What is a FAA Repair Station Certification?
In simple terms, a FAA Repair Station Certification is granted to businesses providing aircraft repair services that comply with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. But there is some nuance that should be understood.
There are plenty of non-FAA aircraft repair facilities that may be capable of repairing an aircraft, aerospace component, or assembly. They may understand aircraft repair and maintenance very well. However, only FAA repair stations can perform maintenance or repairs and approve that aircraft or system for return to service afterward. Non-FAA repair facilities do not have the credentials to grant such approvals.
Furthermore, FAA repair stations are certified to perform maintenance and repairs only for certain categories of aircraft and aerospace components. For example, the FAA specifies four classes of instrument repairs. An FAA repair station must demonstrate that they have the facilities, equipment, materials, and other resources required for each class. They may only be rated for Class 2 Instruments, or they may be rated for all four classes. A repair station may also receive a limited rating, which means they can only provide repairs for a specific make and model of a given aerospace system or component.
Why contract with an FAA repair station?
There are many reasons to contract with an FAA repair station. Two of the primary reasons are quality and approvals.
From a quality perspective, FAA repair stations are unparalleled. FAA repair stations must demonstrate compliance with the incredibly stringent requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration. This includes:
- Intensive personnel training.
- Robust quality control and management systems.
- Detailed manuals regarding personnel responsibilities and operating procedures.
FAA repair stations also have the authority to approve an aircraft, component, or assembly for return to service once maintenance and repairs are completed. A mechanic or repair facility without FAA certification does not have the same authority. Legally, you cannot put a part on an aircraft unless it comes from an FAA repair station.
How do I know what kind of work an FAA repair station can do?
FAA repair stations display their operating specifications certificate at their facilities and on their websites. If you are seeking to determine the ratings of an FAA repair station while doing online research, search the website for sections titled “Certificates,” “Approvals,” or “About Us.” You are likely to find FAA certifications in one of these areas.
Each certificate will list exactly which classes of repairs the FAA repair station is rated for. There are six categories of repairs, each of which is broken into classes:
- Airframe – four classes
- Powerplant – three classes
- Propeller – two classes
- Radio – three classes
- Instrument – four classes
- Accessory – three classes
The FAA repair station’s certificate will also specify whether the approval is limited to a specific make or model of aircraft or component.
FAA Repair Stations operated by NMG Aerospace
NMG Aerospace is proud to operate two FAA repair stations near several major transportation hubs:
- Stow, Ohio: Rated for Accessory (Class 1) and Limited Accessory. This facility is also compliant with EASA Part-145.
- Tempe, Arizona: Rated for Limited Airframe and Limited Accessories.
Our FAA certifications are augmented by our fifty-plus years of experience designing and manufacturing aerospace components and aircraft systems. Our deep knowledge of aerospace engineering gives us additional insight into the aircraft repair process.
To start a conversation with NMG Aerospace about aircraft repair services at one of our FAA repair stations, talk to a member of our team.
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