Christmas Comes Early for § 21.137(o) Compliance

On Dec. 17, the Federal Register published a correction to a final rule published on Oct. 1 that amended certification procedures and marking requirements for aeronautical products and articles (read below for further detail). In the correction, the effective date of the final rule has been amended to permit earlier implementation of certain provisions, including new § 21.137(o) allowing U.S. production approval holders (PAH) to issue FAA Form 8130-3 as an authorized release certificate for aircraft engines, propellers and articles.

The association has been leading an industry coalition urging the FAA to allow early compliance in accordance with the “new” requirement in MAG Change 5.  Beginning Apr. 1, 2016 MAG Change 5 will require all new articles produced by a U.S. PAH to be accompanied by FAA Form 8130-3 when installed during maintenance that will be issued a dual release.

The Oct. 1 published rule’s original  effective date was March 29, 2016 for all provisions.  The new effective date for the Form 8130-3 privilege (and several other amendments) is Jan. 4, 2016. As a result, PAHs that develop the procedures required by new § 21.137(o) may transition to the new privilege on or after that date, subject to the Manufacturing Inspection District Offices’ (MIDO) approval of those procedures. This will also allow the MIDOs to better manage their reviews of the PAH submissions.

To download a PDF copy of the FAA’s correction, visit: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-12-17/pdf/2015-31639.pdf.