that the applicant is able to
safely exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating. An
applicant also would be required to provide evidence sufficient to
indicate that work experience used to satisfy part 147 training
requirements that have not been completed is of equivalent scope and
detail to ensure proficiency in those tasks specified in the training
curriculum.
Recognition of New Testing Methods
In the area of testing administration, the FAA recognizes recent
developments in training and testing technology and, therefore, has
proposed to replace the term ``written test'' with ``knowledge test''.
Because the results of some tests, such as those from recently approved
computer-based testing, can be made immediately available to the
applicant, the FAA proposes that a report of the knowledge test results
be made available, as opposed to being sent, to an applicant who has
taken an examination using computer-based testing.
Replacement of Lost or Destroyed Certificates by Facsimile or Telegram
The proposal would revise current procedures by permitting an
airman who has lost a certificate issued under proposed part 66 to
request a facsimile of the certificate from the FAA as confirmation of
the certificate's original issuance. The proposal also would allow any
request to the FAA to be made by facsimile and would permit the FAA to
send directly to the airman a facsimile that the airman may carry as
proof of the original certificate's issuance, for a period not to
exceed 90 days. Adoption of the proposed changes would make the rule
consistent with current practices implemented by the Airman
Certification Branch (AVN-460) at the Aviation Standards National Field
Office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Current regulations specify the use
of telegrams only and limit their validity to a 60-day period.
The proposed use of facsimiles, in addition to telegrams, reflects
advancements in communications
[[Page 37187]]
technology and would speed access to FAA services by permitting the use
of other means, such as telephone facsimile or computer modem, to
obtain a replacement certificate. The use of these means would speed
the replacement of a lost certificate to an airman, thereby decreasing
the time during which an airman may not exercise the privileges of a
certificate or rating. Increasing the period of validity of telegrams
and facsimiles used as proof of certification also would decrease the
possibility of a certificate holder having to make any additional
request for a replacement certificate. Similar provisions are under
consideration for adoption in other parts of the FAR.
Extension of the Duration of an Inspection Authorization
Under the proposed rule, the duration of an inspection
authorization would be extended, from the current 12-month period
ending in March of each year, to a 24-month period ending on the last
day of the 24th month after the date of issuance of the inspection
authorization. Extending the duration of the inspection authorization
would make the authorization consistent with FAA practices regarding
the issuance of other renewable certificates, such as the flight
instructor certificate. A 24-month renewal cycle would relieve the
public of a significant regulatory burden and FAA Flight Standards
District Offices of a considerable administrative burden, without
compromising safety. Modifying the existing training and recent
experience requirements to coincide with the adoption of a 24-month
renewal cycle would give holders greater flexibility in meeting
regulatory requirements.
Granting of Inspection Authorization Privileges Based on the Type of
Technician Certificate Held by an Applicant
In view of the creation of the proposed AMT and AMT(T)
certificates, the FAA proposes to delineate the privileges and
limitations of the inspection authorization in a manner similar to that
provided for by the AMT and AMT(T) certificates. Under the current
rule, the FAR sections pertaining to the issuance of an inspection
authorization are found in subpart B of part 65, which pertains solely
to currently certificated mechanics. With the creation of the new
certificates, the holder of an AMT certificate or the holder of an
AMT(T) certificate can apply for an inspection authorization. The FAA,
therefore, proposes to create a new subpart, solely applicable to the
issuance of inspection authorizations to holders of either AMT or
AMT(T) certificates. The FAA contends that the retention of the current
regulatory structure for inspection authorization privileges and
limitations, which is based on the possession of a single certificate,
would be inconsistent with a certification structure that provides for
two different types of certificates with different privileges and
limitations.
An inspection authorization holder's privileges would be dependent
on the privileges of the type of certificate held by the individual
possessing the inspection authorization. Under the proposal, the
privileges of an individual possessing an inspection authorization and
holding a current and valid AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating
would not be any different from the privileges of the holder of an
inspection authorization possessing a current and valid mechanic
certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings as specified in
current Sec. 65.95.
An individual possessing an inspection authorization with an AMT
certificate that has an aircraft rating, however, would not be
permitted to approve aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29 for
return to service after the completion of a major repair or alteration.
This individual also would not be permitted to perform an annual
inspection nor to perform or supervise an annual inspection on any
aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29.
The general eligibility requirements for an individual holding an
AMT or AMT(T) certificate to obtain an inspection authorization would
be the same as those specified under the current rule, with the
exception that an individual seeking the more comprehensive privileges
conferred on the holder of an inspection authorization with an AMT(T)
certificate would be required to satisfy all eligibility requirements
through the performance of work on aircraft certificated under part 25
or part 29, or on the airframes, aircraft engines, propellers,
appliances, components, or parts of these aircraft. An individual
intending to obtain these inspection authorization privileges would be
required to have been actively engaged in this type of work for 2 years
before application for the authorization and possess a current and
valid AMT(T) certificate for at least 3 years before application.
Current eligibility requirements and proposed eligibility requirements
for the issuance of an inspection authorization to the holder of a
mechanic certificate only require that the applicant have been actively
engaged in the maintenance of any type of aircraft for 2 years before
the date of application and hold a current and valid mechanic
certificate for a period of at least 3 years. Essentially, the proposal
would require that an individual intending to exercise the approval for
return-to-service privileges of an inspection authorization with
respect to aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29 obtain the
requisite experience for the inspection authorization through the
maintenance of aircraft certificated under these parts. An AMT(T) with
an inspection authorization who does not meet this requirement but
meets the requirements for the holder of a AMT certificate with an
inspection authorization would be permitted to exercise the privileges
of the holder of an AMT certificate with an inspection authorization.
Renewal requirements would not change under the proposed rule, with
the exception that an individual possessing an AMT(T) certificate who
intends to obtain an inspection authorization and exercise the complete
range of privileges available under the authorization must perform the
requisite inspections on aircraft certificated under part 25 or part
29.
Because the inspection authorization has become the subject of a
separate subpart, references to the inspection authorization in Subpart
A `` General have now been included in the proposed rule. Inclusion of
references to the inspection authorization in this subpart would not
affect any current privileges or limitations of an inspection
authorization.
Requiring Applicants for the Inspection Authorization To Complete an
Inspection Authorization Refresher Course Before Their Initial
Application
The proposal would establish a requirement that all applicants for
an inspection authorization successfully complete an inspection
authorization refresher course during the 12 months before application
for an inspection authorization. The current rule does not impose this
requirement. Current renewal options available to the holder of an
inspection authorization permit the holder to renew the inspection
authorization indefinitely without having attended an inspection
authorization refresher course. Therefore, the holder of a current
inspection authorization may have never attended an inspection
authorization refresher course.
FAA surveys indicate that standardization of inspection procedures
and the proper completion and submission of required
[[Page 37188]]
documentation are consistent problems among holders of inspection
authorizations. Successful completion of an inspection authorization
refresher course before initial application would ensure that all
future holders of an inspection authorization were instructed in the
uniform interpretation of regulatory and advisory material before
exercising the privileges of the inspection authorization.
Expansion of Inspection Authorization Renewal Options
The proposal would permit the holder of an inspection authorization
to use a combination of annual inspections, inspections of major
repairs or major alterations, and complete progressive inspections to
satisfy the renewal requirements for the inspection authorization. Such
a provision would give the holder of an inspection authorization much
greater flexibility in meeting renewal requirements. To facilitate the
combination of these inspections with other inspection periods
currently designated in months for the purpose of certificate renewal,
the proposal would change the currently specified 90-day periods for
inspections to 3-month periods.
Notice No. 94-27 proposed that the holder of an inspection
authorization be permitted to use participation in current inspection
programs, which are recommended by the manufacturer, or other
inspection programs established by the registered owner or operator
under Sec. 91.409(f)(3) or (4), to satisfy renewal requirements. This
proposal is not being included in this NPRM. Although the experience
gained through participation in such inspection programs may be
commensurate with the experience currently accepted to obtain the
inspection authorization renewal, an inspection authorization is not
required to participate in these inspection programs. The FAA deems it
inappropriate to permit the holder of an inspection authorization to
use participation in an inspection program that does not require an
inspection authorization as a means (and possibly the sole means) of
satisfying inspection authorization renewal requirements.
Under the current regulation, the holder of an inspection
authorization may renew the inspection authorization by attending and
successfully completing a refresher course, acceptable to the
Administrator, of not less than 8 hours during the 12-month period
preceding the application for renewal. The previously published NPRM
would permit the holder to renew an inspection authorization by
attending and successfully completing a refresher course, or series of
courses, acceptable to the Administrator, of not less than 16 hours
during the proposed 24-month period preceding the application for
renewal. The FAA considered modifying the previously published NPRM to
permit the holder to renew the inspection authorization by successfully
completing an 8-hour course of instruction during the expanded 24-month
renewal period. Comments made on this proposal by the ARAC on air
carrier/general aviation maintenance issues, however, indicated that
acceptance of this change would effectively halve the amount of
recurrent training that the holder of an inspection authorization would
receive when renewing the inspection authorization through the use of
this option. After reviewing the ARAC's concerns, the FAA has
determined that completion of a 16-hour inspection authorization
refresher course, or series of courses, acceptable to the
Administrator, during the expanded renewal period is necessary to
provide a level of recurrent training equivalent to that currently
required of individuals seeking to renew an inspection authorization
through the use of this training option. Therefore, this NPRM retains
the language of the earlier proposal.
Redesignation of the Term ``Repairman''
In view of the specialized nature of aviation maintenance tasks
performed by currently certificated repairmen, the FAA proposes that
the term ``aviation repair specialist'' replace the term ``repairman''.
The FAA contends that the term ``aviation repair specialist'' more
accurately reflects the level of expertise required to maintain today's
highly complex aviation systems. In addition, the use of the term
``aviation repair specialist'' would serve to increase the level of
professionalism among aviation maintenance personnel. Adoption of the
term would also be consistent with the FAA's policy of implementing
gender-neutral regulations. The term ``aviation repair specialist''
would be used to describe the three types of aviation repair specialist
certificates that could be issued under the proposal: (1) the aviation
repair specialist certificate issued on the basis of proficiency in a
designated specialty area (ARS-I), (2) the aviation repair specialist
certificate issued on the basis of employment (ARS-II), and (3) the
aviation repair specialist certificate issued to experimental aircraft
builders (ARS-III).
The aviation repair specialist certificate issued on the basis of
employment (ARS-II) would be the equivalent of the current repairman
certificate, and the aviation repair specialist certificate issued to
experimental aircraft builders (ARS-III) would be the equivalent of the
current repairman certificate-experimental aircraft builder.
The aviation repair specialist certificate would not be issued to
holders of the AMT or AMT(T) certificate because an AMT or AMT(T)
certificate holder does not require an aviation repair specialist
certificate to exercise approval for return-to-service authority.
However, the AMT or AMT(T) may still require additional training to
obtain the necessary competency to perform work on certain items and to
approve these items for return to service. Completion of training
equivalent to that required for the issuance of an aviation repair
specialist certificate in a designated specialty area (ARS-I) would
provide an AMT or AMT(T) with the qualifications necessary to perform
work in that specialty area and would also serve as an indication that
an AMT or AMT(T) possesses the qualifications necessary to exercise
approval for return-to-service privileges in the specialty area.
Establishment of an Aviation Repair Specialist Certificate Based on
Proficiency in Designated Specialty Areas That May Be Issued
Independent of Employment
Currently, an applicant for a repairman certificate (with the
exception of those issued to experimental aircraft builders) is
required to possess the ability to perform the specific task for which
he or she is employed and to obtain the recommendation of the
certificated repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier by
which that individual is employed. A repairman is not currently
required to meet any uniform national standard for the specific
discipline in which the individual performs work.
Extensive study by the Part 65 Working Group has indicated that the
increasingly complex nature of aviation maintenance requires that an
individual who performs work in certain specialized and highly
technical areas should meet formal standardized qualifications. The
ARAC concurred with the findings of the Part 65 Working Group in this
matter and has made this recommendation to the FAA. The FAA accepts the
ARAC recommendation and proposes to issue an aviation repair specialist
certificate based on proficiency in designated specialty areas. The
qualifications for the issuance of this proposed certificate would be
based on nationally and
[[Page 37189]]
internationally recognized standards (developed by the aviation
maintenance industry) that the FAA considers essential for the
performance of work in a highly specialized area. The FAA currently
proposes to issue aviation repair specialist certificates with ratings
based on proficiency in the areas of nondestructive inspection (NDI),
composite structure repair, metal structure repair, and aircraft
electronics. Although the FAA has defined a number of specialty areas,
additional specialty areas are under consideration (such as glider and
hot air balloon repair), and new and previously unknown disciplines
also may emerge as specialty areas as technology advances. Therefore,
additional certificates and ratings, issued by the Administrator, that
recognize proficiency in these areas may be established later.
As a result of meeting these established qualifications, the
proposal would permit the holder of an aviation repair specialist
certificate issued on the basis of proficiency in a designated
specialty area (ARS-I) to retain the certificate independent of
employment by a certificated repair station, commercial operator, or
air carrier. However, an individual intending to exercise the
privileges of the proposed ARS-I certificate would only be permitted to
perform those tasks for which the individual is certificated while
employed by a certificated repair station, commercial operator, or air
carrier, because approval for return-to-service authority would
continue to rest with the employer, not the ARS-I certificate holder.
The proposed certificate would be issued directly to the applicant
and would not be held by an aviation maintenance organization, as is
the practice with the current repairman certificate. Therefore, the
individual could leave the employment of any of these organizations and
retain the certificate. However, the individual would not be able to
exercise the privileges of the certificate until he or she had obtained
a position with another certificated repair station, commercial
operator, or air carrier. Accordingly, an ARS-I who is an independent
contractor to a certificated repair station, commercial operator, or
air carrier would not be permitted to exercise the privileges of the
certificate.
Because the holder of the proposed certificate would have
demonstrated a recognized level of proficiency to obtain the proposed
certificate, the FAA contends that it would be unnecessary for the
applicant to reapply for the certificate every time the individual
changes his or her place of employment. Therefore, the certificate
would remain valid until surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
The proposed ARS-I certificate would require the completion of an
approved training course or program in the specialty area sought. This
training and certification would ensure the technical competency of the
individual. It would no longer be necessary for an employer to
recommend an individual to perform work similar to that performed for a
previous employer. An individual would obtain this new certificate by
submitting evidence, acceptable to the Administrator, that demonstrates
satisfactory completion of an approved aviation repair specialist
training course for a rating in a designated specialty area or, before
12 months after the effective date of the rule, evidence of the ability
to perform those tasks appropriate to the certificate and rating
sought. Evidence of the ability to perform tasks appropriate to the
rating sought could consist of a current repairman certificate with a
rating that requires an applicant to possess a level of competency
equivalent to that required for the issuance of an ARS-I certificate in
one of the designated specialty areas (e.g., a repairman certificate
with an NDI rating). However, the holder of a repairman certificate who
provides evidence of competency in a specific area of technical
expertise that is not equivalent to that required for an ARS-I
certificate in a designated specialty area would need to provide
additional evidence to indicate competency in the designated area. The
FAA also notes that an individual possessing a mechanic certificate
with an airframe rating would not need to apply for an ARS-I
certificate as the privileges of the aviation repair specialist
certificate would be encompassed in the privileges of the current
mechanic certificate.
To ensure that an ARS-I certificate holder remains qualified to
perform the tasks appropriate to the designated specialty area in a
rapidly changing aviation maintenance environment, the proposal would
require the holder to meet the current qualifications and proficiency
requirements for the issuance of the certificate and rating in the
designated specialty area. This requirement would be met through
training to a proficiency-based standard evidenced by demonstrated
competency to perform required tasks, and not through completion of a
specified number of hours of training. The holder of both the ARS-I
certificate and the ARS-II certificate also would be afforded the
opportunity to meet this requirement through participation in training
programs administered by the part 145 repair station, commercial
operator, or air carrier by which the individual is employed. Because
the proposed ARS-I certificate would be issued directly to an
applicant, the proposal also would revise those general provisions of
subpart A to include the appropriate references to this new
certificate.
Although the FAA considered establishing a certification structure
that would have eliminated the issuance of specialized certificates,
the FAA contends that a certification structure that includes aviation
repair specialist certificates is more appropriate. The FAA contends
that the complex nature of current aviation maintenance technology
requires the retention and training of individuals who are highly
trained in technical specialties of a narrow scope. The retention of
such highly trained individuals ensures the highest level of safety in
the maintenance of complex components. The implementation of the
proposed certification structure also ensures the continued existence
of aviation maintenance personnel who have a more broad-based level of
technical expertise and are able to assess the integrity of the various
systems and components within an aircraft and approve an aircraft for
return to service (AMT and AMT(T)). It also ensures the continued
existence of aviation maintenance personnel trained in highly
specialized areas of aviation maintenance (ARS-I, ARS-II, ARS-III). A
certification structure containing a generalized certificate with
approval for return-to-service privileges and a certificate indicative
of proficiency in the more technical areas of aviation maintenance has
been retained.
Notification of Change of Address for the Continued Exercise of
Certificate Privileges
Current Sec. 65.21 requires mechanics and repairmen to notify the
FAA of a change of permanent address within 30 days. Although the
current rule requires that an airman issued a certificate under this
part provide such a notification, the airman may, under the current
rule, continue to exercise the privileges of the certificate even if he
or she fails to make the notification.
Pilots, like other individuals issued certificates under this part,
also are required to notify the FAA of a change of their permanent
address within 30 days. However, pilots may not continue to exercise
the privileges of the certificate if they fail to comply with existing
notification requirements.
[[Page 37190]]
Recent FAA experience in using current address information records
to provide information of concern to mechanics has indicated that
current FAA records are inadequate to locate a significant percentage
of certificate holders. Many of the notices sent to aviation
maintenance personnel were returned to the FAA and were marked as being
undeliverable. Because the FAA may periodically need to disseminate
critical safety information rapidly to all aviation maintenance
personnel, it is extremely important that the FAA have current address
information for all certificate holders.
The FAA contends that current efforts to increase the level of
professionalism in the aviation maintenance industry and to ensure that
the FAA can rapidly notify aviation maintenance personnel of important
safety-related matters warrant including in the proposal a provision
that would prohibit the holder of any certificate issued under this
part from exercising the privileges of the certificate if its holder
did not comply with current notification requirements upon a change of
permanent address. The FAA contends that, by withdrawing certificate
privileges from a person who fails to comply with this requirement, a
holder of a certificate issued under this part will be more diligent in
complying with the essential requirement of notifying the FAA of his or
her current address.
Testing of AMT Applicants by Designated Aviation Maintenance Technician
Schools
Under the provisions of current Sec. 61.71(b), the FAA permits
certain pilot schools certificated under part 141 to test pilot
applicants on the aeronautical knowledge and skill required to obtain
certificates issued under part 61 without further testing by an FAA or
FAA-designated pilot examiner. The FAA proposes to enact similar
provisions for the testing of aviation maintenance personnel.
The proposal would permit an individual who has passed all
applicable knowledge tests in the prescribed period and who has applied
for an AMT certificate within 90 days after graduation from certain
aviation maintenance technician schools to be considered as meeting the
specific experience and competency requirements for the certificate,
without further testing. Only those aviation maintenance technician
schools certificated under part 147 and specifically authorized by the
Administrator to test applicants on the experience and competency
requirements for the AMT certificate would be able to conduct the
testing necessary to satisfy the requirements of the proposal.
The proposal would provide applicants for an AMT certificate with
an additional means to complete the required testing for the
certificate. It also would expedite the certification process for
qualified AMT applicants and reduce testing costs for the applicant.
In its review of the certification requirements for aviation
maintenance personnel, the FAA also considered permitting graduates of
certain aviation maintenance schools approved by Transport Canada to
use training received at those schools toward completion of the
training requirements for the issuance of an AMT certificate. The FAA
has not included this proposal in this notice; however, the FAA
contends that such a proposal could be readily implemented after the
conclusion of a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with Canada.
The FAA specifically solicits comments on including provisions in
proposed part 66 that would permit graduates of certain aviation
maintenance schools approved by Transport Canada to use training
received at those schools toward completion of the training
requirements for the issuance of an AMT certificate. Based on the
comments received, the FAA may adopt such provisions in a final rule.
Removal of Gender-Specific Terms
In accordance with the FAA's policy of implementing gender-neutral
regulations and maintaining conformity with other recently revised
certification regulations that are now gender neutral and in view of
the increased role of women in the aviation maintenance profession, the
FAA proposes to eliminate all gender-specific references that apply to
aviation maintenance personnel from proposed part 66. These changes are
reflected in the proposed amendment; however, specific changes are not
listed in the section-by-section analysis.
Editorial Changes
To promote consistency between this proposed rule and the
terminology used in current regulations, the proposal requires a number
of editorial changes. Such changes include, but are not limited to, the
use of the term ``airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance,
component, or part'' in those instances where the term ``related
appliance or part'' is used; inclusion of the terms ``certificate,''
``rating,'' or ``authorization'' where one or more terms have been
inadvertently omitted; and a more expansive use of the term ``person.''
These changes are noted in the section-by-section analysis and do not
affect the substantive provisions of the proposed rule unless
specifically noted.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Part 65 Certification: Air Traffic Control Tower Operators, Aircraft
Dispatchers, and Parachute Riggers
Under the proposal, the title of part 65 would be amended to
reflect the removal of subpart D (Mechanics) and subpart E (Repairmen)
from this part. The proposed title of part 65 would specifically list
only those airmen whose certification would continue to be regulated by
this part. The current title of part 65 would be changed from
``Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers'' to
``Certification: Air-Traffic Control Tower Operators, Aircraft
Dispatchers, and Parachute Riggers.''
Section 65.1 Applicability
Section 65.1 currently states that part 65 is applicable to air
traffic control tower operators, aircraft dispatchers, mechanics,
repairmen, and parachute riggers. Under the proposal, the certification
of all aviation maintenance personnel would be regulated by part 66.
The proposal would revise Sec. 65.1 by limiting the applicability of
this part to air traffic control tower operators, aircraft dispatchers,
and parachute riggers.
Section 65.3 [Reserved]
Section 65.3 prescribes the certification requirements for foreign
mechanics. Because the proposal would place the certification of
aviation maintenance personnel under part 66, this section would be
removed from part 65 and reserved. An equivalent section, Sec. 66.3, is
proposed for inclusion in proposed part 66.
Section 65.11 Application and Issue
Current Sec. 65.11(c) prohibits a person whose mechanic certificate
is suspended to apply for any rating to be added to that certificate
during the period of suspension, and current Sec. 65.11(d)(2) prohibits
a person whose repairman or mechanic certificate is revoked from
applying for either kind of certificate for 1 year after the date of
revocation, unless the order of revocation provides otherwise. Because
the proposal would place the certification of all aviation maintenance
personnel under proposed part 66, that portion of Sec. 65.11(c) that
refers to the suspension of mechanic certificates and Sec. 65.11(d)(2)
in its entirety would be
[[Page 37191]]
removed from part 65. The provisions of these paragraphs would be
included in proposed Sec. 66.5 (c) and (d).
Section 65.15 Duration of Certificates
Proposed Sec. 65.15 would remove the reference to the repairman
certificate found in current paragraph (a). As the provisions of
current paragraph (b) apply only to the repairman certificate, this
paragraph also would be removed. Its provisions would be found in
proposed Sec. 66.9. The remaining provisions of current paragraphs (a)
and (c) would be retained in proposed paragraphs (a) and (b).
Part 65, Subpart D and Subpart E, Secs. 65.71 Through 65.105 [Reserved]
The proposal would completely remove subpart D (Mechanics),
consisting of Secs. 65.71 through 65.95, and subpart E (Repairmen),
consisting of Secs. 65.101 through 65.105, from part 65 and would
establish subpart B (Aviation Maintenance Technicians), subpart C
(Aviation Maintenance Technicians (Transport)), subpart D (Inspection
Authorizations), and subpart E (Aviation Repair Specialists) under part
66. The new subparts would be based on the subparts currently found in
part 65.
Part 66 Certification: Aviation Maintenance Personnel
Under the proposal, a new part 66 prescribing the certification
requirements solely for aviation maintenance personnel would be
created. Part 66 would include subpart A (General), subpart B (Aviation
Maintenance Technicians), subpart C (Aviation Maintenance Technicians
(Transport)), subpart D (Inspection Authorizations), and subpart E
(Aviation Repair Specialists). Proposed subpart A (General) would be
based on part 65, subpart A, and modified to address regulatory
concerns applicable to AMTs, AMT(T)s, and aviation repair specialists.
Proposed subparts B, C, and D would be based on part 65, subpart D; and
proposed subpart E would be based on part 65, subpart E. The proposal
would establish the new part under the title ``Certification: Aviation
Maintenance Personnel.''
Section 66.1 Applicability
Proposed Sec. 66.1 sets forth the applicability of part 66. This
proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.1. This section would
limit the applicability of this new part to AMTs, AMT(T)s, holders of
inspection authorizations, and aviation repair specialists.
Section 66.3 Certification of Foreign Aviation Maintenance Personnel
Proposed Sec. 66.3 prescribes the certification requirements for
foreign AMTs and AMT(T)s. Because the proposal would not preclude
foreign individuals from obtaining these proposed certificates, this
section would refer to both subpart B and subpart C, the proposed
subparts that list the certification requirements for these
certificates. The proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.3. There
are no substantive differences between proposed Sec. 66.3 and current
Sec. 65.3.
Section 66.5 Application and Issue
Proposed Sec. 66.5 prescribes the application and issuance
procedures for a certificate and ratings under this part. This proposed
section is based on current Sec. 65.11. There are no substantive
differences between paragraphs (a) and (b) of the proposed section and
current Sec. 65.11, except for the inclusion of a reference to the
inspection authorization and the replacement of the term ``written
test'' with ``knowledge test'' in proposed paragraph (a). Proposed
paragraphs (c) and (d) would differ from current Sec. 65.11 (c) and (d)
by the removal of references to air traffic control tower operators,
aircraft dispatchers, and parachute riggers, and the inclusion of
references to AMTs, AMT(T)s, and aviation repair specialists. Paragraph
(c) of the proposed rule would include a reference to aviation repair
specialists because the proposed ARS-I certificate, unlike the current
repairman certificate, would be issued with ratings based on
proficiency in designated specialty areas.
Section 66.7 Temporary Certificate
Proposed Sec. 66.7 is based on current Sec. 65.13 and refers to the
issuance of temporary certificates. This section would be revised to
reflect current practices by indicating that an applicant's
qualifications, and not merely the application and supplementary
documents submitted by the applicant, would be subject to review.
Section 66.9 Duration of Certificates
Proposed Sec. 66.9 is based on current Sec. 65.15 and establishes
the duration of certificates issued under this part. Paragraph (a) of
proposed Sec. 66.9 would include the proposed AMT certificate, AMT(T)
certificate, aviation repair specialist certificate issued on the basis
of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I), and aviation
repair specialist certificate issued to an experimental aircraft
builder (ARS-III) among those certificates that are effective until
surrendered, suspended, or revoked. The proposed rule corrects an
earlier omission by including aviation repair specialist certificates
issued to experimental aircraft builders (ARS-III) among those
certificates that are effective until surrendered, suspended, or
revoked. Proposed paragraph (b) does not change the intent of current
Sec. 65.15(b) and would state that an aviation repair specialist
certificate issued on the basis of employment (ARS-II) remains
effective until the holder is relieved from the duties for which the
holder was employed and certificated. Proposed paragraph (c) retains
the current requirement for a holder to return to the Administrator a
certificate that has been suspended, revoked, or is no longer
effective.
Section 66.11 Display of Certificate
Proposed Sec. 66.11 is based on current Secs. 65.89 and 65.105,
which prescribe the display of mechanic and repairman certificates. The
proposal would consolidate the certificate display requirements for all
certificates under one section within part 66. There would be no
substantive changes to current certificate display requirements.
Section 66.13 Change of Name: Replacement of Lost or Destroyed
Certificate
Proposed Sec. 66.13 is based on current Sec. 65.16 and would revise
current procedures by permitting an airman who has lost a certificate
issued under part 66 to request a facsimile of the certificate from the
FAA as confirmation of the certificate's original issuance. This
proposed section also would allow any request to the FAA to be made by
facsimile and would permit the FAA to send directly to the airman a
telegram or facsimile that may be carried by the airman, for a period
not to exceed 90 days, as proof of the original certificate's issuance.
Section 66.15 Change of Address
Proposed Sec. 66.15 is based on current Sec. 65.21 and would revise
current requirements by prohibiting the holder of any certificate
issued under this part from exercising the privileges of the
certificate if the holder has not notified the FAA of a change in
permanent mailing address within 30 days.
Section 66.17 Periodic Registration
Proposed Sec. 66.17 would require that the holder of an AMT
certificate or AMT(T) certificate notify the FAA of his or her current
mailing address before the last day of the 12th calendar month after
the effective date of the rule and
[[Page 37192]]
before the last day of each 48-calendar-month period thereafter.
The proposal would not require these certificate holders to comply
with this requirement if the holder has, within the same 12- or 48-
calendar-month period for which a notification was required, provided
this information to the FAA through the issuance of a certificate,
rating, inspection authorization, or airman medical certificate, or
through compliance with proposed Sec. 66.13 or Sec. 66.15. Any
certificate holder failing to comply with this requirement would be
prohibited from exercising the privileges of the certificate until the
required notification had been made.
Section 66.19 Applications, Certificates, Logbooks, Reports, and
Records: Falsification, Reproduction, or Alternation; Section 66.21
Tests: General Procedure; Section 66.23 Knowledge Tests: Cheating or
Other Unauthorized Conduct; Section 66.25 Retesting After Failure;
Section 66.27 Offenses Involving Alcohol or Drugs; and Section 66.29
Refusal To Submit to a Drug or Alcohol Test
Proposed Secs. 66.19, 66.21, 66.23, 66.25, 66.27, and 66.29 are
based on current Secs. 65.20, 65.17, 65.18, 65.19, 65.12, and 65.23,
respectively. These sections refer to the falsification, reproduction,
or alteration of documents; general test procedures; cheating or other
unauthorized conduct on knowledge tests; retesting after failure;
offenses involving alcohol or drugs; and the refusal to submit to a
drug or alcohol test. The only substantive difference between the
proposed sections for part 66 and current corresponding sections in
part 65 is the inclusion of specific provisions indicating the
applicability of these sections to holders of inspection authorizations
and the replacement of the term ``written test'' with ``knowledge
test'' in proposed Secs. 66.23 and 66.25.
Section 66.31 Waivers: Policy and Procedures
Proposed Sec. 66.31 would describe the policy and procedures that
would govern the issuance of certificates and ratings in deviation from
the airman certification rules set forth in proposed Secs. 66.51(b),
66.57, 66.201(b), and 66.203(b). The proposed section would indicate
that the Administrator may issue certificates and ratings in deviation
from these sections if the Administrator finds that the holder can
safely exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating. Requests
for issuance of a certificate or rating in accordance with this section
would be required to be submitted to the FAA National Headquarters,
Flight Standards Service.
Part 66, Subpart B Aviation Maintenance Technicians
The structure of part 66, subpart B, is based on the current
structure of part 65, subpart D. Under the proposed rule, the title of
part 66, subpart B, would be ``Aviation Maintenance Technicians.''
Section 66.51 Eligibility Requirements: General
Proposed Sec. 66.51 is based on the current Sec. 65.71. The
language of proposed paragraph (b) differs from current Sec. 65.71 by
not only requiring an applicant for an AMT certificate to read, write,
speak, and understand the English language, as is currently required,
but also by requiring the applicant to demonstrate this knowledge by
reading and explaining appropriate maintenance publications and by
writing defect and repair statements. The proposal also differs from
the current section in that it would include a provision for the
Administrator to place such limitations on an applicant's certificate
as are necessary for the safe maintenance, preventive maintenance, or
alteration of aircraft if the applicant is unable to meet any of these
requirements because of medical reasons. The proposal also would
eliminate the issuance of certificates to individuals who cannot meet
these requirements and are employed solely outside the United States by
a U.S. air carrier.
The proposal would retain current requirements to pass all required
tests within 24 months and to comply with any additional eligibility
requirements for any rating sought.
Section 66.53 Ratings
Proposed Sec. 66.53 would establish that aircraft and aviation
maintenance instructor ratings would be issued under subpart B.
Section 66.55 Aircraft Rating: Knowledge Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.55 would establish the knowledge requirements for
the aircraft rating. This proposed section is based on the knowledge
requirements for the mechanic certificate found in current Sec. 65.75.
The proposal would revise these current knowledge requirements by not
only including the current requirement that the applicant be tested on
the applicable provisions of parts 43 and 91 but by requiring the
applicant to pass a knowledge test that includes material on all
relevant provisions of this chapter, therefore, expanding the knowledge
required of an applicant.
The proposal also would require the applicant to pass all knowledge
tests (as opposed to each section) before applying for the oral and
practical tests for the rating sought unless the applicant was enrolled
in certain aviation maintenance technician schools.
Because of the increased use of computer-based testing, the
proposal would state that a report of the knowledge test results will
be made available to the applicant upon completion of the test. Current
rules pertaining to the testing of mechanic certificate applicants
require the FAA to send the applicant a report of the test.
Section 66.57 Aircraft Rating: Experience Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.57 would establish the necessary experience
requirements for the issuance of an AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating. The experience requirements for the AMT certificate with an
aircraft rating would be similar to those found in current Sec. 65.77
for the mechanic certificate with an airframe and powerplant rating.
The proposal would permit an applicant to present either an
appropriate graduation certificate or a certificate of completion from
a certificated aviation maintenance technician school to show
compliance with the necessary experience requirements. For those
applicants seeking to meet AMT experience requirements through
practical experience, the proposal would change the current 30 months
of experience required of applicants for a mechanic certificate with
airframe and powerplant ratings to 5,000 hours for applicants for an
AMT certificate with an aircraft rating. The approximate full-time
equivalent of 30 months is 5,000 hours. Because separate airframe and
powerplant ratings will not be issued under an AMT certificate, the 18-
month experience requirement pertaining to applicants for a separate
rating, which is found in current Sec. 65.77(a), has not been included
in the proposed section.
Section 66.59 Aircraft Rating: Competency Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.59 would establish the competency requirements for
applicants attempting to obtain an AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating under this part. This proposed section is based on current
Sec. 65.79. The proposal would establish a basic competency requirement
for an AMT by requiring the applicant to demonstrate competence in
performing tasks
[[Page 37193]]
appropriate to the rating sought. The proposal also would clarify the
existing regulation to ensure that an applicant passed both an oral and
a practical test appropriate to the rating sought.
Section 66.61 Certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School
Students
Proposed Sec. 66.61 is based on current Sec. 65.80 and would
prescribe the specific requirements for testing students at aviation
maintenance technician schools. Proposed paragraph (a) is based on the
current section with no substantive differences. Proposed paragraph (b)
would permit applicants who have successfully completed all applicable
knowledge tests and who apply for an AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating within 90 days after graduation from certain part 147 aviation
maintenance technician schools (which have been specifically authorized
by the Administrator to test the applicants on the applicable
competency requirements) to be considered as meeting all applicable
knowledge, experience, and competency requirements.
Section 66.63 Aircraft Rating: Privileges and Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.63, based on current Secs. 65.81, 65.85, and 65.87
would define the privileges and limitations of an AMT certificate
holder with an aircraft rating. Proposed paragraphs (a) and (b) are
based on current Sec. 65.81; however, the proposal would clarify and
expand the manner in which an AMT may become qualified to supervise the
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of any aircraft, or
approve for return to service any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine,
propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof. In addition to those
means specified in current Sec. 65.81 for mechanics, the proposal would
provide the holder of an AMT certificate and aircraft rating with an
additional means to qualify for the exercise of these privileges. The
holder of an AMT certificate would be permitted to exercise the
privileges mentioned above if the AMT had received training on the
tasks to be performed or had previously performed such work under the
direct supervision of an appropriately rated certificate holder who
also had received appropriate training on the tasks to be performed.
Additionally, the proposal would clarify the intent of current
Sec. 65.81 by permitting the holder of an AMT certificate with an
aircraft rating to exercise the privileges of the certificate and
rating by demonstrating the ability to perform the work to the
satisfaction of the Administrator. The current regulation requires
actual performance of the work.
Except for those restrictions imposed by proposed paragraph (d), an
AMT with an aircraft rating would, under proposed paragraph (c), retain
current privileges of a mechanic with an airframe and powerplant rating
and would be permitted to perform the 100-hour inspection required by
part 91.
Proposed paragraph (d)(1) would set forth limitations on the holder
of an AMT certificate with an aircraft rating. These limitations
currently are not applicable to the holder of a mechanic certificate
with an airframe and powerplant rating. The holder of an AMT
certificate with an aircraft rating would not be permitted to approve
for return to service any aircraft certificated under part 25 or part
29, except after the performance of those tasks specified in paragraph
(c) of appendix A to part 43 or after the performance of other tasks
specified by the Administrator.
Proposed paragraph (d)(2) would prohibit an AMT with an aircraft
rating from performing or supervising a major repair or major
alteration of a propeller or any repair or alteration of instruments
(other than a horizontal-card liquid-filled compass), unless the work
is being performed for, and is under the direct supervision and control
of, a repair station certificated under part 145 or an air carrier
conducting operations under part 121 or part 135.
Proposed paragraph (d)(3) also would prohibit an AMT with an
aircraft rating from approving for return to service any aircraft,
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part
after completing a major repair or major alteration, or from approving
for return to service any instrument other than a horizontal-card
liquid-filled compass after completing any repair or alteration.
In paragraph (d)(4), the proposal would require that a certificated
AMT understand current instructions for continued airworthiness and the
maintenance instructions for the specific operation concerned to
exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating. Current
Sec. 65.81 requires a mechanic to understand the more limited current
instructions of the manufacturer and the maintenance manuals for the
specific operation concerned.
Section 66.65 Aircraft Rating: Recent Experience Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.65 would prescribe the specific recent experience
requirements for an AMT with an aircraft rating. This proposed section
is based on current Sec. 65.83. The proposal would permit the holder of
an AMT certificate with an aircraft rating to satisfy proposed recent
experience requirements by using those means currently available to the
holder of a mechanic certificate to meet current recent experience
requirements. The proposal also would permit the holder of an AMT
certificate with an aircraft rating additional means to maintain the
recent experience required to exercise the privileges of the
certificate and rating. In addition to the means currently specified in
Sec. 65.83(a), the proposal would allow the AMT to meet the recent
experience requirements to exercise the privileges of the certificate
and rating if the person had served under the supervision of an AMT or
AMT(T), provided aviation maintenance instruction under an aviation
maintenance training program acceptable to the Administrator, or
directly supervised other aviation maintenance instructors providing
aviation maintenance instruction for a training program acceptable to
the Administrator. The proposal also would allow the use of any
combination of the proposed and current methods to maintain recent
experience.
In addition to the proposed requirements set forth in proposed
paragraph (a)(1), proposed paragraph (a)(2) would require the
successful completion of recurrent training appropriate to the duties
of an AMT if the individual desires to exercise the privileges of the
certificate and rating for compensation or hire. This training may
consist of an AMT refresher course, an inspection authorization
refresher course, or any other course of instruction acceptable to the
Administrator that is appropriate to the duties of an AMT.
Additionally, an AMT could satisfy the proposed recurrent training
requirement in the following manner: through participation in the
required training program of a certificate holder with a maintenance
and preventive maintenance training program required under Sec. 121.375
or Sec. 135.433 (as specified in proposed paragraph (a)(2)(ii)) or
through participation in the training program of a U.S.-certificated
repair station that performs work in accordance with Sec. 145.2(a) or
conducts a maintenance and preventive maintenance training program (as
specified in proposed paragraph (a)(2)(iii)). An AMT also could satisfy
the proposed recurrent training requirement by providing aviation
maintenance instruction or by serving as the supervisor of persons
providing aviation maintenance instruction.
[[Page 37194]]
Proposed paragraph (b) would not require all AMTs to complete the
new recurrent training requirements. An AMT who, within the preceding
24 months, has successfully completed a requalification course
acceptable to the Administrator, or been found competent by the
Administrator to exercise the privileges of the certificate, would not
be subject to the proposed training requirements.
Proposed paragraph (c) sets forth the limitations on exercising,
for compensation or hire, the privileges of the AMT certificate with an
aircraft rating. It would permit an AMT who has met the requirements of
proposed paragraph (a)(1), but not proposed paragraph (a)(2) or (b), to
exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating, but not for
compensation or hire.
Section 66.67 Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating: Additional
Eligibility Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.67 would set forth the additional eligibility
requirements for applicants seeking an aviation maintenance instructor
rating. Proposed paragraph (a)(1) would require an applicant to possess
a current and valid AMT certificate, with an aircraft rating, that has
been in effect for a total of at least 3 years. Proposed paragraph
(a)(2) would require an applicant to have been actively engaged in
maintaining aircraft for at least the 2-year period before the date of
application.
An applicant also would be required, in proposed paragraph (a)(3),
to have passed a knowledge test on those subjects pertinent to the
exercise of the privileges of the aviation maintenance instructor
rating. In lieu of passing such a test within 24 months of application
for the rating, an applicant who could present evidence of recognized
instructional proficiency, as stated in the proposed rule, would not be
required to pass the knowledge test for the rating.
Proposed paragraph (b) would recognize the proficiency of
experienced, yet noncertificated, instructors. An applicant who, within
12 months after the effective date of the rule, could present evidence
acceptable to the Administrator that he or she had served as an
aviation maintenance instructor or as the supervisor of aviation
maintenance instructors at an aviation maintenance technician school
certificated under part 147 would not be required to pass a knowledge
test on instructional proficiency.
Section 66.69 Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating: Instructional
Knowledge and Proficiency
Proposed Sec. 66.69 would specifically list those subjects in which
an applicant for an aviation maintenance instructor rating would be
required to demonstrate satisfactory instructional knowledge and
proficiency. This material is identical to that contained in the
Fundamentals of Instruction knowledge test.
Section 66.71 Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating: Privileges and
Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.71 would set forth the general privileges and
limitations of the AMT certificate with an aviation maintenance
instructor rating.
Section 66.73 Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating: Recent
Experience Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.73 would prescribe the specific recent experience
requirements for an AMT with an aviation maintenance instructor rating.
An individual holding this certificate and rating would not be
permitted to exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating
unless, within the preceding 24 months, the holder had provided 300
hours of aviation maintenance instruction or had supervised other
aviation maintenance instructors for a period of 300 hours. The holder
also would meet the proposed recent experience requirements upon
completion of an AMT refresher course (or other course of instruction
acceptable to the Administrator) or if the Administrator had made a
determination that the holder met the standards prescribed for the
issuance of the certificate and rating.
Part 66, Subpart C Aviation Maintenance Technicians (Transport)
The structure of part 66, subpart C, is based on the current
structure of part 65, subpart D. Under the proposed rule, the title of
part 66, subpart C, would become ``Aviation Maintenance Technicians
(Transport).''
Section 66.101 Eligibility Requirements: General
Proposed Sec. 66.101 sets for the eligibility requirements for the
proposed AMT(T) certificate. It would require all applicants for the
AMT(T) certificate to hold a current and valid AMT certificate and to
comply with any additional requirements for any rating sought. Because
an applicant for an AMT(T) certificate would be required to hold a
current and valid AMT certificate, an applicant would be required to
have complied with proposed Sec. 66.51. Therefore, these requirements
have not been repeated in the proposed section.
Section 66.103 Ratings
Proposed Sec. 66.103 would establish aircraft and aviation
maintenance instructor ratings issued under subpart C.
Section 66.105 Transition to New Certificates and Ratings
Proposed Sec. 66.105 would establish the equivalency of the
mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings and the
proposed AMT(T) certificate with the aircraft rating. Therefore, the
privileges and limitations of the proposed AMT(T) certificate with an
aircraft rating would be identical to those of the current mechanic
certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings. As the FAA would
continue to recognize mechanic certificates with either an airframe
rating or a powerplant rating, proposed paragraphs (b) and (c) would
set forth approval for return-to-service limitations on the holders of
these certificates, which are identical to those found in current part
65.
Section 66.107 Aircraft Rating: Additional Eligibility Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.107 would set forth the additional eligibility
requirements for the issuance of an AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft
rating. An applicant would be required to successfully complete: an
AMT(T) training program administered by an approved training provider;
an AMT(T) training program approved under part 147; or a training
program approved under part 121, subpart L, or part 135, subpart J.
Training programs provided by a certificate holder would be required to
meet the training program requirements specified in paragraph (d) of
appendix A to proposed part 66.
Section 66.109 Aircraft Rating: Privileges and Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.109 is based on current Secs. 65.81, 65.85, and
65.87, and would define the privileges and limitations of an AMT(T)
certificate with an aircraft rating. Proposed Sec. 66.109 is
structurally similar to proposed Sec. 66.63, which sets forth the
privileges and limitations of the AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating.
The holder of an AMT(T) certificate with an aircraft rating would
possess all of the privileges provided to the holder of the AMT
certificate with an aircraft rating, as set forth in proposed
Sec. 66.63. Proposed Sec. 66.109(d), however, would not include the
limitation placed on the holder of an AMT certificate with an aircraft
rating found in proposed Sec. 66.63
[[Page 37195]]
that precludes the holder from approving for return to service any
aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29.
Section 66.111 Aircraft Rating: Recent Experience Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.111 would prescribe the specific recent experience
requirements for AMT(T)s with an aircraft rating. This proposed section
is based on current Sec. 65.83 and is structurally similar to proposed
Sec. 66.65. It would differ from proposed Sec. 66.65 in that the
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations, which the AMT(T)
with an aircraft rating would be required to have performed,
supervised, or provided instruction in for at least 6 months within the
preceding 24 months, would be required to be on an aircraft
certificated under part 25 or part 29, or on any airframe, aircraft
engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof. The proposed
recurrent training requirements would be identical to those proposed
for the AMT. It also would permit the holder of an AMT(T) certificate
who had not satisfied the recent experience requirements for an AMT(T)
certificate, but had satisfied the recent experience requirements for
an AMT certificate, to exercise the privileges of the AMT certificate.
Section 66.113 Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating: Additional
Eligibility Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.113 would set forth the eligibility requirements
for applicants with an AMT(T) certificate and aircraft rating who are
seeking an aviation maintenance instructor rating. The requirements of
proposed Sec. 66.113 would be similar to those established for an
applicant with an AMT certificate and aircraft rating who is seeking an
aviation maintenance instructor rating as set forth in proposed
Sec. 66.67.
The proposed section would differ from proposed Sec. 66.67 in that
it also would permit a person possessing an AMT certificate with an
aviation maintenance instructor rating, who meets the requirements for
the issuance of an AMT(T) certificate, to be issued an AMT(T)
certificate with an aviation maintenance instructor rating, upon
application.
Section 66.115 Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating: Privileges and
Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.115 would set forth the general privileges and
limitations of the AMT(T) certificate with an aviation maintenance
instructor rating.
Section 66.117 Aviation Maintenance Instructor Rating: Recent
Experience Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.117 would prescribe the specific recent experience
requirements for AMT(T)s with an aviation maintenance instructor
rating. The recent experience requirements set forth for an AMT(T) with
an aviation maintenance instructor rating would be identical to those
set forth in proposed Sec. 66.73 for an AMT with an aviation
maintenance instructor rating. Because instructional skill is
independent of the type of items on which an AMT(T) provides
instruction, the aviation maintenance instruction that the individual
would be required to provide to maintain recent experience, would not
be required to pertain to aircraft certificated under part 25 or part
29, or to the airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances,
components, or parts thereof.
Section 66.119 Aviation Maintenance Technician (Transport) Training
Providers
Proposed Sec. 66.119 would set forth the requirements for those
persons seeking approval as AMT(T) training providers. An applicant for
approval as a training provider would be required to submit a written
request for approval to the Administrator and to comply with appendix A
to proposed part 66.
Proposed paragraph (b) would only require a certificate holder
operating under part 121 or part 135, an aviation maintenance
technician school certificated under part 147, or a certificated repair
station operating pursuant to Sec. 145.2(a) to request approval and
show that its training program meets the requirements of paragraph (d)
of appendix A to proposed part 66.
Part 66, Subpart D Inspection Authorizations
Proposed part 66, subpart D, would consolidate into a single
subpart those portions of current part 65 that pertain to the issuance
of inspection authorizations. Under the proposed rule, the title of
part 66, subpart D, would become ``Inspection Authorizations.''
Section 66.151 Eligibility Requirements: General
Proposed Sec. 66.151 is based on current Sec. 65.91 and would set
forth the general eligibility requirements for applicants for an
inspection authorization. Proposed paragraph (a) would require an
applicant to meet the requirements of current Sec. 65.91(c) and would
establish an additional requirement for applicants to have attended and
successfully completed an inspection authorization course, acceptable
to the Administrator, of not less than 8 hours of instruction during
the 12-month period preceding the application. Attendance at such a
course would ensure standardization of inspection procedures and a more
uniform interpretation of regulatory and advisory material by holders
of the inspection authorization. The proposal would permit the holder
of an AMT certificate or an AMT(T) certificate to obtain an inspection
authorization. It would also require the applicant to have passed a
knowledge test on his or her ability to inspect according to safety
standards for approving aircraft for return to service after all
repairs and alterations.
Proposed paragraph (b) would set forth the requirements for an
applicant seeking to remove the limitation imposed by proposed
Sec. 66.157(b). Proposed paragraph (b) would require an applicant
seeking to inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft
certificated under part 25 or part 29 (except those maintained in
accordance with a continuous airworthiness maintenance program approved
under part 121) to possess an AMT(T) certificate and to have been
actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period before application, in
the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft
certificated under part 25 or part 29, or of any airframe, aircraft
engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof.
Proposed paragraph (c) would retain the current prohibition against
applying for a retest within 90 days after a previous testing failure.
Section 66.153 Duration of Authorization
Proposed Sec. 66.153 would prescribe the duration of an inspection
authorization. This proposed section is based on current Sec. 65.92,
with two substantive differences. Under the proposal, the expiration
date of the inspection authorization would be extended to the last day
of the 24th month after its issuance. Under the current regulation, the
inspection authorization expires on March 31 of each year.
Additionally, the proposal would state that an inspection authorization
would no longer be effective if its holder does not possess a current
and valid AMT or AMT(T) certificate.
Section 66.155 Renewal of Authorization
Proposed Sec. 66.155 would prescribe the renewal procedures for an
[[Page 37196]]
inspection authorization and is based on current Sec. 65.93. The
proposed section would extend the inspection authorization renewal
requirement to every 2 years so that it would correspond to the
extension of the duration of the inspection authorization, as proposed
in Sec. 66.153. Applications for renewal would be required to be
presented to the appropriate FAA office within 90 days before the date
of an inspection authorization's expiration.
The proposal would retain current provisions specifying the renewal
requirements for an inspection authorization and also would permit the
holder of an inspection authorization to use a combination of annual
inspections, inspections of major repairs or major alterations, and
progressive inspections to satisfy renewal requirements. To facilitate
the combination of these inspections, the proposal would change the
currently specified 90-day period to a 3-month period.
Under the current regulation, the holder of an inspection
authorization may renew the authorization by attending and successfully
completing a refresher course, acceptable to the Administrator, of not
less than 8 hours, during the 12-month period preceding the application
for renewal. As the proposed rule would extend the duration of the
inspection authorization from 12 months to 24 months, the amount of
time required for the holder of an inspection authorization to renew an
authorization by using this method, in lieu of other performance
requirements, would be proportionally increased to 16 hours. The
proposal would specify that this training could be accomplished through
attendance at an inspection authorization refresher course or a series
of courses, acceptable to the Administrator, during the expanded
renewal period. The proposal recognizes recent developments in
instructional techniques and, through the acceptance of a series of
courses acceptable to the Administrator, would permit instructional
methods that may differ from the standard classroom or lecture format.
Section 66.157 Privileges and Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.157 would prescribe the privileges and limitations
of an inspection authorization. The privileges of the holder of an
AMT(T) certificate with an inspection authorization are based on
current Sec. 65.95, with no substantive differences. The privileges of
the holder of an AMT certificate with an inspection authorization are
based on current Sec. 65.95, with certain distinctions that reflect the
privileges and limitations of the AMT certificate. The holder of an AMT
certificate with an inspection authorization would possess those
privileges specified in current Sec. 65.95 except that the holder would
not be permitted to inspect and approve aircraft certificated under
part 25 or part 29 for return to service after completion of a major
repair or a major alteration. The holder of an AMT certificate with an
inspection authorization also would not be permitted to perform an
annual inspection, or perform or supervise a progressive inspection,
according to Secs. 43.13 and 43.15, on aircraft that have been
certificated under part 25 or part 29.
Part 66, Subpart E Aviation Repair Specialists
The structure of part 66, subpart E, is based on the current
structure of part 65, subpart D. Under the proposed rule, the title of
part 66, subpart E, would become ``Aviation Repair Specialists.''
Section 66.201 Aviation Repair Specialist Certificates Issued on the
Basis of Proficiency in a Designated Specialty Area (ARS-I):
Eligibility
Proposed Sec. 66.201 would set forth the general eligibility
requirements for an applicant seeking an aviation repair specialist
certificate issued on the basis of proficiency in a designated
specialty area (ARS-I). An applicant for this new certificate would be
required to be at least 18 years of age and demonstrate the ability to
read, write, speak, and understand the English language by reading and
explaining appropriate maintenance publications, and by writing defect
and repair statements. The Administrator, however, could place such
limitations on an applicant's certificate as are necessary for the safe
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft if the
applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements because of
medical reasons.
The applicant also would be required to present either an
appropriate graduation certificate, a certificate of completion, or
other documentary evidence acceptable to the Administrator, that
demonstrates the satisfactory completion of an acceptable aviation
repair specialist training course or program for a rating in a
specialty area designated by the Administrator. Before 12 months after
the effective date of the rule, evidence acceptable to the
Administrator of the ability to perform those tasks appropriate to the
certificate and rating in the designated specialty area sought, also
could be presented.
Section 66.203 Aviation Repair Specialist Certificates Issued on the
Basis of Employment (ARS-II): Eligibility
Proposed Sec. 66.203 is based on current Sec. 65.101 and would
prescribe the general eligibility requirements for the aviation repair
specialist certificate issued on the basis of employment (ARS-II). The
language of proposed paragraph (b) differs from current Sec. 65.101 in
that it would not only require an applicant for an aviation repair
specialist certificate to read, write, speak, and understand the
English language but also would require the applicant to demonstrate
this knowledge by reading and explaining appropriate maintenance
publications and by writing defect and repair statements. The
Administrator, however, could place such limitations on an applicant's
certificate as are necessary for the safe maintenance, preventive
maintenance, or alteration of aircraft if the applicant is unable to
meet any of these requirements because of medical reasons. The proposal
also differs from current Sec. 65.101 in that it would eliminate the
issuance of certificates to individuals who cannot read, write, speak,
or understand the English language and who are employed solely outside
the United States by a U.S.-certificated repair station, a U.S.-
certificated commercial operator, or a U.S.-certificated air carrier.
This change corresponds with proposed Secs. 66.51 and 66.101, which
eliminate the issuance of AMT and AMT(T) certificates under similar
circumstances.
Proposed paragraph (c) differs from the current section in that it
would provide a more comprehensive listing of items on which an
applicant could be qualified to perform maintenance (aircraft,
airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, components, and
parts thereof). Proposed paragraph (d) would change the current
reference in Sec. 65.101(a)(3) from ``its maintenance manuals'' to
``its certificate holder's manual''.
Proposed paragraph (f)(1) would specify the current 18-month
practical experience requirement in hours instead of months as set
forth in current Sec. 65.101(a)(5)(i). The 3,000 hours of experience
specified in the proposal are approximately equal to the current 18-
month experience requirement.
Section 66.205 Aviation Repair Specialist Certificates Issued to
Experimental Aircraft Builders (ARS-III): Eligibility
Proposed Sec. 66.205 is based on current Sec. 65.104(a). The
proposed section would
[[Page 37197]]
change the term ``repairman certificate-experimental aircraft builder''
to ``aviation repair specialist certificate issued to an experimental
aircraft builder (ARS-III).'' There are no substantive differences
between the proposed section and current Sec. 65.104(a).
Section 66.207 Transition to New Certificates
Proposed Sec. 66.207 establishes the equivalency of the proposed
ARS-II certificate with the repairman certificate specified in current
Sec. 65.101, and the equivalency of the proposed ARS-III certificate
with the repairman certificate (experimental aircraft builder)
specified in current Sec. 65.104.
Section 66.209 Aviation Repair Specialist Certificates Issued on the
Basis of Proficiency in a Designated Area (ARS-I): Privileges and
Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.209 would set forth the general privileges and
limitations of the aviation repair specialist certificate issued on the
basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I). The holder
of the certificate would be permitted to perform or supervise the
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft,
airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, components, and
parts thereof appropriate to the designated specialty area for which
the aviation repair specialist is certificated but only in connection
with employment by a certificate holder operating under part 121, 135,
or 145.
Proposed paragraph (b) would prohibit the holder from performing or
supervising duties unless the individual understands the current
instructions of the certificate holder employing the aviation repair
specialist and the instructions for continued airworthiness that relate
to the specific operations concerned.
Section 66.211 Aviation Repair Specialist Certificates Issued on the
Basis of Employment (ARS-II): Privileges and Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.211 is based on current Sec. 65.103 and would set
forth the general privileges and limitations of the aviation repair
specialist certificate issued on the basis of employment (ARS-II).
Proposed paragraph (a) differs from the current section in that it
would provide a more comprehensive listing of items on which an
applicant could be qualified to perform work (aircraft, airframes,
aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, components, and parts
thereof). Proposed paragraph (b) is equivalent to current
Sec. 65.103(b).
Section 66.213 Aviation Repair Specialist Certificates Issued to
Experimental Aircraft Builders (ARS-III): Privileges and Limitations
Proposed Sec. 66.213 is based on current Sec. 65.104(b), with no
substantive changes.
Section 66.215 Aviation Repair Specialist Certificates Issued on the
Basis of Proficiency in a Designated Specialty Area (ARS-I): Recent
Experience Requirements
Proposed Sec. 66.215 would set forth recent experience requirements
for holders of aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the
basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I). The holder
would not be permitted to exercise the privileges of the certificate
and rating unless the holder meets the current qualification and
proficiency requirements for the issuance of the certificate and rating
in the designated specialty area.
Part 66, Appendix A+Aviation Maintenance Technician (Transport)
Training Program Curriculum Requirements
Proposed appendix A to part 66 would set forth the training program
requirements for the AMT(T) curriculum. It would set forth the minimum
requirements for the form and content of the training program outline
and would establish minimum training program requirements. It also
would permit the provision of training in additional subject areas not
specified in the appendix and would establish procedures for the
revision of an approved training provider's training program. The
proposal also would describe the facilities, equipment, material, and
instructor requirements necessary to conduct an AMT(T) training
program.
The proposal would describe those student records that would be
required to be retained by the training provider and the amount of
credit the training provider could provide to a student for previous
training. It also would require an approved training provider to
furnish each student with a statement of graduation upon completion of
the curriculum and, upon request, a record of training for any portion
of the training program that has been completed.
The proposed appendix would set forth notification requirements for
training providers in the event of a change of ownership, name, or
location. It also would establish standards for the conduct of
instruction provided by contract or agreement. In addition, the
proposal would set forth specific periods for the duration of a
training provider's approval and establish criteria for cancellation
and renewal of the approval.
Section 147.23 Instructor Requirements
The proposal would amend current Sec. 147.23 to require that an
applicant for an aviation maintenance technician school certificate and
rating(s) provide the number of instructors who hold appropriate AMT or
AMT(T) certificates with aviation maintenance instructor ratings, that
the Administrator determines is necessary to provide adequate
supervision of the students. Twelve months after the effective date of
the rule, at least 1 AMT with an aviation maintenance instructor
rating, or 1 AMT(T) with an aviation maintenance instructor rating,
would be required for every 25 students in each shop class.
Section 147.36 Maintenance Instructor Requirements
The proposal would amend current Sec. 147.36 to require that each
aviation maintenance technician school, after certification or addition
of a rating, provide the number of instructors who hold appropriate AMT
certificates with aviation maintenance instructor ratings or AMT(T)
certificates with aviation maintenance instructor ratings, that the
Administrator determines is necessary to provide adequate instruction
for the students. Twelve months after the effective date of the rule,
at least 1 AMT with an aviation maintenance instructor rating, or 1
AMT(T) with an aviation maintenance instructor rating, would be
required for every 25 students in each shop class.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Proposed Sec. 66.17 contains information collection requirements
that are not contained in the current rule. As required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507(d)), the FAA has
submitted a copy of this proposed section to the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) for its review.
The FAA needs the information to be collected to determine the
number of active AMT and AMT(T) certificate holders and to obtain
current address information from these personnel so that safety-related
data can be quickly distributed to these personnel when necessary. The
FAA estimates that the additional burden of collecting this information
during the first year of the proposed rule is 20,000 hours. One year
after the effective date of the proposed
[[Page 37198]]
rule, this information would be updated by holders of AMT and AMT(T)
certificates once over a 48-month period. The estimated burden of
collecting this information would be reduced to 5,000 hours annually.
The FAA estimates that this proposal will affect 120,000
certificate holders during the first year of the proposal and 30,000
certificate holders annually afterward.
Organizations and individuals desiring to submit comments on the
information collection requirement should direct them to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Room 1235, New Executive
Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; Attention: Desk Officer for
Federal Aviation Administration. These comments should reflect whether
the proposed collection is necessary; whether the agency's estimate of
the burden is accurate; how the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected can be enhanced; and how the burden of the
collection can be minimized. A copy of the comments should be submitted
to the FAA Rules Docket.
International Civil Aviation Organization and Joint Aviation
Regulations
In keeping with U.S. obligations under the Convention on
International Civil Aviation (ICAO), it is FAA policy to comply with
ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices to the maximum extent
practicable. The FAA is not aware of any differences that this proposal
would present if adopted. Any differences that may be presented in
comments to this proposal, however, will be taken into consideration.
Regulatory Evaluation Summary
Cost-Benefit Analysis
This section summarizes the full regulatory evaluation prepared by
the FAA that provides more detailed estimates of the economic
consequences of this regulatory action. This summary and the full
evaluation quantify, to the extent practicable, estimated costs to the
private sector, consumers, Federal, State and local governments, as
well as anticipated benefits. The evaluation was conducted in
accordance with Executive Order 12866, which directs that each Federal
agency can propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify the
costs. This document also includes an initial regulatory flexibility
determination, required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, and
an international trade impact assessment, required by the Office of
Management and Budget.
This document is considered a ``non-significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by
the Office of Management and Budget. This document is also considered
non-significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the
Department of Transportation (44 FR 11034; February 2, 1979).
Costs
This proposed rule would revise the regulations that prescribe the
certification and training requirements for mechanics and repairmen.
Current regulations prescribing these certification requirements do not
reflect the extensive differences in the maintenance skills required of
currently certificated personnel, the significant technological
advances that have occurred in the aviation industry, and the
enhancements in training and instructional methods, that have affected
all aviation maintenance personnel. The proposed rule would consolidate
and clarify for aviation maintenance personnel all certification,
training, experience, and currency requirements in a newly established
14 CFR part 66. This rulemaking would create additional certificates
and ratings, and would modify the privileges and limitations of current
certificates to respond more closely to the current responsibilities of
aviation maintenance personnel. The proposed rule also would enhance
the technical capabilities of, and increase the level of
professionalism among, aviation maintenance personnel by establishing
new training requirements.
The total quantifiable cost in second quarter 1996 dollars was
estimated at between $219 million and $404 million over ten years
(between $153.8 million and $283.8 million discounted). The cost range
is a function of the estimated range of affected mechanics. The total
quantifiable costs to all affected mechanics for obtaining an aviation
maintenance technician (transport) (AMT(T)) certificate were estimated
at between $146 million and $293 million over ten years (between $102.5
and $207.8 million discounted at 7 percent). The cost of the provision
relating to recurrent training would range between $73 million and $111
million over ten years (between $51.3 million and $78.0 million,
discounted).
Cost Savings
There are a number of potential sources of cost savings in the
proposal. Improved training is expected to increase productivity
between about $238 million and $595 million (between $167.2 million and
$417.9 million, discounted over ten years). Elimination of course
redundancy in the A & P curriculum could provide estimated cost savings
between $166 million to $222 million over ten years (between $116.6
million and $155.9 million, discounted). Other changes could add
approximately $18.1 million in cost savings over ten years ($12.7
million, discounted). The total potential cost savings would therefore
range between $422.1 million and $817.0 million total over ten years
(between $296.4 million and $573.8 million, discounted).
Based upon the low compliance cost coupled with the potential cost
savings, the FAA concludes that the proposed rule is cost beneficial.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Determination
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) (Public Law 96-354;
September 19, 1980) was enacted by Congress to ensure that small
entities are not unnecessarily and disproportionately burdened by
government regulations. The RFA requires agencies to review rules that
may have ``a significant cost impact on a substantial number of small
entities.''
All of the major changes to the rules discussed in this NPRM would
affect mechanics and repairmen, who are individuals rather than
business entities or government entities. The revisions that impact
maintenance schools would not exceed the cost-threshold level, as found
in FAA Order 2100.14A, ``Regulatory Flexibility Criteria and Guidance''
(September 1986). Therefore, the FAA has determined that the proposed
revisions would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.
International Trade Impact
The proposed rule would not affect international trade since the
mechanics affected would not be employed by firms whose operations are
of an international scale.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Assessment
This proposed rule does not contain any Federal intergovernmental
or private sector mandate. Therefore, the requirements of Title II of
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 do not apply.
Federalism Implications
The regulations proposed herein will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the
[[Page 37199]]
national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among various levels of government. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Cross-Reference
To identify the location in proposed part 66 where present
regulations (or portions thereof) pertaining to mechanics and repairmen
would be found, the following cross-reference list is provided.
(Current Secs. 65.1 through 65.23, except for Sec. 65.3, would not be
deleted from part 65 as these sections would still pertain to those
airmen who would continue to be regulated by that part.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Old New
------------------------------------------------------------------------
65.1...................................... 66.1
65.3...................................... 66.3
65.11..................................... 66.5
65.12..................................... 66.27
65.13..................................... 66.7
65.15..................................... 66.9
65.16..................................... 66.13
65.17..................................... 66.21
65.18..................................... 66.23
65.19..................................... 66.25
65.20..................................... 66.19
65.21..................................... 66.15
65.23..................................... 66.29
65.71..................................... 66.51 and 66.101
65.73..................................... 66.53 and 66.103
65.75..................................... 66.55
65.77..................................... 66.57
65.79..................................... 66.59
65.80..................................... 66.61
65.81..................................... 66.63 and 66.109
65.83..................................... 66.65 and 66.111
65.85..................................... 66.63 and 66.109
65.87..................................... 66.63 and 66.109
65.89..................................... 66.11
65.91..................................... 66.151
65.92..................................... 66.153
65.93..................................... 66.155
65.95..................................... 66.157
65.101.................................... 66.203
65.103.................................... 66.211
65.104.................................... 66.205 and 66.213
65.105.................................... 66.11
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following list shows where the proposals contained in this
document can be found in current part 65:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Old
------------------------------------------------------------------------
66.1...................................... 65.1
66.3...................................... 65.3
66.5...................................... 65.11
66.7...................................... 65.13
66.9...................................... 65.15
66.11..................................... 65.89 and 65.105
66.13..................................... 65.16
66.15..................................... 65.21
66.17..................................... New
66.19..................................... 65.20
66.21..................................... 65.17
66.23..................................... 65.18
66.25..................................... 65.19
66.27..................................... 65.12
66.29..................................... 65.23
66.31..................................... New
66.51..................................... 65.71
66.53..................................... 65.73
66.55..................................... 65.75
66.57..................................... 65.77
66.59..................................... 65.79
66.61..................................... 65.80
66.63..................................... 65.81, 65.85, and 65.87
66.65..................................... 65.83
66.67..................................... New
66.69..................................... New
66.71..................................... New
66.73..................................... New
66.101.................................... 65.71
66.103.................................... 65.73
66.105.................................... New
66.107.................................... New
66.109.................................... 65.81, 65.85, and 65.87
66.111.................................... 65.83
66.113.................................... New
66.115.................................... New
66.117.................................... New
66.119.................................... New
66.151.................................... 65.91
66.153.................................... 65.92
66.155.................................... 65.93
66.157.................................... 65.95
66.201.................................... New
66.203.................................... 65.101
66.205.................................... 65.104
66.207.................................... New
66.209.................................... New
66.211.................................... 65.103
66.213.................................... 65.104
66.215.................................... New
------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Subjects
14 CFR Part 65
Air traffic controllers, Aircraft, Airmen, Airports, Alcohol abuse,
Drug abuse, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
14 CFR Part 66
Air safety, Air transportation, Aircraft, Airmen, Alcohol abuse,
Aviation safety, Drug abuse, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
14 CFR Part 147
Aircraft, Airmen, Educational facilities, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Schools.
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend Chapter I of 14 CFR as follows:
PART 65--CERTIFICATION: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER OPERATORS,
AIRCRAFT DISPATCHERS, AND PARACHUTE RIGGERS
1. The heading for part 65 is revised to read as set forth above.
2. The authority citation for part 65 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-
44711, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.
Sec. 65.1 [Amended]
3. Section 65.1 is amended by removing paragraphs (c) and (d) and
redesignating paragraph (e) as paragraph (c).
Sec. 65.3 [Removed and Reserved]
4. Section 65.3 is removed and reserved.
5. Section 65.11 is amended by revising paragraphs (c) and (d) to
read as follows:
Sec. 65.11 Application and issue.
* * * * *
(c) Unless authorized by the Administrator, a person whose air
traffic control tower operator certificate or parachute rigger
certificate is suspended may not apply for any rating to be added to
that certificate during the period of suspension.
(d) Unless the order of revocation provides otherwise, a person
whose air traffic control tower operator, aircraft dispatcher, or
parachute rigger certificate is revoked may not apply for the same kind
of certificate for 1 year after the date of revocation.
6. Section 65.15 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 65.15 Duration of certificates.
(a) A certificate or rating issued under this part is effective
until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
(b) The holder of a certificate issued under this part that is
suspended, revoked, or is no longer effective, shall return that
certificate to the Administrator.
Subpart D [Removed and Reserved]
7. Part 65, subpart D, consisting of Secs. 65.71 through 65.95, is
removed and reserved.
Subpart E [Removed and Reserved]
8. Part 65, subpart E, consisting of Secs. 65.101 through 65.105,
is removed and reserved.
9. Part 66 is added to read as follows:
[[Page 37200]]
PART 66--CERTIFICATION: AVIATION MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
Subpart A--General
Sec.
66.1 Applicability.
66.3 Certification of foreign aviation maintenance personnel.
66.5 Application and issue.
66.7 Temporary certificate.
66.9 Duration of certificates.
66.11 Display of certificate.
66.13 Change of name: Replacement of lost or destroyed certificate.
66.15 Change of address.
66.17 Periodic registration.
66.19 Applications, certificates, logbooks, reports, and records:
Falsification, reproduction, or alteration.
66.21 Tests: General procedure.
66.23 Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct.
66.25 Retesting after failure.
66.27 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
66.29 Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test.
66.31 Waivers: Policy and procedures.
Subpart B--Aviation Maintenance Technicians
66.51 Eligibility requirements: General.
66.53 Ratings.
66.55 Aircraft rating: Knowledge requirements.
66.57 Aircraft rating: Experience requirements.
66.59 Aircraft rating: Competency requirements.
66.61 Certificated aviation maintenance technician school students.
66.63 Aircraft rating: Privileges and limitations.
66.65 Aircraft rating: Recent experience requirements.
66.67 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Additional
eligibility requirements.
66.69 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Instructional
knowledge and proficiency.
66.71 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Privileges and
limitations.
66.73 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Recent experience
requirements.
Subpart C--Aviation Maintenance Technicians (Transport)
66.101 Eligibility requirements: General.
66.103 Ratings.
66.105 Transition to new certificates and ratings.
66.107 Aircraft rating: Additional eligibility requirements.
66.109 Aircraft rating: Privileges and limitations.
66.111 Aircraft rating: Recent experience requirements.
66.113 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Additional
eligibility requirements.
66.115 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Privileges and
limitations.
66.117 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Recent experience
requirements.
66.119 Aviation maintenance technician (transport) training
providers.
Subpart D--Inspection Authorizations
66.151 Eligibility requirements: General.
66.153 Duration of authorization.
66.155 Renewal of authorization.
66.157 Privileges and limitations.
Subpart E--Aviation Repair Specialists
66.201 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the basis
of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I): Eligibility.
66.203 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the basis
of employment (ARS-II): Eligibility.
66.205 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued to
experimental aircraft builders (ARS-III): Eligibility.
66.207 Transition to new certificates.
66.209 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the basis
of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I): Privileges
and limitations.
66.211 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the basis
of employment (ARS-II): Privileges and limitations.
66.213 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued to
experimental aircraft builders (ARS-III): Privileges and
limitations.
66.215 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the basis
of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I): Recent
experience requirements.
Appendix A to Part 66--Aviation Maintenance Technician (Transport)
Training Program Curriculum Requirements
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-
44711, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 66.1 Applicability.
(a) This part prescribes the requirements for issuing the
certificates listed in paragraph (b) of this section and any associated
rating or inspection authorization and the general operating rules for
holders of those certificates, ratings, and inspection authorizations.
(b) The following certificates are issued under this part:
(1) Aviation maintenance technician.
(2) Aviation maintenance technician (transport).
(3) Aviation repair specialist.
Sec. 66.3 Certification of foreign aviation maintenance personnel.
A person who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a resident alien is
issued a certificate under subpart B or C of this part, outside the
United States, only when the Administrator finds that the certificate
is needed for the operation or continued airworthiness of a U.S.-
registered civil aircraft.
Sec. 66.5 Application and issue.
(a) Application for a certificate, rating, or inspection
authorization under this part must be made on a form and in a manner
prescribed by the Administrator. Each person who is neither a U.S.
citizen nor a resident alien and who applies for a knowledge or
practical test to be administered outside the United States or for any
certificate, rating, or inspection authorization issued under this part
must show evidence that the fee prescribed in appendix A to part 187 of
this chapter has been paid.
(b) An applicant who meets the requirements of this part is
entitled to an appropriate certificate, rating, or inspection
authorization.
(c) Unless authorized by the Administrator, a person whose aviation
maintenance technician certificate, aviation maintenance technician
(transport) certificate, or aviation repair specialist certificate is
suspended may not apply for any rating to be added to that certificate
during the period of suspension.
(d) Unless the order of revocation provides otherwise, a person
whose aviation maintenance technician certificate, aviation maintenance
technician (transport) certificate, or aviation repair specialist
certificate is revoked may not apply for any of these certificates for
1 year after the date of revocation.
Sec. 66.7 Temporary certificate.
A certificate or rating effective for a period of not more than 120
days may be issued to a qualified applicant, pending review of the
applicant's qualifications and the issuance by the Administrator of the
certificate or rating for which the application was made.
Sec. 66.9 Duration of certificates.
(a) An aviation maintenance technician certificate, an aviation
maintenance technician (transport) certificate, an aviation repair
specialist certificate issued on the basis of proficiency in a
designated specialty area (ARS-I), an aviation repair specialist
certificate issued to an experimental aircraft builder (ARS-III), or
any rating issued under this part is effective until it is surrendered,
suspended, or revoked.
(b) Unless it is sooner surrendered, suspended, or revoked, an
aviation repair specialist certificate issued on the basis of
employment (ARS-II) is effective until the holder of that certificate
is relieved from the duties for which the holder was employed and
certificated.
[[Page 37201]]
(c) The holder of a certificate issued under this part that is
suspended, revoked, or no longer effective, shall return that
certificate to the Administrator.
Sec. 66.11 Display of certificate.
Each person who holds an aviation maintenance technician
certificate, an aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate, or an aviation repair specialist certificate shall keep it
within the immediate area where the person normally exercises the
privileges of the certificate and shall present it for inspection upon
the request of the Administrator or an authorized representative of the
National Transportation Safety Board, or of any Federal, State, or
local law enforcement officer.
Sec. 66.13 Change of name: Replacement of lost or destroyed
certificate.
(a) An application for a change of name on a certificate issued
under this part must be accompanied by the applicant's current
certificate and the marriage license, court order, or other document
verifying the change. The documents are returned to the applicant after
inspection.
(b) An application for replacement of a lost or destroyed
certificate is made by letter to the Department of Transportation,
Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Certification Branch, Post
Office Box 25082, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125. The letter must--
(1) Contain the name in which the certificate was issued, the
permanent mailing address (including ZIP Code), Social Security Number
(if any), and date and place of birth of the certificate holder, and
any available information regarding the grade, number, and date of
issue of the certificate and the ratings on it; and
(2) Be accompanied by a check or money order for $2, payable to the
Federal Aviation Administration.
(c) A person whose certificate issued under this part has been lost
may obtain a telegram or facsimile from the Federal Aviation
Administration confirming that it was issued. The telegram or facsimile
may be carried as a certificate for a period not to exceed 90 days,
pending the receipt of a duplicate certificate under paragraph (b) of
this section, unless the person has been notified that the certificate
has been suspended or revoked. The request for such a telegram or
facsimile may be made by prepaid telegram or facsimile, stating the
date on which a duplicate certificate was requested, or including the
request for a duplicate and a money order for the appropriate amount.
The request for a telegraphic or facsimile certificate should be sent
to the office prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section.
Sec. 66.15 Change of address.
The holder of a certificate issued under this part who has made a
change in permanent mailing address may not, after 30 days from that
date, exercise the privileges of the certificate unless the holder has
notified, in writing, the Department of Transportation, Federal
Aviation Administration, Airman Certification Branch, Post Office Box
25082, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125, of the new address.
Sec. 66.17 Periodic registration.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the holder
of an aviation maintenance technician certificate or an aviation
maintenance technician (transport) certificate shall, before the last
day of the 12th calendar month after [date 12 months after the
effective date of the final rule], and before the last day of each 48-
calendar-month period thereafter, notify, in a form and manner
prescribed by the Administrator, the Department of Transportation,
Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Certification Branch, Post
Office Box 25082, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125, of his or her current
mailing address.
(b) The holder of an aviation maintenance technician certificate or
an aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate need not
comply with the notification provisions of paragraph (a) of this
section if the holder has, within the same 12- or 48-calendar-month
period for which a notification was required in paragraph (a) of this
section--
(1) Been issued a certificate, rating, or inspection authorization
under the provisions of this part;
(2) Been issued an airman medical certificate under the provisions
of part 67 of this chapter; or
(3) Notified the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
Administration, Airman Certification Branch, Post Office Box 25082,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125, under the provisions of Sec. 66.13 or
Sec. 66.15.
(c) The holder of an aviation maintenance technician certificate or
an aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate issued under
this part, who has not complied with the requirements of this section
may not exercise the privileges of the certificate until the
notification required by this section has been made.
Sec. 66.19 Applications, certificates, logbooks, reports, and records:
Falsification, reproduction, or alteration.
(a) No person may make or cause to be made--
(1) Any fraudulent or intentionally false statement on any
application for a certificate, rating, or inspection authorization
under this part;
(2) Any fraudulent or intentionally false entry in any logbook,
record, or report that is required to be kept, made, or used to show
compliance with any requirement for any certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization under this part;
(3) Any reproduction, for fraudulent purpose, of any certificate,
rating, or inspection authorization under this part; or
(4) Any alteration of any certificate, rating, or inspection
authorization under this part.
(b) The commission by any person of an act prohibited under
paragraph (a) of this section is a basis for suspending or revoking any
airman certificate, rating, or inspection authorization held by that
person.
Sec. 66.21 Tests: General procedure.
(a) Tests prescribed by or under this part are given at times and
places, and by persons, designated by the Administrator.
(b) The minimum passing grade for each test is 70 percent.
Sec. 66.23 Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct.
(a) Except as authorized by the Administrator, no person may--
(1) Copy, or intentionally remove, a knowledge test under this
part;
(2) Give to another, or receive from another, any part or copy of
that test;
(3) Give help on that test to, or receive help on that test from,
any person during the period that the test is being given;
(4) Take any part of that test on behalf of another person;
(5) Use any material or aid during the period that the test is
being given; or
(6) Intentionally cause, assist, or participate in any act
prohibited by this paragraph (a).
(b) No person who commits an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of
this section is eligible for any airman or ground instructor
certificate, rating, or inspection authorization under this chapter for
a period of 1 year after the date of that act. In addition, the
commission of that act is a basis for suspending or revoking any airman
or ground instructor certificate, rating, or inspection authorization
held by that person.
[[Page 37202]]
Sec. 66.25 Retesting after failure.
An applicant for a knowledge, oral, or practical test for a
certificate, rating, or inspection authorization under this part, may
apply for retesting--
(a) After 30 days after the date the applicant failed the test; or
(b) Before the 30 days have expired if the applicant presents a
signed statement from an airman holding the certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization sought by the applicant, which certifies that
the airman has given the applicant additional instruction in each of
the subjects failed and that the airman considers the applicant ready
for retesting.
Sec. 66.27 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
(a) A conviction for the violation of any Federal or State statute
relating to the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition,
possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs,
marihuana, or depressant or stimulant drugs or substances, is grounds
for--
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of final conviction; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization issued under this part.
(b) The commission of an act prohibited by Sec. 91.19(a) of this
chapter is grounds for--
(1) Denial of an application for a certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of that act; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization issued under this part.
Sec. 66.29 Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test.
(a) This section applies to an employee who performs a function
listed in appendix I or appendix J to part 121 of this chapter directly
or by contract for a certificate holder operating under part 121 or
part 135 of this chapter, or an operator as defined in Sec. 135.1(c) of
this chapter.
(b) Refusal by the holder of a certificate issued under this part
to take a drug test required under the provisions of appendix I to part
121 of this chapter or an alcohol test required under the provisions of
appendix J to part 121 of this chapter, is grounds for--
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of that refusal; and
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or
inspection authorization issued under this part.
Sec. 66.31 Waivers: Policy and procedures.
(a) If the Administrator finds that the holder can safely exercise
the privileges of the certificate and rating, the Administrator may
issue any certificate or associated rating, specified under the
provisions of this part, that authorizes the holder to exercise the
privileges and limitations of the certificate and rating in deviation
from Secs. 66.51(b), 66.57, 66.201(b), and 66.203(b).
(b) An application for a certificate and rating, issued under the
provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, shall be made on a form
and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator and must be submitted
to FAA Headquarters, Flight Standards Service, Aircraft Maintenance
Division (AFS'300), 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591.
(c) A certificate or any associated rating, issued under the
provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, is effective as specified
in the certificate and rating.
Subpart B--Aviation Maintenance Technicians
Sec. 66.51 Eligibility requirements: General.
An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate and
any associated rating must--
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand
the English language by reading and explaining appropriate maintenance
publications and by writing defect and repair statements. If the
applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements because of
medical reasons, the Administrator may place such limitations on that
applicant's certificate as are necessary for the safe maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft;
(c) Comply with the knowledge, experience, and competency
requirements prescribed for the rating sought;
(d) Comply with any additional eligibility requirements specified
for the rating sought; and
(e) Pass all of the prescribed tests for the rating sought, within
a period of 24 months.
Sec. 66.53 Ratings.
The following ratings are issued under this subpart:
(a) Aircraft.
(b) Aviation maintenance instructor.
Sec. 66.55 Aircraft rating: Knowledge requirements.
(a) Except as specified in Sec. 66.61(a), each applicant for an
aviation maintenance technician certificate with an aircraft rating
must, after meeting the applicable requirements of Sec. 66.57, pass the
applicable knowledge tests covering the construction and maintenance of
aircraft appropriate to the certificate and rating, the regulations in
this subpart, and the relevant provisions of this chapter.
(b) Except as specified in Sec. 66.61(a), each applicant must pass
all applicable knowledge tests before applying for the oral and
practical tests prescribed by Sec. 66.59. A report of the knowledge
tests will be made available to the applicant.
Sec. 66.57 Aircraft rating: Experience requirements.
Each applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate
with an aircraft rating must present--
(a) An appropriate graduation certificate or a certificate of
completion from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school;
or
(b) Documentary evidence, acceptable to the Administrator, of at
least 5,000 hours of practical experience with the procedures,
practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally
used in constructing, maintaining, or altering aircraft.
Sec. 66.59 Aircraft rating: Competency requirements.
Each applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate
with an aircraft rating must demonstrate competency in performing tasks
appropriate to the certificate sought by passing both an oral and a
practical test. These tests will be based on the subjects covered by
the knowledge tests for the certificate and rating.
Sec. 66.61 Certificated aviation maintenance technician school
students.
(a) Whenever an aviation maintenance technician school certificated
under part 147 of this chapter demonstrates to an FAA inspector that
one of its students has made satisfactory progress at the school and is
prepared to take the oral and practical tests prescribed by Sec. 66.59,
that student may take those tests during the final subjects of that
student's training in the approved curriculum before meeting the
applicable experience requirements of Sec. 66.57 and before passing the
knowledge tests prescribed by Sec. 66.55.
(b) An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate
and rating under this part who has successfully completed all
applicable knowledge tests is considered to meet
[[Page 37203]]
the knowledge, experience, and competency requirements prescribed for
the rating sought if the applicant applies within 90 days after
graduation from an aviation maintenance technician school, certificated
under part 147 of this chapter, that is specifically authorized by the
Administrator to test applicants on the competency requirements for the
certificate and rating sought.
Sec. 66.63 Aircraft rating: Privileges and limitations.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician with an aircraft rating
may perform the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration to
any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance,
component, or part thereof, and any additional duties in accordance
with Sec. 66.157.
(b) Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician with an aircraft rating
may supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration
of, or after inspection, approve for return to service, any aircraft,
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part
thereof provided the aviation maintenance technician, has--
(1) Satisfactorily performed the work at an earlier date;
(2) Demonstrated the ability to perform the work to the
satisfaction of the Administrator;
(3) Received training acceptable to the Administrator on the tasks
to be performed; or
(4) Performed the work while working under the direct supervision
of a certificated aviation maintenance technician, certificated
aviation maintenance technician (transport), or a certificated aviation
repair specialist, who has--
(i) Had previous experience in the specific operation concerned; or
(ii) Received training acceptable to the Administrator on the tasks
to be performed.
(c) Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician with an aircraft rating
may perform the 100-hour inspection required by part 91 of this chapter
on any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance,
component, or part thereof, and approve that aircraft, airframe,
aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part for return to
service.
(d) A certificated aviation maintenance technician with an aircraft
rating may not--
(1) Approve for return to service any aircraft certificated under
part 25 or part 29 of this chapter except after the performance of--
(i) Those tasks specified in paragraph (c) of appendix A to part 43
of this chapter; or
(ii) Other tasks specified by the Administrator;
(2) Perform or supervise (unless under the direct supervision and
control of a repair station certificated under part 145 of this chapter
or of an air carrier operating under part 121 or part 135 of this
chapter)--
(i) A major repair or major alteration of a propeller; or
(ii) Any repair or alteration of instruments other than a
horizontal-card liquid-filled compass;
(3) Approve for return to service--
(i) Any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance,
component, or part thereof after completion of a major repair or major
alteration; or
(ii) Any instrument other than a horizontal-card liquid-filled
compass after completion of any repair or alteration;
(4) Exercise the privileges of the certificate unless the aviation
maintenance technician understands the current instructions for
continued airworthiness and the maintenance instructions for the
specific operation concerned.
Sec. 66.65 Aircraft rating: Recent experience requirements.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician with an aircraft rating
may not exercise the privileges of the aircraft rating unless the
aviation maintenance technician has--
(1) For at least 6 months within the preceding 24 months--
(i) Served as an aviation maintenance technician;
(ii) Served under the supervision of a certificated aviation
maintenance technician or aviation maintenance technician (transport);
(iii) Technically supervised other aviation maintenance
technicians;
(iv) Provided aviation maintenance instruction or served as the
direct supervisor of persons providing aviation maintenance instruction
for an aviation maintenance technician course or program acceptable to
the Administrator;
(v) Supervised, in an executive capacity, the maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of any aircraft, airframe,
aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof; or
(vi) Been engaged in any combination of paragraphs (a)(1)(i)
through (a)(1)(v) of this section; and
(2) Within the preceding 24 months--
(i) Successfully completed an aviation maintenance technician
refresher course, inspection authorization refresher course, or other
course of instruction acceptable to the Administrator and appropriate
to the duties of an aviation maintenance technician;
(ii) Performed maintenance or preventive maintenance for a
certificate holder having a maintenance and preventive maintenance
training program as required under Sec. 121.375 or Sec. 135.433 of this
chapter;
(iii) Performed maintenance or preventive maintenance for a U.S.-
certificated repair station that performs work in accordance with
Sec. 145.2(a) of this chapter or conducts a maintenance and preventive
maintenance training program; or
(iv) Provided aviation maintenance instruction, or served as the
direct supervisor of persons providing aviation maintenance
instruction, for an aviation maintenance training course or program
acceptable to the Administrator in which instruction is provided in the
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of any aircraft,
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part
thereof.
(b) A certificated aviation maintenance technician who has not met
the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may exercise the
privileges of the certificate and rating (including for compensation or
hire) if, within the preceding 24 months--
(1) The aviation maintenance technician has successfully completed
a requalification course acceptable to the Administrator; or
(2) The Administrator has found the aviation maintenance technician
competent to exercise the privileges of the certificate.
(c) A certificated aviation maintenance technician who has met the
requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, but has not met the
requirements specified in paragraph (a)(2) or (b) of this section may
exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating, but not for
compensation or hire.
Sec. 66.67 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Additional
eligibility requirements.
(a) An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate
with an aviation maintenance instructor rating must--
(1) Hold a current and valid aviation maintenance technician
certificate, with
[[Page 37204]]
an aircraft rating, that has been in effect for a total of at least 3
years;
(2) Have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period
before the date of application, in maintaining aircraft in accordance
with this chapter; and
(3) Within 24 months of the date of application, pass a knowledge
test on the subjects in which instruction is required under Sec. 66.69
or, at the time of application--
(i) Hold a current and valid ground instructor or flight instructor
certificate;
(ii) Present an appropriate graduation certificate, a certificate
of completion, or other documentary evidence acceptable to the
Administrator, that demonstrates the award of a degree in education,
vocational education, technical education, or occupational education
from an accredited institution; or
(iii) Hold a current and valid State teaching certificate,
acceptable to the Administrator, that requires the holder to obtain
proficiency in the subjects specified in Sec. 66.69.
(b) Before [date 12 months after the effective date of the final
rule], an applicant who can present evidence acceptable to the
Administrator, that he or she has served as an aviation maintenance
instructor, or as the supervisor of aviation maintenance instructors at
an aviation maintenance school certificated under part 147 of this
chapter, need not comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of
this section.
Sec. 66.69 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Instructional
knowledge and proficiency.
An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician certificate
with an aviation maintenance instructor rating must satisfactorily
demonstrate instructional knowledge and proficiency in the following
subjects:
(a) The learning process.
(b) Elements of effective teaching.
(c) Student evaluation and testing.
(d) Course development.
(e) Lesson planning.
(f) Classroom training techniques.
Sec. 66.71 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Privileges and
limitations.
A certificated aviation maintenance technician with an aviation
maintenance instructor rating--
(a) May serve as an aviation maintenance instructor under the
provisions of Secs. 147.23 and 147.36 of this chapter; and
(b) May only exercise the privileges of that rating when holding a
current and valid aviation maintenance technician certificate with an
aircraft rating.
Sec. 66.73 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Recent experience
requirements.
A certificated aviation maintenance technician with an aviation
maintenance instructor rating may not exercise the privileges of that
rating unless within the preceding 24 months the individual--
(a) Has provided 300 hours of aviation maintenance instruction;
(b) Has, for a period of 300 hours, supervised other aviation
maintenance instructors;
(c) Has successfully completed an aviation maintenance technician
refresher course or other course of instruction acceptable to the
Administrator and appropriate to the duties of an aviation maintenance
instructor; or
(d) The Administrator has determined that the aviation maintenance
technician meets the standards prescribed in this part for the issuance
of the aviation maintenance technician certificate with the aviation
maintenance instructor rating.
Subpart C--Aviation Maintenance Technicians (Transport)
Sec. 66.101 Eligibility requirements: General.
An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate, must--
(a) Hold a current and valid aviation maintenance technician
certificate with an aircraft rating; and
(b) Comply with any additional eligibility requirements specified
for the rating sought.
Sec. 66.103 Ratings.
The following ratings are issued under this subpart:
(a) Aircraft.
(b) Aviation maintenance instructor.
Sec. 66.105 Transition to new certificates and ratings.
(a) A mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings
that was issued before, and was valid on [date 12 months after the
effective date of the final rule], is equal to an aviation maintenance
technician (transport) certificate with an aircraft rating and may be
exchanged for such a corresponding certificate and rating.
(b) The holder of a current and valid mechanic certificate with an
airframe rating may exercise the privileges specified in Sec. 66.109;
however, the holder may not approve the powerplant or propeller of any
aircraft certificated under this chapter and any related appliance,
component, or part thereof, for return to service.
(c) The holder of a current and valid mechanic certificate with a
powerplant rating may exercise the privileges specified in Sec. 66.109;
however, the holder may not approve the airframe of any aircraft
certificated under this chapter and any related appliance, component,
or part thereof, for return to service.
Sec. 66.107 Aircraft rating: Additional eligibility requirements.
An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate with an aircraft rating must present an appropriate
graduation certificate, a certificate of completion, or other
documentary evidence acceptable to the Administrator, that demonstrates
the satisfactory completion of--
(a) An aviation maintenance technician (transport) training
program, administered by an approved training provider, that meets the
requirements of appendix A to this part;
(b) An aviation maintenance technician (transport) training program
approved under part 147 of this chapter that meets the requirements of
paragraph (d) of appendix A to this part; or
(c) A training program approved under part 121, subpart L, or part
135, subpart J, of this chapter that meets the requirements of
paragraph (d) of appendix A to this part.
Sec. 66.109 Aircraft rating: Privileges and limitations.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) with an
aircraft rating may perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, or
alteration on any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller,
appliance, or component part thereof, and any additional duties in
accordance with Sec. 66.157.
(b) Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) may supervise
the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of, and after
inspection approve for return to service, any aircraft, airframe,
aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof,
provided the aviation maintenance technician (transport) has--
(1) Satisfactorily performed the work at an earlier date;
(2) Demonstrated the ability to perform the work to the
satisfaction of the Administrator;
(3) Received training acceptable to the Administrator on the tasks
to be performed; or
(4) Performed the work while working under the direct supervision
of a certificated aviation maintenance
[[Page 37205]]
technician, certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport),
or certificated aviation repair specialist who has--
(i) Had previous experience in the specific operation concerned; or
(ii) Received training acceptable to the Administrator on the tasks
to be performed.
(c) Except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) may perform
the 100-hour inspection required by part 91 of this chapter on any
aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component,
or part thereof, and approve the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine,
propeller, appliance, component, or part for return to service.
(d) A certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) with
an aircraft rating may not--
(1) Perform or supervise (unless under the direct supervision and
control of a repair station certificated under part 145 of this chapter
or of an air carrier operating under part 121 or part 135 of this
chapter)--
(i) A major repair or major alteration of a propeller; or
(ii) Any repair or alteration of instruments, other than a
horizontal-card liquid-filled compass;
(2) Approve for return to service--
(i) Any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance,
component, or part thereof after completion of a major repair or major
alteration; or
(ii) Any instrument other than a horizontal-card liquid-filled
compass after completion of any repair or alteration;
(3) Exercise the privileges of the certificate unless the aviation
maintenance technician (transport) understands the current instructions
for continued airworthiness and the maintenance instructions for the
specific operation concerned.
Sec. 66.111 Aircraft rating: Recent experience requirements.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a
certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) with an
aircraft rating may not exercise the privileges of the aircraft rating
unless the aviation maintenance technician (transport) has--
(1) For at least 6 months within the preceding 24 months--
(i) Served as an aviation maintenance technician (transport)
engaged in the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of
aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29 of this chapter, or of
any airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part
thereof;
(ii) Served under the supervision of a certificated aviation
maintenance technician (transport) engaged in the maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft certificated under
part 25 or part 29 of this chapter, or of any airframe, aircraft
engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof;
(iii) Technically supervised other aviation maintenance technicians
or aviation maintenance technicians (transport) engaged in the
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft
certificated under part 25 or part 29 of this chapter, or of any
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part
thereof;
(iv) Provided aviation maintenance instruction or served as the
direct supervisor of persons providing aviation maintenance instruction
for an aviation maintenance training course or program acceptable to
the Administrator, in which instruction is provided in the maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft certificated under
part 25 or part 29 of this chapter, or of any airframe, aircraft
engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof;
(v) Supervised, in an executive capacity, the maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft certificated under
part 25 or part 29 of this chapter, or of any airframe, aircraft
engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof; or
(vi) Been engaged in any combination of paragraphs (a)(1)(i)
through (a)(1)(v) of this section; and
(2) Within the preceding 24 months--
(i) Successfully completed an aviation maintenance technician
(transport) refresher course, inspection authorization refresher
course, or course of instruction acceptable to the Administrator and
appropriate to the duties of an aviation maintenance technician
(transport);
(ii) Performed maintenance or preventive maintenance for a
certificate holder with a maintenance and preventive maintenance
training program required under Sec. 121.375 or Sec. 135.433 of this
chapter;
(iii) Performed maintenance or preventive maintenance for a U.S.-
certificated repair station that performs work in accordance with
Sec. 145.2(a) of this chapter or conducts a maintenance and preventive
maintenance training program; or
(iv) Provided aviation maintenance instruction or served as the
direct supervisor of persons providing aviation maintenance instruction
for an aviation maintenance training course or program acceptable to
the Administrator, in which instruction is provided in the maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft, or of any airframe,
aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof.
(b) A certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) who
has not met the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may
exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating (including for
compensation or hire) if, within the preceding 24 months--
(1) The aviation maintenance technician (transport) has
successfully completed a requalification course acceptable to the
Administrator; or
(2) The Administrator has found that the aviation maintenance
technician (transport) is competent to exercise the privileges of the
certificate.
(c) A certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) who
has met the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, but has
not met the requirements specified in paragraph (a)(2) or (b) of this
section, may exercise the privileges of the certificate and rating, but
not for compensation or hire.
(d) The holder of an aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate with an aircraft rating, who has not met the recent
experience requirements of this section but has met the recent
experience requirements of Sec. 66.65 for the holder of an aviation
maintenance technician certificate with an aircraft rating, may
exercise the privileges of an aviation maintenance technician
certificate with an aircraft rating until the recent experience
requirements of this section have been met.
Sec. 66.113 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Additional
eligibility requirements.
(a) An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate with an aviation maintenance instructor rating must--
(1) Hold a current and valid aviation maintenance technician
(transport) certificate with an aircraft rating that has been in effect
for a total of at least 3 years;
(2) Have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period
before the date of application, in maintaining aircraft in accordance
with this chapter; and
(3) Within 24 months of the date of application, pass a knowledge
test on the subjects in which instruction is required under Sec. 66.69
or, at the time of application--
(i) Hold a current and valid ground instructor or flight instructor
certificate; or
[[Page 37206]]
(ii) Present an appropriate graduation certificate, a certificate
of completion, or other documentary evidence acceptable to the
Administrator, that demonstrates the award of a degree in education,
vocational education, technical education, or occupational education,
from an accredited institution; or
(iii) Hold a current and valid State teaching certificate,
acceptable to the Administrator, that requires the holder to obtain
proficiency in the subjects specified in Sec. 66.69.
(b) A person who meets the requirements for the issuance of an
aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate with an
aircraft rating and who holds a current and valid aviation maintenance
technician certificate with aircraft and aviation maintenance
instructor ratings need not comply with the requirements of paragraph
(a) of this section and will be issued an aviation maintenance
technician (transport) certificate with aircraft and aviation
maintenance instructor ratings upon application.
(c) Before [date 12 months after the effective date of the final
rule], an applicant who can present evidence acceptable to the
Administrator, that he or she has served as an aviation maintenance
instructor or as the supervisor of aviation maintenance instructors at
an aviation maintenance school certificated under part 147 of this
chapter need not comply with the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of
this section.
Sec. 66.115 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Privileges and
limitations.
A certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) with an
aviation maintenance instructor rating--
(a) May serve as an aviation maintenance instructor under the
provisions of Secs. 147.23 and 147.36 of this chapter; and
(b) May only exercise the privileges of that rating when holding a
current and valid aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate with an aircraft rating.
Sec. 66.117 Aviation maintenance instructor rating: Recent experience
requirements.
(a) A certificated aviation maintenance technician (transport) with
an aviation maintenance instructor rating may not exercise the
privileges of that rating unless within the preceding 24 months the
individual--
(1) Has provided 300 hours of aviation maintenance instruction;
(2) Has for a period of 300 hours supervised other aviation
maintenance instructors;
(3) Has successfully completed an aviation maintenance technician
(transport) refresher course or other course of instruction acceptable
to the Administrator and appropriate to the duties of an aviation
maintenance instructor; or
(4) The Administrator has determined that the aviation maintenance
technician (transport) meets the standards prescribed in this part for
the issuance of the aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate with the aviation maintenance instructor rating.
(b) The holder of an aviation maintenance technician (transport)
certificate with an aviation maintenance instructor rating who has not
met the recent experience requirements of this section but has met the
recent experience requirements of Sec. 66.73 for the holder of an
aviation maintenance technician certificate with an aviation
maintenance instructor rating, may exercise the privileges of an
aviation maintenance technician certificate with the aviation
maintenance instructor rating until the recent experience requirements
of this section have been met.
Sec. 66.119 Aviation maintenance technician (transport) training
providers.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, an
applicant for approval as a provider of an aviation maintenance
technician (transport) training program specified in Sec. 66.107(a)
must--
(1) Submit a written request for approval to the Administrator; and
(2) Comply with the requirements of appendix A to this part.
(b) An applicant for approval as a provider of an aviation
maintenance technician (transport) training program that is a
certificate holder operating under part 121 or part 135 of this
chapter, an aviation maintenance technician school certificated under
part 147 of this chapter, or a repair station that performs
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations under Sec. 145.2(a)
of this chapter, must comply with paragraph (a)(1) of this section and
submit evidence acceptable to the Administrator, that shows the
training program meets the requirements of paragraph (d) of appendix A
to this part.
Subpart D--Inspection Authorizations
Sec. 66.151 Eligibility requirements: General.
(a) To be eligible for an inspection authorization, an applicant
must--
(1) Hold a current and valid aviation maintenance technician
certificate or aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate;
(2) Have held a current and valid aviation maintenance technician
certificate or aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate
for a total of at least 3 years;
(3) Have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period
before the date of application, in the maintenance of aircraft
certificated and maintained in accordance with this chapter;
(4) Have a fixed base of operations at which the applicant may be
located in person or by telephone during a normal working week but
which need not be the place where the applicant will exercise
inspection authority;
(5) Have available the equipment, facilities, and inspection data
necessary to properly inspect airframes, aircraft engines, propellers,
or any related component, part, or appliance;
(6) Pass a knowledge test that demonstrates the certificate
holder's ability to inspect according to safety standards for approving
aircraft for return to service after major and minor repairs, major and
minor alterations, annual inspections, and progressive inspections,
which are performed under part 43 of this chapter; and
(7) Successfully complete an inspection authorization refresher
course acceptable to the Administrator, of not less than 8 hours of
instruction during the 12-month period preceding the application.
(b) An applicant intending to inspect and approve for return to
service any aircraft certificated under part 25 or part 29 of this
chapter, except those aircraft maintained in accordance with a
continuous airworthiness maintenance program approved under part 121 of
this chapter must--
(1) Hold a current and valid aviation maintenance technician
(transport) certificate; and
(2) Have been actively engaged, for at least the 2-year period
before the date of application, in the maintenance, preventive
maintenance, or alteration of aircraft certificated under part 25 or
part 29 of this chapter, or of any airframe, aircraft engine,
propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof.
(c) An applicant who fails the knowledge test prescribed in
paragraph (a)(6) of this section may not apply for retesting until at
least 90 days after the date of the test.
Sec. 66.153 Duration of authorization.
(a) Each inspection authorization expires on the last day of the
24th month after the date of issuance.
(b) An inspection authorization ceases to be effective whenever any
of the following occurs:
(1) The authorization is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
(2) The holder no longer has a fixed base of operation.
[[Page 37207]]
(3) The holder no longer has the equipment, facilities, or
inspection data required by Sec. 66.151(a)(5) for issuance of the
authorization.
(4) The holder no longer holds a current and valid aviation
maintenance technician certificate or aviation maintenance technician
(transport) certificate, as appropriate.
(c) The holder of an inspection authorization that is suspended or
revoked shall, upon the Administrator's request, return it to the
Administrator.
Sec. 66.155 Renewal of authorization.
(a) To be eligible for renewal of an inspection authorization for a
2-year period, an applicant must, within 90 days before the expiration
of the inspection authorization, present evidence at an FAA Flight
Standards District Office or an International Field Office that the
applicant still meets the requirements of Sec. 66.151(a)(1) through
(a)(5) and show that, during the current period that the applicant held
the inspection authorization, the applicant has--
(1) Performed at least one annual inspection for each 3 months that
the applicant held the current authority;
(2) Performed inspections of at least two major repairs or major
alterations for each 3 months that the applicant held the current
authority;
(3) Performed or supervised and approved at least one progressive
inspection in accordance with standards prescribed by the Administrator
for each 12 months that the applicant held the current authority;
(4) Performed any combination of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3)
of this section;
(5) Successfully completed an inspection authorization refresher
course or series of courses acceptable to the Administrator, of not
less than 16 hours of instruction during the 24-month period preceding
the application for renewal; or
(6) Passed an oral test administered by an FAA inspector to
determine that the applicant's knowledge of applicable regulations and
standards is current.
(b) An applicant intending to remove the limitation specified in
Sec. 66.157(b) must present evidence that he or she still meets the
requirements of Sec. 66.151(a) and (b) and that the inspections or
maintenance required to be performed or supervised and approved under
paragraph (a) of this section involved aircraft certificated under part
25 or part 29 of this chapter, or any airframe, aircraft engine,
propeller, appliance, component, or part thereof.
Sec. 66.157 Privileges and limitations.
(a) Except as specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section,
the holder of an inspection authorization with either a current and
valid aviation maintenance technician certificate or a current and
valid aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate may:
(1) Inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft,
airframe, aircraft engine, propeller appliance, component, or part
thereof after completion of a major repair or major alteration
performed in accordance with part 43 of this chapter and technical data
approved by the Administrator.
(2) Perform an annual inspection, or perform or supervise a
progressive inspection, according to Secs. 43.13 and 43.15 of this
chapter, on any aircraft and approve the aircraft for return to
service.
(b) The holder of an inspection authorization with a current and
valid aviation maintenance technician certificate may not inspect and
approve for return to service any aircraft certificated under part 25
or part 29 of this chapter.
(c) The holder of an inspection authorization with either a current
and valid aviation maintenance technician certificate or a current and
valid aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate may not
inspect and approve for return to service any aircraft maintained in
accordance with a continuous airworthiness maintenance program approved
under part 121 of this chapter.
(d) When exercising the privileges of an inspection authorization,
the holder shall keep it available for inspection by the aircraft owner
and the aviation maintenance technician or aviation maintenance
technician (transport) who submit the aircraft, repair, or alteration
for approval (if any), and shall present it at the request of the
Administrator or an authorized representative of the National
Transportation Safety Board, or at the request of any Federal, State,
or local law enforcement officer.
(e) If the holder of an inspection authorization changes his or her
fixed base of operation, the holder may not exercise the privileges of
the authorization until he or she has notified, in writing, the FAA
Flight Standards District Office, or International Field Office, for
the area in which the new base is located, of the change.
Subpart E--Aviation Repair Specialists
Sec. 66.201 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the
basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I):
Eligibility.
An applicant for an aviation repair specialist certificate and
rating issued on the basis of proficiency in a designated specialty
area (ARS-I) must--
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand
the English language by reading and explaining appropriate maintenance
publications and by writing defect and repair statements. If the
applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements because of
medical reasons, the Administrator may place such limitations on that
applicant's certificate as are necessary for the safe maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft; and
(c) Present either--
(1) An appropriate graduation certificate, a certificate of
completion, or other documentary evidence acceptable to the
Administrator, that demonstrates satisfactory completion of an aviation
repair specialist training course or program for a rating in a
specialty area designated by the Administrator; or
(2) Before [date 12 months after the effective date of the final
rule], evidence acceptable to the Administrator, of the ability to
perform those tasks appropriate to the certificate and rating in the
designated specialty area sought.
Sec. 66.203 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the
basis of employment (ARS-II): Eligibility.
An applicant for an employment-based aviation repair specialist
certificate (ARS-II) must--
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand
the English language by reading and explaining appropriate maintenance
publications and by writing defect and repair statements. If the
applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements because of
medical reasons, the Administrator may place such limitations on that
applicant's certificate as are necessary for the safe maintenance,
preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft;
(c) Be specially qualified to perform maintenance on aircraft,
airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, components, or
parts thereof, that is appropriate to the job in which that person is
employed;
(d) Be employed in a specific job that requires those special
qualifications, by
[[Page 37208]]
a certificated repair station or by a certificated commercial operator
or certificated air carrier, that is required by its operating
certificate or approved operations specifications to provide a
continuous airworthiness maintenance program according to its
certificate holder's manual;
(e) Be recommended for certification, by his or her employer and to
the satisfaction of the Administrator, as able to satisfactorily
maintain aircraft or appliances, components, or parts, appropriate to
the job for which the person is employed; and
(f) Have either--
(1) At least 3,000 hours of practical experience in the procedures,
practices, inspection methods, materials, tools, machine tools, and
equipment generally used in the maintenance duties of the specific job
for which the person is to be employed and certificated; or
(2) Completed formal training that is acceptable to the
Administrator and specifically designed to qualify the applicant for
the job in which the applicant is to be employed.
Sec. 66.205 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued to
experimental aircraft builders (ARS-III): Eligibility.
An applicant for an aviation repair specialist certificate issued
to an experimental aircraft builder (ARS-III), must--
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Be the primary builder of the aircraft to which the privileges
of the certificate are applicable;
(c) Show, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, that the
individual has the requisite skill to determine whether the aircraft is
in a condition for safe operation; and
(d) Be a citizen of the United States or an individual citizen of a
foreign country who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence
in the United States.
Sec. 66.207 Transition to new certificates.
(a) A valid repairman certificate (other than a repairman
certificate issued to an experimental aircraft builder) is equal to an
aviation repair specialist certificate issued on the basis of
employment (ARS'II).
(b) A valid repairman certificate (experimental aircraft builder)
is equal to an aviation repair specialist certificate issued to an
experimental aircraft builder (ARS-III).
Sec. 66.209 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the
basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS'I): Privileges
and limitations.
(a) The holder of an aviation repair specialist certificate issued
on the basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I) may
perform or supervise the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or
alteration of aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers,
appliances, components, and parts appropriate to the designated
specialty area for which the aviation repair specialist is
certificated, but only in connection with employment by a certificate
holder operating under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter or a repair
station certificated under part 145 of this chapter.
(b) The holder of an aviation repair specialist certificate issued
on the basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I) may
not perform or supervise duties under the aviation repair specialist
certificate unless the individual understands the current instructions
of the certificate holder by whom the aviation repair specialist is
employed and the instructions for continued airworthiness that relate
to the specific operations concerned.
Sec. 66.211 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the
basis of employment (ARS-II): Privileges and limitations.
(a) The holder of an aviation repair specialist certificate issued
on the basis of employment (ARS-II) may perform or supervise the
maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration of aircraft,
airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, components, and
parts thereof appropriate to the job in which the aviation repair
specialist is employed and certificated, but only in connection with
duties for the certificate holder by whom the aviation repair
specialist was employed and recommended.
(b) The holder of an aviation repair specialist certificate issued
on the basis of employment (ARS-II) may not perform or supervise duties
under the aviation repair specialist certificate unless the person
understands the current instructions of the certificate holder by whom
the aviation repair specialist is employed and the instructions for
continued airworthiness that relate to the specific operations
concerned.
Sec. 66.213 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued to
experimental aircraft builders (ARS-III): Privileges and limitations.
The holder of an aviation repair specialist certificate issued to
an experimental aircraft builder (ARS-III) may perform condition
inspections on the aircraft constructed by the holder, in accordance
with the operating limitations of that aircraft.
Sec. 66.215 Aviation repair specialist certificates issued on the
basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I): Recent
experience requirements.
The holder of an aviation repair specialist certificate issued on
the basis of proficiency in a designated specialty area (ARS-I) may not
exercise the privileges of the certificate unless the holder meets the
current qualification and proficiency requirements for the issuance of
the certificate and rating in the designated specialty area.
Appendix A to Part 66--Aviation Maintenance Technician (Transport)
Training Program Curriculum Requirements
(a) Form of training program outline. An applicant for approval
as a training provider must submit a training program outline to the
Administrator. The training program outline may be submitted in
paper, electronic, or any other form that is acceptable to the
Administrator; however, it shall include a table of contents. The
table of contents must specify those subject areas taught in the
program and the number of curriculum hours allotted to each subject
area.
(b) Content of training program outline. The training program
outline must contain all of subject area headings specified in this
appendix; however, the headings are not required to be arranged in
the outline exactly as listed in this appendix. Any arrangement of
headings and subheadings will be satisfactory provided that the
outline indicates that instruction will be provided in each subject
area for at least the minimum number of hours specified in this
appendix. Each general subject area of the outline shall be
subdivided in detail, showing the items to be covered.
(c) Additional subject areas. Any training provider may include
additional subjects that are not specified in this appendix in the
training program outline; however, the number of hours allotted to
training in each subject area must be specified. Hourly requirements
devoted to additional subject areas not specified in this appendix
are not included in the determination of a program's compliance with
the minimum training requirements specified in this appendix.
(d) Minimum training program requirements. Unless approved by
the Administrator in accordance with paragraph (h) of this appendix,
the following subject areas and classroom hours for each subject
area are considered the minimum training requirements for an
aviation maintenance technician (transport) training program:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classroom
Subject area hours
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced electronics......................................... 229
Composites................................................... 62
Structural repair............................................ 86
Powerplants and systems...................................... 58
Safety and environment....................................... 69
Publications................................................. 69
----------
[[Page 37209]]
Total Hours.............................................. 573
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(e) Facilities, equipment, and material. An applicant for
authority to conduct a training program leading to the issuance of
the aviation maintenance technician (transport) certificate must
have the following facilities, equipment, and materials:
(1) Facilities--Suitable classrooms, laboratories, and shop
facilities, adequate to accommodate the largest number of students
scheduled for attendance at any one time, must be provided. Such
classrooms, laboratories, and shop facilities shall be properly
heated, lighted, and ventilated.
(2) Equipment and materials--Suitable devices for the
instruction of each student in the theoretical and practical aspects
of the subjects contained in the training program shall be provided.
This material may include, but shall not be limited to, acceptable
textbooks, operations manuals, chalkboards, calculators, computers,
and visual aids.
(f) Instructors. The number of instructors available for
conducting the program of instruction shall be determined according
to the needs and facilities of the applicant. However, the ratio of
students per instructor in each shop class may not exceed 25
students per 1 instructor.
(g) Credit for previous training. A training provider may
evaluate an entrant's previous training and, where the training is
verifiable and comparable to portions of the training program, the
training provider may, as each individual case warrants, allow
credit for such training, commensurate with accepted training
practices. Before credit is allowed, the individual requesting
credit must pass an examination given by the training provider,
which is equivalent to those examinations given by the training
provider for the same subject in the training program. Where credit
is allowed, the basis for the allowance, the results of any tests
used to establish the credit, and the total hours credited must be
incorporated as a part of the student's records, as specified in
paragraph (i) of this appendix.
(h) Revision of training program. (1) After initial approval of
a training provider, the training provider may apply to the
Administrator for a revision to the training program. Requests for
the revision of a training program, which include modifications to
the facilities, equipment, and material used, or a reduction in the
number of hours of instruction provided to fewer than the specified
minimum requirements, shall be accomplished in the same manner
established for securing original approval of the training provider.
Revisions must be submitted in such form that the revision can be
readily included in the training program outline so that obsolete
portions of the outline can be readily superseded by the revision.
(2) A modification of the training program, or a reduction in
the number of hours of training provided to fewer than the specified
minimum requirements, is based on improved training effectiveness
because of the use of improved training methods and training aids,
an increase in the quality of instruction, the use of special
student entry requirements, the granting of credit for previous
experience or training, or any combination thereof.
(3) The list of instructors may be revised at any time without
request for approval, provided the minimum requirements are
maintained and the local FAA principal maintenance inspector is
notified of the revision.
(4) Whenever the Administrator finds that revisions are
necessary for the continued adequacy of the training program, the
training provider shall, after notification by the Administrator,
make any changes in the training program, that the Administrator
deems necessary.
(i) Student records and reports. Approval of a training provider
may not be continued unless the training provider keeps an accurate
record of each student, including a chronological log of all
instruction, subjects covered, examinations, grades, and attendance
records (including a record of the manner in which missed material
was covered). To retain approval, a training provider also must
prepare and transmit to the Federal Aviation Administration, not
later than January 31 of each year, a report containing the
following information:
(1) The names of all students graduated, student attendance
records, and student grades for the program.
(2) The names of all students failed or dropped, together with
school grades and reasons for dropping.
(3) Upon request, the Administrator may waive the reporting
requirements specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this
appendix, for a training program that is part of an approved
training course conducted under the following parts or subparts:
part 121, subpart L; part 135, subpart J; or part 147 of this
chapter.
(j) Statement of graduation and records of training completion.
Each student who successfully completes a training program shall be
given a statement of graduation. Each student who completes a
portion of a training program shall, upon request, be given a record
of the training completed.
(k) Contracts or agreements. (1) An approved training provider
may contract with other persons to obtain suitable course work,
curriculum, programs, instruction, aircraft, simulators, or other
training devices or equipment.
(2) An approved training provider may contract with another
person to conduct any portion or all of a training program. The
approved training provider may not authorize that person to contract
for the conduct of the program by a third party.
(3) In all cases, the approved training provider is responsible
for the content and quality of the instruction provided.
(4) A copy of each contract authorized under this paragraph
shall be retained by the approved training provider and is subject
to review by the Administrator during the period of the contract and
within 2 years after the termination of its provisions.
(l) Change of ownership, name, or location. (1) Change of
ownership--Approval of a training provider may not be continued
after the ownership of the training program has changed. The new
owner must obtain a new approval by following the procedures
prescribed for original approval.
(2) Change in name--An approved training provider or program,
changed in name but not changed in ownership, remains valid if the
change is reported within 30 days by the training provider to the
local Flight Standards District Office.
(3) Change in location--Approval for a training provider remains
in effect even though the approved training provider changes
location if the change is reported by the training provider to the
local Flight Standards District Office within 30 days. Approval may,
however, be withdrawn if, after inspection, the facilities,
equipment, and material at the new location do not meet the
requirements of paragraph (e) of this appendix.
(m) Cancellation of approval. (1) Failure to meet or maintain
any of the standards set forth in this appendix for the approval of
a training provider shall be considered a sufficient reason for
discontinuing approval of the training provider.
(2) If a training provider decides to cancel its approval
voluntarily, the training provider shall send a letter requesting
cancellation to the Administrator through the local Flight Standards
District Office. The request shall contain the current letter of
approval for the training provider.
(n) Duration. Unless an approved training provider is a
certificate holder operating under part 121 or part 135 of this
chapter, an aviation maintenance technician school certificated
under part 147 of this chapter, or a repair station that performs
work under Sec. 145.2(a) of this chapter, the authority to operate a
training program shall expire 24 months after the last day of the
month in which the approval was issued. If the approved training
provider is a certificate holder operating under part 121 or part
135 of this chapter, an aviation maintenance technician school
certificated under part 147 of this chapter, or a repair station
that performs work under Sec. 145.2(a) of this chapter, the
authority to operate a training program will remain effective for
the duration of the holder's certificate.
(o) Renewal. Application for renewal of authority to conduct a
training program shall be made by letter addressed to the
Administrator through the local Flight Standards District Office at
any time within 60 days before the expiration date of the current
approval. Renewal of a training provider's approval will depend on
the training program meeting established standards and the record of
the training provider.
PART 147--AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS
10. The authority citation for part 147 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44707-44709.
11. Section 147.23 is revised to read as follows:
[[Page 37210]]
Sec. 147.23 Instructor requirements.
An applicant for an aviation maintenance technician school
certificate and rating, or for an additional rating, must provide the
number of instructors, determined by the Administrator to be sufficient
to provide adequate supervision of the students, who hold appropriate
aviation maintenance technician or aviation maintenance technician
(transport) certificates with aviation maintenance instructor ratings;
the instructors shall be provided after [date 12 months after the
effective date of the final rule], and shall include at least 1
aviation maintenance technician with an aviation maintenance instructor
rating or 1 aviation maintenance technician (transport) with an
aviation maintenance instructor rating for each 25 students in each
shop class. However, the applicant may provide specialized instructors
who are not certificated aviation maintenance technicians or aviation
maintenance technicians (transport) to teach mathematics, physics,
basic electricity, basic hydraulics, drawing, or similar subjects. The
applicant is required to maintain a list of the names and
qualifications of specialized instructors and, upon request, provide a
copy of the list to the FAA.
12. Section 147.36 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 147.36 Maintenance instructor requirements.
Each certificated aviation maintenance technician school shall,
after certification or addition of a rating, continue to provide the
number of instructors that the Administrator deems sufficient to
provide adequate instruction to the students and who hold appropriate
aviation maintenance technician or aviation maintenance technician
(transport) certificates with aviation maintenance instructor ratings,
including after [date 12 months after the effective date of the final
rule], at least 1 certificated aviation maintenance instructor for each
25 students in each shop class. The school may continue to provide
specialized instructors who are not certificated aviation maintenance
technicians or aviation maintenance technicians (transport) to teach
mathematics, physics, basic electricity, basic hydraulics, drawing, or
similar subjects.
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 26, 1998.
Ava L. Mims,
Acting Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 98-17589 Filed 7-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
