How to choose a FAA Repair Station for your Business Jet Needs

Introduction

This article looks at how to choose an FAA Repair Station. Specifically looking at airframe ratings and business Jets.  This article offers guidelines on how to choose the right repair station for your business jet needs.

Airframe Rating

An Airframe Rating for an FAA-certified repair station refers to the authorization granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  This airframe certification allows a repair station to perform maintenance, repair, or alteration work on the airframe of an aircraft.

Listed below is a range of maintenance related services that maybe be offered by a airframe repair station:

• Structural repairs and inspections: This could involve repairs to the fuselage, wings, tail, or other components of the airframe. Many of which may have experienced wear, damage, or fatigue.
• Component replacements and upgrades: This may include the replacement of airframe parts like wing spars, fuselage skin, or landing gear components. this may include upgrading components to improve performance or meet regulatory requirements.
• Modifications: Any changes or modifications to the airframe structure can also be authorized under the airframe rating. This may include alterations to the configuration of wings, tail sections, or fuselage.
• Corrosion control and treatment: Preventative measures and repairs related to corrosion on the aircraft structure, which is essential for maintaining the airframe’s integrity.
• Landing gear maintenance: This involves working on the aircraft’s landing gear system, such as inspecting, repairing, and replacing parts that ensure the safe operation of the aircraft on the ground.

Guidelines

Along with word of mouth, research and personal knowledge it might not be difficult to identify the leading players in the industry. Below we have listed some guidelines to consider when choosing a repair station.

Please note that this article is based on online research and offers general guidelines only. We recommend talking to experts in the field when making important decisions on choosing maintenance partners.

A&P Mechanic

There should always be an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certified mechanic available. This certification demonstrates their fundamental knowledge and skills in aircraft maintenance. Holding an A&P certificate allows you to perform a wide range of maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft. A&P mechanics can also approve aircraft for return to service after maintenance.

Repairman Certificate

Although, it’s important to point out that you do not necessarily need to be an A&P mechanic to carry out maintenance tasks. Provided that you are trained and working under the direct supervision of an A&P mechanic. Employees can also work under a Repairman Certificate; this is much more limited in scope than an A&P but allows you to perform designated repair tasks specific to that repair station.

FAA Repair Station Website

You can also go to the FAA website and click on the relevant classification for your business jet e.g. a large Business Jet with a mainly alloy composition would be a class 4 rating. If you tick this box all the repair stations that can work on this aircraft will be listed. You can also narrow your search by location – see the website here:  https://www.faa.gov/av-info/facility-dashboard

Verify FAA Certification: Always confirm that the repair station holds a valid FAA Part 145 certificate and the appropriate ratings for your aircraft. The certification can also be found on the FAA repair station website

Conduct On-Site Inspections: Visit the facility to assess its cleanliness, organization, and overall professionalism. More specific things to look for can be seen below under on site.

Request References: Ask for and check references from other aircraft owners or operators.

Review Maintenance Records: Carefully examine the repair station’s maintenance records and documentation.

Ensure Clear Communication: Establish clear communication channels and expectations with the repair station. Look out for Hesitation to provide detailed documentation or maintenance records. Reluctance to allow on-site inspections or audits. Vague or evasive answers to your questions.

Onsite Visit

Some things to look for when walking around the premises include:

• A cluttered or disorganized facility can indicate a lack of attention to detail.
• Dirty or poorly maintained equipment.
• Parts and tools scattered haphazardly.

Liability Insurance

Adequate Liability Insurance ensuring that the business is covered against any possible lawsuits, legal action and or accidents that could impact the ongoing operation of the business,

FAA Violations and Enforcements

Check to see if there are any past violations leading to enforcement actions. The FAA publishes an enforcement report quarterly on all aviation entities including repair stations. If the repair station has had any violations, the report will list details about the enforcement actions taken against them, including the type of violation and the penalty issued.

Conclusion

When choosing a Repair Station for your business jet there are numerous factors that one must perform. Onsite visits are key to assess the workplace, and to have conversations with qualified personnel. An inspection of record keeping is also critical and the correct paperwork e.g. maintenance logs and FAA airworthy paperwork. These records reflect on how organized the leadership team is and any possible issues that could come up. Additional checks needed include FAA reports that may show possible violations demonstrating a lack of competence.  By conducting thorough due diligence, one can minimize risks when choosing an repair partner and ensure the safety and longevity of your business jet.