Part 145 repair stations: what the FAA expects you to show.
A plain-English guide to running a certificated repair station, from the capability list to the records you hand back with every job. Use it as an audit checklist, then let MRO Tracker keep the paper trail as the work happens.
What your certificate covers
Your repair station certificate lists ratings, such as airframe, powerplant, propeller, radio, instrument and accessory (145.59), and limited ratings for specific makes, models or articles (145.61). You may only work on what your ratings and operations specifications allow.
If you hold limited ratings, a capability list names every article you work on (145.215). Before adding an article, you do and keep a self-evaluation showing you have the housing, facilities, equipment, people and data for it.
The two manuals
Repair station manual
Under 145.207, it describes your organization, who does what, your housing and facilities, your capability list, how you contract out work and how you keep records. You keep it current and notify the FAA of each revision.
Quality control manual
Under 145.211, your quality system covers incoming inspection of parts and materials, preliminary and hidden-damage inspections, final inspection and return to service, calibration of tools, keeping technical data current, and corrective action when something goes wrong.
Most findings in an audit are the gap between what the manuals say and what the floor does.
People, roster and training
An accountable manager responsible for the station meeting Part 145 (145.151)
Enough qualified people to plan, supervise, do, inspect and approve the work you take on (145.151, 145.153, 145.155, 145.157)
A roster of management and supervisory people, inspectors, and everyone authorized to approve an article for return to service, with a summary of each person's employment and qualifications (145.161)
An FAA-approved training program, with initial and recurrent training and records of who was trained on what (145.163)
Hazardous materials training for anyone who handles hazmat (145.165)
Tools, data and parts
Calibrated tools
Equipment and tools used to decide airworthiness must be calibrated to a standard the FAA accepts (145.109(b)). Know where each tool is, when it is due, and what it was used on.
Current technical data
Work to the manufacturer's current maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness, or other data the FAA accepts or approves (145.109(d)).
Traceable parts
Incoming parts and materials are inspected and their paperwork checked before they go on an aircraft, under your quality control procedures.
Contract maintenance
Any maintenance function you send out is on a list you keep, and you remain responsible for the work (145.217).
Inspection, return to service and records
Every article is inspected by qualified inspection people before you approve it for return to service (145.213). The entry under 43.9, or 43.11 for an inspection, describes the work, the date, and the signature, certificate number and authority of the person approving it. Components are often released on an FAA Form 8130-3.
Keep a record of the work for at least two years from the date the article was approved for return to service, and give the owner a copy of the maintenance release (145.219).
Report serious failures, malfunctions and defects to the FAA within 96 hours of finding them (145.221).
Working for an air carrier or commercial operator? Follow its maintenance program and manual for that work (145.205).
Before the FAA walks in
The roster matches the people who actually sign
Training records are current for everyone on it
No tool past calibration is in use, and each one can be traced to the jobs it was used on
The capability list and self-evaluations are up to date
Each closed job has its inspections, sign-offs and release, with the data revision used
Parts on each job have their paperwork, such as an 8130-3
The contract maintenance list is current
Every open discrepancy and corrective action is tracked to closure
How MRO Tracker keeps the paper trail for you
Task cards that close properly
Discrepancy, corrective action, kitting, QC and sign-off on one card. RII items need an inspector who is not the mechanic, and a card can't be signed off while a tool is still checked out.
Tools with their calibration
Tools are checked in and out against the card by barcode, with calibration due dates, history and a due or overdue report.
People who are qualified for the job
The hangar plan flags anyone assigned without the qualification the work needs, and training records sit with each person.
Parts and logbook entries
Parts used and removed are recorded on the card, AOG parts track to 8130-3 received, and finished work prints as a logbook label with 43.9 or 43.11 wording.
Pricing: Workshop is $55 per user a month, or $75 with Billing, with a 5-user minimum. Customers approving estimates and auditors are free. MRO Tracker for Part 145 · Workshop
Common questions
How long does a repair station keep work records?
At least two years from the date the article was approved for return to service, under 145.219, and longer if a customer's program requires it.
When do I need a capability list?
When you hold limited ratings and want to work on articles by listing them, rather than amending your operations specifications for each one (145.215).
Who can approve work for return to service?
The people on your roster who are authorized to do so (145.161), after the work has been inspected by qualified inspection people (145.213).
Does the training program need FAA approval?
Yes. Under 145.163 the program, and each revision, is approved by the FAA, and you keep training records for each person.
Do I report every defect I find?
No. 145.221 covers serious failures, malfunctions and defects, reported within 96 hours. Ordinary findings are handled and recorded under your quality system.
This guide is a summary for planning, not legal or maintenance advice. Check the current regulations, your operations specifications and your manuals before relying on it.
See also the Part 91 and Part 135 guides, or book a demo.