The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) has secured U.S. FAA confirmation on an alternative method of compliance with U.S./EASA parts inspection requirements. The FAA issued a letter on September 28 confirming that an ARSA-developed form, E100, is acceptable and consistent with agency guidance on documentation that is required under the recent Changes 5 and 6 of the U.S./EU Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG). 

Beginning this month, U.S. repair stations must meet European requirements for specific documentation to accompany new parts that are installed in articles subject to the MAG, specifically articles approved for a return to service by a dual FAA/EASA maintenance release.

Marshall Filler, managing director and general counsel for ARSA, commended both EASA and the FAA for accepting alternative approaches. “This is another significant step, as U.S. industry transitions to the new EASA requirements,” Filler said. “It is a hard-earned success. For more than a year, ARSA, its industry allies and member companies have been working diligently to overcome the biggest regulatory obstacles [of MAG Changes 5/6].”

The association released the form last month and is making it available to members for free. It is also hosting an online training session on MAG compliance and the use of the form. The form enables members to record an inspection of a new article without the documentation required by the MAG, said ARSA.