What Is An Approved Repair?

"How is it Able can develop and implement repairs for OEM components? Is Able a Bell authorized repair station? Are Able's repairs approved by Sikorsky?" These are neither new nor infrequently asked questions. In fact, misinformation and confusion regarding the legitimacy of component repairs is commonplace. The OEM may discourage operators from using FAA approved repairs and considering the threat these repairs pose to spares sales, this isn't surprising.

The process pertaining to the design approval of aircraft and their components; or repairs and modifications to these aircraft and components is clear. An FAA sub-directorate known as the Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) is responsible for approving all design, repair, & modification data related to commercial aircraft. When an OEM develops a product, all design aspects related to that product are subject to the approval of the ACO. An OEM does not approve it's own products, the FAA does. When Able develops a repair for an aircraft component we are subject to the same process. Upon completing a repair process and the associated technical justification, Able submits to the ACO for approval-Just like the OEM! In essence, Able's repairs are approved by the same people who originally certified the aircraft.

While the myriad of written regulations related to design data may be confusing, the essence of the procedure is not. The OEM design data is FAA approved and so is Able's!