Owner Repaired Parts

JScarry

JScarry

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JScarry
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Over the years I have had parts on the plane repaired by people who are not A&Ps—mostly welding since it can be tricky and requires equipment that my A&Ps don’t have. This time I had an aluminum baffle repaired instead of paying $600 for a new one but
my newly-minted A&P claims that an A&P must repair any parts on a certificated airplane. My experience is that as long as the A&P is happy with the repair, they don’t have to personally repair it. I suspect that my A&Ps considered repairs the same as owner-produced parts.

I can’t find any regulation that says this. Is there one?
 
Not really sure what you are looking for.

Any repairs to a certified aircraft will require following some sort of guidance such as a maintenance and repair manual by the manufacturer or 43.13 among others. The installing A&P will look at the repair to see if it conforms.

Example: Taking an engine mount down to Larry's Muffler Shop and having him "weld it up" will probably not conform unless Larry gets out the MM or 43.13 and follows it. Handing the "repaired" engine mount to your A&P and asking him to reinstall or sign off the operation will get pushback.

The A&P needs to be involved in the process other than "Hey, sign this off".
 
JScarry said:
I can’t find any regulation that says this. Is there one?
Click to expand...
Technically, anyone can work on a certified aircraft as noted in Part 43.3 and by extension Part 43.9. However, in order for that work to be signed off and approved for return to service the A&P must oversee that work. And as noted above, the work must follow the performance rules per Part 43.13. Regardless, there is no "owner repaired part" category same as there is no "experimental part" category.
 
Could it be considered an OPP, since the owner provided the material to be used (the broken baffle) and the instructions for fabrication (weld this to that)?
 
Half Fast said:
Could it be considered an OPP, since the owner provided the material to be used (the broken baffle) and the instructions for fabrication (weld this to that)?
Click to expand...
No, simply because its a repair of an existing part. Now the owner could produce a complete new baffle provided they had approved data. But keep in mind, per Part 21.(a)(6), a mechanic can fabricate a part so long as it is consumed during a repair and provided he follows the prevailing guidance. And for context, there is a distinct difference between a fabricated part and a produced/manufactured part.
 
Couple other points here:

1. Can the part actually be repaired via welding? Many can’t due to
metallurgy and heat treat concerns.

2. Does “ Larry” have the needed equipment and is he familiar with the
techniques needed for a proper repair? Selection of filler rod and
shielding gas is critical.


While the A&P may not know this either it’s best to bring them on board early and not leave it up to “ Larry”.

I actually had this happen to me. The owner had taken a muffler to the Amish to have it welded. The repair was actually brazed. When I pointed this out to the owner he said “ they welded it by brazing”! Obviously items
1 & 2 were ignored.
 
IMO, OPP is not relevant because you are not installing a part. You are making a repair.

If it is a minor repair done with acceptable methods and practices, the A&P should be able to inspect and determine if it is airworthy. It's just an engine baffle, FFS.

He can always do his own repair by riveting a reinforcement plate on it.
 
I may or may not have repaired the cabin heat box at my a&ps request. But im also an aerospace certified Tig welder
 
There is a you tube channel called “just rolled in”. Auto repair shops send clips of what shows up at their shops for service or repair and much of it is really amazing.

I was thinking of the same thing, but call it “just flew in” where shops can show some of the more creative repairs they witness.
 
Bell206 said:
No, simply because its a repair of an existing part. Now the owner could produce a complete new baffle provided they had approved data. But keep in mind, per Part 21.(a)(6), a mechanic can fabricate a part so long as it is consumed during a repair and provided he follows the prevailing guidance. And for context, there is a distinct difference between a fabricated part and a produced/manufactured part.
Click to expand...
Consumed? I’m missing something here
 
Doc Holliday said:
There is a you tube channel called “just rolled in”. Auto repair shops send clips of what shows up at their shops for service or repair and much of it is really amazing.

I was thinking of the same thing, but call it “just flew in” where shops can show some of the more creative repairs they witness.
Click to expand...
@Ed Haywood had a few of these to show off. I believe an Arrow engine mount was the most egregious
 
JScarry said:
Over the years I have had parts on the plane repaired by people who are not A&Ps—mostly welding since it can be tricky and requires equipment that my A&Ps don’t have. This time I had an aluminum baffle repaired instead of paying $600 for a new one but
my newly-minted A&P claims that an A&P must repair any parts on a certificated airplane. My experience is that as long as the A&P is happy with the repair, they don’t have to personally repair it. I suspect that my A&Ps considered repairs the same as owner-produced parts.

I can’t find any regulation that says this. Is there one?
Click to expand...
Try AC 23-27
 
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