ARSA - Aeronautical Repair Station Association

No Rest For The Weary

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:52:00 -0400

The Senate bill for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization has been put on hold until June. This does not mean that the battle is over! While the Senate may pass an additional extension, we cannot assume a path of least resistance.

The damaging amendment offered by Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) will be resurrected. Even if the Senate passes a long term extension, Sen. McCaskill will, no doubt, offer an independent piece of legislation. The reprieve gives YOU time to weigh in and prevent provisions detrimental to repair stations from passing.

If the Senate fails to pass an FAA reauthorization bill this session, a continuing resolution will be introduced to maintain funding for the agency, and we'll be back to square one in our efforts to protect repair stations.

Model Repair Station and Quality Manual – NEW AND IMPROVED!

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:43:28 -0400

ARSA’s Model Repair Station and Quality Manual (“model manual”) was completely revised to help companies develop a repair station and quality control manual that complies with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 145 and the associated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance material.

The new and improved model manual addresses every paragraph of 14 CFR part 145. It contains the requirements for both a repair station manual and a quality control manual and can be customized to the particular operation with approximately 20 to 40 hours of work.

This publication is geared towards small to mid-sized companies and will prove most useful to component repair stations. Although directed at domestic repair stations, very few adjustments would be needed to show compliance with foreign repair station requirements.

ARSA Managing Director Takes to the Airwaves on Aviation Safety

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:23:09 -0400

Providing expert insight into the aviation industry, Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) Managing Director and General Counsel Marshall Filler was a featured guest on the April 11, 2008 newscast from Washington, DC Fox-affiliate “Fox 5 ”.

National attention remains focused on the impact of cancelled flights by major air carriers, leaving many to wonder about safety in the skies. Mr. Filler provided a brief overview of the regulatory requirements governing the aviation industry, particularly the role of Airworthiness Directives and Service Bulletins.

These complex documents are developed by the aircraft manufacturers with the cooperation and approval of the FAA; the Service Bulletins upon which the directives are based often come out years prior to the safety directive and can be changed numerous times in the interim. They are translated to task cards for the mechanics to follow in performing the actual work. Compliance involves correction of the unsafe condition identified in the directive; therefore, complying with the intent of the directive ensures the safety of the flying public.

Change Two Issued for Order 8130.21E

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:45:00 -0500

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released its second change to Order 8130.21E, Procedures for Completion and Use of the Authorized Release Certificate, FAA Form 8130-3, Airworthiness Approval Tag. The changes affect the use of Form 8130-3 as an export airworthiness approval for class II and III products. The amended Order contains the following changes:

Allows the issuance of an 8130-3 as export airworthiness approval for class II and III products located outside the U.S. if the FAA finds no undue burden in administering the applicable requirements;
Allows manufacturing designated airworthiness representatives (DARs) and maintenance DARs, with certain limitations, to issue an 8130-3 for class III products at qualified accredited distributor facilities; and

No New Foreign Repair Stations After August 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:11:58 -0400

On May 13, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) head Kip Hawley admitted to a Senate committee that the agency will not produce a final security rule for repair stations by an Aug. 3, 2008 deadline mandated in legislation passed last year.

In a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Hawley was asked about the status of the rule by Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) an outspoken critic of contract maintenance. While Hawley stated that a notice of proposed rulemaking will be released in the summer of 2008, a final rule will not be issued before the deadline.

Hazardous Materials Transportation Training

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:45:50 -0500

A special hazmat training course, presented by Washington Aviation Group in conjunction with ARSA, is available for aviation professionals. This class provides the tools you need to successfully navigate the sometimes daunting regulations on hazmat.

The definition of a hazmat employer is very broad and includes practically all repair stations. Examples of hazmat include oxygen bottles, fire extinguishers, squibs and actuators from fire suppression systems, fuel system components with residual fuel, batteries, solvents/cleaners and chemical oxygen generators from passenger service units. All hazmat employers are required to have their hazmat employees trained.