FAA Part 145 (Repair Station)
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 Class 1-4, Powerplant Class 1-3, Propeller Class 1-2, Radio Class 1-3, Instrument Class 1-4, Accessory Class 1-3, plus Limited ratings) and FAA-approved capability lists identifying specific articles authorized to be worked on. Required documentation includes a Repair Station Manual (RSM) and Quality Control Manual (QCM), both FAA-approved. Records of maintenance work must be retained at least 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Part 145 ratings?
Airframe (Class 1: composite, 2: all-metal, 3: composite/metal, 4: large transport); Powerplant (Class 1: small recip, 2: large recip, 3: turbine); Propeller (Class 1: fixed pitch, 2: variable pitch); Radio (Class 1, 2, 3 by capability); Instrument (Class 1: mechanical, 2: electrical, 3: gyroscopic, 4: electronic); Accessory (Class 1: hydraulic/pneumatic, 2: electrical, 3: gas turbine); plus Limited ratings for specific articles.
How long must Part 145 records be retained?
Per Section 145.219, repair stations must retain maintenance work records for at least 2 years from the date the work was performed. 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)?
AMO 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.
What is a capability list?
The capability list is the FAA-approved list of specific articles (aircraft, engines, components by part number) that the repair station is authorized to work on. Articles not on the capability list cannot be worked on. Adding articles requires demonstrated technical capability (training, equipment, technical data) and FAA approval. The capability list is reviewed during every Part 145 surveillance.
Authoritative sources
Related terms
FileFlo classifies and tracks compliance documents against rule packs that map directly to the regulators referenced above. Run a free CFR-cited audit →