Our open letter to industry explains the situation in detail and presents facts surrounding the issue. We also included a call to action to industry trade associations, aircraft owner/ operators, (including all major US airlines), and repair stations to pressure the DOT and FAA to offer a reprieve to those who apply for Party Status.
For the first time, many US Repair Stations certified by the FAA and EASA will have a third regulatory agency certification: the UK CAA. Those of us in the USA cannot provide a triple maintenance release with FAA-UK-EU approval but foreign Repair Stations can. This will result in confusion and tough conversations with customers. We have a simple solution
Recently, we contemplated the applicability of the RR-C-901D cleaning and testing requirement found in 49 CFR 173.302(b) for filling aluminum oxygen cylinders. We’re interested to know what you think of our findings and need your comments to help the industry.
If you were happy that the FAA excluded Repair Stations from the requirement to develop and implement a safety management system (SMS) in the recent rule published in the Federal Register, temper your enthusiasm. Part 145 Repair Stations in the US will be required to implement the FAA’s “voluntary” program to remain EASA approved.