FAR DECODED — TITLE 14 CFR

Changes to Aircraft Inspection Programs

Regulation Text

(a) Whenever the Administrator finds that revisions to an approved aircraft inspection program under § 91.409(f)(4) or § 91.1109 are necessary for the continued adequacy of the program, the owner or operator must, after notification by the Administrator, make any changes in the program found to be necessary by the Administrator.

(b) The owner or operator may petition the Administrator to reconsider the notice to make any changes in a program in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) The petition must be filed with the Executive Director, Flight Standards Service within 30 days after the certificate holder or fractional ownership program manager receives the notice.

(d) Except in the case of an emergency requiring immediate action in the interest of safety, the filing of the petition stays the notice pending a decision by the Administrator.

[Docket 18334, 54 FR 34311, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91-280, 68 FR 54560, Sept. 17, 2003; Docket FAA-2018-0119, Amdt. 91-350, 83 FR 9171, Mar. 5, 2018]

The short answer

(14 CFR § 91.415) requires an owner or operator to make changes the Administrator finds necessary to an approved aircraft inspection program under § 91.409(f)(4) or § 91.1109. The owner may petition for reconsideration, filed within 30 days, which generally stays the notice.

Research Notes

Common Questions

Can the FAA require changes to an approved inspection program?

Yes. When the Administrator finds revisions necessary for the continued adequacy of an approved program under § 91.409(f)(4) or § 91.1109, the owner or operator must make those changes after notification.

“Whenever the Administrator finds that revisions to an approved aircraft inspection program under § 91.409(f)(4) or § 91.1109 are necessary for the continued adequacy of the program, the owner or operator must, after notification by the Administrator, make any changes in the program found to be necessary by the Administrator.” — 14 CFR § 91.415(a)

How long is allowed to petition the FAA to reconsider?

The petition must be filed with the Executive Director, Flight Standards Service within 30 days after the certificate holder or fractional ownership program manager receives the notice.

“The petition must be filed with the Executive Director, Flight Standards Service within 30 days after the certificate holder or fractional ownership program manager receives the notice.” — 14 CFR § 91.415(c)

Does filing a petition pause the FAA's notice?

Yes, except in an emergency requiring immediate action in the interest of safety, filing the petition stays the notice pending a decision by the Administrator.

“Except in the case of an emergency requiring immediate action in the interest of safety, the filing of the petition stays the notice pending a decision by the Administrator.” — 14 CFR § 91.415(d)

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