FAA Part 145 Repair Station Compliance
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
14 CFR Part 145 governs FAA-certificated repair stations — the regulatory framework for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities working on civil aircraft. Repair stations operate under FAA-issued certificates with specific ratings (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, Radio, Instrument, Accessory) and approved capability lists. Required documentation includes a Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and detailed maintenance records. Part 145 certification can take 12-24 months and requires demonstrated capability across the requested ratings.
Ratings System
Part 145 certificates carry specific ratings: Airframe (Class 1: composite construction, Class 2: all-metal, Class 3: composite/metal, Class 4: large transport aircraft); Powerplant (Class 1: reciprocating engines under 400 hp, Class 2: reciprocating 400+ hp, Class 3: turbine engines); Propeller (Class 1: fixed pitch wood/metal, Class 2: variable pitch); Radio (Class 1, 2, 3 by capability); Instrument (Class 1: mechanical, Class 2: electrical, Class 3: gyroscopic, Class 4: electronic); Accessory (Class 1: hydraulic/pneumatic, Class 2: electrical, Class 3: gas turbine); plus Limited ratings for specific articles or services.
Repair Station Manual (RSM)
Per 14 CFR 145.207-209, every repair station must maintain a Repair Station Manual covering: organization structure with key personnel; description of certificated facilities and equipment; capability list (specific articles authorized to be worked on); description of training program; description of housing facilities; and procedures for revising the RSM. The RSM is the operational rulebook for the repair station and must be approved by the FAA.
Quality Control Manual (QCM)
Per Section 145.211, the QCM defines the repair station's quality control system covering: incoming inspection of parts and materials; in-process inspection during work; final inspection before release to service; calibration of measuring and test equipment; nonconformance procedures; corrective action procedures; and documentation control. The QCM is a separate document from the RSM and must be FAA-approved.
Capability List
The capability list identifies specific articles (aircraft, engines, components by part number) that the repair station is authorized to work on. Adding articles to the capability list requires demonstrated technical capability (training, equipment, experience) and FAA approval. The capability list is reviewed during every FAA Part 145 surveillance and must be kept current with actual operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Part 145 certificate valid?
Part 145 certificates are issued for a specific term (typically 1-2 years initially) and renewed indefinitely upon FAA satisfactory surveillance. The certificate does not expire if surveillance and renewal requirements are met. Surveillance occurs at regular intervals — typically annual — and can be more frequent for new repair stations or those with prior compliance issues.
What records must a Part 145 repair station retain?
Per Section 145.219, repair stations must retain: maintenance work records for at least 2 years from the date the work was performed, including all return-to-service documentation. Records must include: description of work performed, date completed, signature of person returning the article to service, certificate number of the responsible person, and reference to applicable manuals or instructions.
What is an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO)?
Approved Maintenance Organization is the international (ICAO-aligned) terminology for what the FAA calls a Part 145 repair station. EASA, Transport Canada, CASA Australia, and other authorities use the AMO terminology. Bilateral agreements between authorities allow Part 145 repair stations to perform maintenance recognized by partner authorities under specific conditions.
Can a Part 145 repair station work on aircraft outside its capability list?
No. The capability list defines exactly which articles the repair station is certificated to work on. Working on uncertificated articles is a violation. Adding articles requires demonstrated capability (training, equipment, technical data), FAA approval, and updates to the RSM. Repair stations must regularly evaluate their capability list against actual work performed.
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