Par 2-4 Page 9 (and 10) must be approved by the Industry Steering Committee (ISC) and accepted by the MRB chairperson before the start of any WG meetings. Deliver all WG data packages and documents to the regulatory authorities 30 calendar-days before scheduled meetings. Deliver the final MRBR proposal and any supporting documents to the MRB chairperson 90 calendar-days before expected approval of the document.
2-5. VALIDATION OF ASSOCIATED MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. The OEM/TCH must develop internal instructions and guidelines to enable the validation of all maintenance procedures written to support MRBR tasks, and then the OEM/TCH must validate them. The objective of the validation is to ensure that the procedure can be performed as written and that the procedure meets the intent of the MRBR task. At minimum, the OEM/TCH must make available a completed aircraft and the necessary qualified maintenance personnel where and when requested by the FAA. The OEM/TCH must demonstrate to the FAA that Failure Effect Category (FEC) 5 and 8 safety tasks can be adequately performed and that the procedure meets the intent of the MRB task. Additional tasks may be validated at FAA’s discretion.
NOTE: Figure 2-1 outlines the relationships between the various documents involved in the creation of the minimum scheduled tasking/interval requirements, including the MRBR.
2-6. CMRs. During aircraft design certification and concurrent with the MRB process, leading up to the type certification process, the OEM/TCH accomplishes an analysis, in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 23, § 23.1309; part 25, § 25.1309;
part 27, § 27.1309; and part 29, § 29.1309. The analysis intends to detect any safety-significant latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic condition. This system safety assessment leads to a design decision to create candidate Certification Maintenance Requirements (CCMR).
a. Additional Information. For further information regarding this subject, please see the current editions of AC 23.1309-1, System Safety Analysis and Assessment for Part 23 Airplanes;
AC 25.1309-1, System Design and Analysis; AC 25-19, Certification Maintenance Requirements; AC 27-1, Certification of Normal Category Rotorcraft; and AC 29-2, Certification of Transport Category Rotorcraft.
b. Limitations. If a CCMR may be satisfied by an MSG-3 task, the following limitations apply:
(1) Only MSG-3 Category 5 and 8 tasks may take credit for a CCMR.
(2) If certification transfers a CCMR to the ISC based on a balancing MRB task, the ISC manages that task from that point forward (see subparagraph 6-3(n)(7)).
Par 3-1 Page 11 CHAPTER 3. INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION
3-1. INDUSTRY STEERING COMMITTEE (ISC). The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)/type-certificate holder (TCH) will work with the expected participating operators of the aircraft, the engine OEM/TCH, and other product vendors to form an ISC to address the minimum scheduled tasking/interval requirements for the aircraft and engines. Representatives from aircraft, engine, propeller, and appliance manufacturers and intended operators normally comprise the ISC. Representatives of maintenance organizations may also be part of the ISC, subject to coordination with the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) chairperson. The ISC chairperson will work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) MRB chairperson. The MRB chairperson is responsible for coordinating with other participating regulatory authorities.
The ISC chairperson is responsible for (1) developing and establishing a Policy and Procedures Handbook (PPH) for the development of the Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) proposal; and (2) directing the activities of the working groups (WG) and preparing the MRBR.
Under the direction of the selected ISC chairperson, the ISC will perform the functions in the PPH, as listed in subparagraph 3-2a of this chapter. As applicable, the following information should be in each PPH. A typical format for the PPH is provided in Appendix 3, Policy and Procedures Handbook (PPH) Format. This example contains all of the necessary elements for a PPH, but the format may vary for legacy products. Deviation from Appendix 3 will be negotiated between the ISC and MRB chairpersons.
3-2. ISC FUNCTIONS. Perform these functions:
a. Approve the PPH and forward it to the MRB chairperson for review and acceptance.
During the MRB PPH review process, the FAA MRB chairperson will direct comments to the OEM/TCH. The ISC must approve the initial PPH and all subsequent revisions; the FAA must accept the initial PPH before any WG meetings can begin.
b. Determine the number and type of each WG that will be necessary and then organize and manage those groups. The ISC should ensure that a representative number of operators attend each WG meeting. The ISC goal should be a minimum of three operators.
c. Provide the MRB chairperson with a list of the number and types of each WG, the name and affiliation of each member, and any subsequent personnel changes.
d. Arrange for required aircraft technical/MSG training for all ISC and WG members and FAA/regulatory authorities.
e. Invite the MRB chairperson and selected MRB members to ISC meetings.
f. Invite other regulatory authorities to ISC and WG meetings, with concurrence and coordination of the MRB chairperson.
g. Attend ISC meetings. ISC chairpersons/co-chairpersons may attend internal MRB meetings when invited by the MRB chairperson.
h. Review and accept all final WG analyses and presentations, returning those that are unacceptable to the WG.
Page 12 Par 3-2
i. Establish a tracking system for issues that are identified from WG analyses and will resolve all open actions.
j. Provide complete and accurate meeting minutes for all ISC and WG meetings. Establish a method of distributing and tracking all meeting minutes.
k. Establish a tracking system to ensure resolution of all maintenance issues and open action items or concerns. Document and resolve all maintenance issues and open action items or provide a plan for closure before presenting an MRBR proposal to the MRB chairperson.
l. Provide to the appropriate MRB members all supporting technical data/analysis for the proposed MRBR.
m. Review and provide comments on proposed MRBR.
3-3. MSG WGs. Appropriate representatives of the OEM/TCH (aircraft/engine), vendors, operators, maintenance organizations and regulatory authorities must comprise WGs. An industry representative will chair the WG; he or she is selected by the WG and accepted by the ISC. WG responsibilities include the following functions in addition to those included in subparagraph 3-2a:
a. Develop minimum scheduled tasking/interval requirements for new or derivative aircraft/engine using the latest revision of the MSG process and the latest approved PPH.
b. Establish sampling requirements when an analysis determines that such sampling is applicable and effective in the identification of the failure cause. These failures could have an adverse effect on the continued airworthiness or safety of the aircraft.
c. Produce a set of meeting minutes for each WG activity.
3-4. OEM/TCH FUNCTIONS. The OEM/TCH will perform the following functions:
a. Develop and prepare a draft PPH for ISC approval.
b. Provide required aircraft technical/MSG training for all ISC and WG members and FAA/regulatory authorities before holding the first WG meeting.
c. Provide the ISC with a comprehensive candidate Maintenance Significant Items (MSI) and Structural Significant Items (SSI) list and a list of the items precluded from the candidate MSI/SSI list before beginning any ISC/WG meeting.
d. Arrange for the required attendance of the appropriate OEM/TCH design personnel at each ISC/WG meeting.
e. Provide WG members with current technical data to support the analysis of each MSI, SSI, and zones of the aircraft for analysis by each WG. The data are required 30 days before the ISC/WG meeting.
Par 3-4 Page 13 (and 14)
f. Arrange for technical support and access to the aircraft, appropriate OEM/TCH, and/or vendor facility, as required for the development of analysis and tasks.
g. During each ISC/MRB meeting, provide the ISC/MRB and appropriate WG members, with an updated report of all airworthiness limitation items (ALI), Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMR), and design changes that impact the MSG-3 analysis.
h. Ensure that the OEM/TCH manuals contain information and procedures for accomplishing all on-aircraft systems/structures/zonal tasks covered in the MRBR.
i. Participate in all ISC and WG activities in support of the development of the MRBR.
j. Record all ISC and WG activity and discussion in meeting minutes, and record unresolved open actions/open issues in a formal ongoing action list or report.
k. Provide the MRB chairperson a copy of all supporting technical data/analysis for the proposed MRBR at the conclusion of the project.
l. Submit the MRBR proposal to the MRB chairperson at least 90 calendar-days before scheduled approval.
m. When the OEM/TCH conducts sampling and analytical inspections of the aircraft, powerplant, or systems/components on an opportunity basis, the OEM/TCH will provide timely notification to the MRB chairperson (or representative) regarding the time and location of the inspection to permit MRB chairperson (or representative) participation. When the attendance of the MRB Chairperson (or representative) is not possible, the OEM/TCH must provide a copy of the complete inspection report to the MRB chairperson.
Par 4-1 Page 15 CHAPTER 4. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) PARTICIPATION
4-1. U.S. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER (OEM)/TYPE-CERTIFICATE HOLDER (TCH). The OEM/TCH formally notifies the responsible Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) manager of its intention to develop a Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) proposal.
a. Assigning a Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Chairperson. The appropriate AEG manager will assign a qualified individual as MRB chairperson to manage the specific MRB process for the FAA. The MRB chairperson selects and manages additional MRB members.
Through the appropriate division/office manager, the MRB chairperson will formally invite experienced and qualified FAA working group (WG) advisors to participate in each WG.
Acceptance to participate is considered a commitment for the duration of the project.
b. Notification of MRB Composition. The MRB chairperson will provide formal written notification to the Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300, of the MRB’s composition. Refer to Figure 4-1, Memo to AFS-300 to Establish a Maintenance Review Board. The MRB chairperson will also invite the manager of AFS-300, or his or her representative, to participate in the MRB process.
c. Coordination with Aircraft Certification Service (AIR). The FAA MRB chairperson is also responsible for coordination on all issues of concern with FAA certification within the appropriate AIR project manager and engineering staff. This may require developing issue papers and responding to AIR issue papers or seeking consultation on new technological issues that may arise during the design and development process of the aircraft.
d. Assignment of MRB Members. The MRB chairperson will assign an FAA MRB member to each WG. The MRB chairperson may assign additional FAA advisors to each WG if necessary. The MRB should include, and the chairperson should ensure the participation of, qualified Flight Standards Service (AFS) inspector personnel and AEG personnel, and the chairperson should also encourage the participation of engineering representatives from the controlling FAA certification/directorate office.
Page 16 Par 4-1 FIGURE 4-1. MEMO TO AFS-300 TO ESTABLISH A MAINTENANCE REVIEW BOARD
Federal Aviation Administration Memorandum Date: XX/XX/XXXX To: Manager, Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300 From: Manager, XXX Aircraft Evaluation Group Prepared by: XXXXXXXXXX Subject: ACTION: Establishment of a Maintenance Review Board for the ABC Aviation Model 500 Aircraft The Aircraft Certification Offices (ACO) and the Flight Standards Divisions each have responsibility for specific tasks in the aircraft certification process. Within the Flight Standards Divisions, the Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) has a variety of responsibilities including: the development, acceptance and revision of the minimum scheduled tasking/interval requirements for derivative or newly type certificated aircraft and powerplants. These minimum scheduled tasking/interval requirements are contained in the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) Report and are part of the requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25, § 25.1529 and Appendix H. These functions are accomplished through the establishment of technical boards as provided by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8900.1.
Order 8900.1 sets forth responsibilities and guidelines for Flight Standards Divisions and the AEGs in accomplishing certain aircraft certification and operation evaluation responsibilities.
Composition and functions of the MRB are contained in the current edition of Advisory Circular (AC) 121-22. Other pertinent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy letters, orders, and advisory material may also apply.
The FAA aircraft certification and the MRB Maintenance Steering Group - 3rd Task Force (MSG-3) analysis of the ABC Aviation Model 500 aircraft will be conducted concurrently with (insert name of participating National Aviation Authority (NAA) here.)
Par 4-1 Page 17 FIGURE 4-1. MEMO TO AFS-300 TO ESTABLISH A MAINTENANCE REVIEW
BOARD (CONTINUED) We anticipate the following schedule:
• The MRB will first meet in January, 2013.
• The MRB MSG-3 working group analyses will take place between March 2013 and September 2014.
• Aircraft maintenance task validation will occur during the flight test program.
• First aircraft delivery should occur in September 2015.
Identified below are the proposed MRB members. Please advise me if you wish to include a representative from AFS-300.
Maintenance Review Board Members:
Chairperson – Alan Able, XXX AEG Powerplants/Air/Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) – Bob Baker, XXX AEG Avionics/Electrical – Cynthia Clinton, XXX AEG Mechanical Systems – David Delkin, ASO ATL FSDO-11 Structural – Edward Elkins, XXX AEG Zonal/High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF) – Fredrick Fox, AGL CHI FSDO-31 The chairperson of this board is responsible for planning the board functions, coordinating with the aircraft manufacturer and other concerned FAA offices and resolving any technical deficiencies. The chairperson will be guided by established processes and procedures in accomplishing assigned tasks. The members of the board will be responsible for technical input, consultation and development of technical recommendations in support of accomplishing assigned objectives. Technical guidance and direction to the board is available through the appropriate AEG office manager and the Manager, Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS-300).
4-2. FOREIGN OEM/TCH.
a. MRB Chairperson for Certification of Foreign Aircraft. During the certification process of a foreign-manufactured aircraft, the applicant will formally request FAA participation from the appropriate AEG. The AEG office manager will assign a qualified FAA MRB chairperson who will perform the duties as the FAA representative on the international MRB/Industry Steering Committee (ISC).
b. Responsibilities of FAA MRB Chairperson.
(1) This FAA MRB chairperson is the counterpart to the international MRB chairperson in all matters concerning MRB activities and Maintenance Steering Group (MSG) processes. The MRB chairperson is the sole authority regarding FAA requirements. The chairperson also provides the collective input from all the FAA advisors regarding WG activities. The primary duty is to ensure compliance with the applicable Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) minimum tasking/interval requirements/FAA regulatory requirements. Also, to the
Page 18 Par 4-2 extent possible, the chairperson ensures standardization and harmonization of the domestic and foreign MRB activities within the international MRB process.
(2) Regarding all issues of concern, the FAA MRB chairperson is also responsible for coordination with FAA certification within the appropriate aircraft directorate project manager and engineering staff. This may require developing issue papers and responding to certification issue papers or seeking consultation on new technological issues that may arise during the design and development process of the aircraft.
(3) The FAA WG advisors provide assistance and guidance to WG members regarding the Policy and Procedures Handbook (PPH), the latest version of the MSG process, FAA policy, and regulatory requirements. The FAA advisors report directly to the FAA MRB chairperson on all matters regarding assigned WG activities, actions, results, and controversial issues.
4-3. MRB.
a. MRB Personnel. The MRB supports the development of an industry MRBR proposal containing the minimum scheduled tasking/interval requirements for a newly FAA type-certificated (TC) or derivative aircraft and its aircraft engines. The membership of the MRB should include (as the MRB chairperson deems appropriate):
(1) AEG specialists,
(2) Qualified AFS inspector personnel, and
(3) Engineering representatives from the controlling FAA certification/directorate office.
b. MRB Chairperson Functions. The MRB chairperson will initiate the development of an MRB, obtaining a complete schedule of all MSG process activities from the OEM/TCH. The MRB chairperson assigns MRB members or other qualified FAA personnel to work as advisors to each applicable industry WG. It is also the responsibility of the MRB chairperson to perform the functions identified in the PPH, as described in Chapter 3, including the following:
(1) Determine the number and type of qualified FAA personnel that are necessary, and assign them to their respective WG by specialty (e.g., systems, engines, avionics, structures, zonal, Lighting/High Intensity Radiated Field (L/HIRF)).
(2) Provide the ISC chairperson with a list of FAA personnel’s names, affiliations, and assignments, and changes in personnel as they occur.
(3) At the discretion of the MRB chairperson, invite the ISC chairperson or other persons to the MRB meetings, as needed to discuss specific issues.
(4) Invite other regulatory authorities, in coordination with the AEG manager and the OEM/TCH, to participate in the MRB; coordinate the activities with regulatory authorities through their representatives.
Par 4-3 Page 19
(5) Obtain letters of confirmation between the FAA and each participating regulatory authority. Refer to the example in Appendix 4, Figure 5, Letter of Confirmation Template.
(6) Inform the ISC chairperson of all participating regulatory authorities.
(7) Establish and maintain a file of all MRB proceedings in the MRB historical file.
(8) Establish the extent of other regulatory authority participation and assignment as WG advisors.
(9) Keep other regulatory authorities informed regarding any changes to MRB policy and procedures before and during the MRB process.
(10) Accept the ISC-approved PPH, following a review by all participating regulatory authorities, within 30 calendar-days of receipt.
(11) Coordinate all MRB activities and associated matters with the ISC chairperson.
(12) Ensure that the OEM/TCH provides the necessary aircraft familiarization/technical training, including MSG training, to all MRB members and WG advisors. Ensure that the training requirements are stated in the PPH for both FAA and non-FAA personnel. Validate that the training provided is adequate, and, if not, advise the OEM/TCH as to needed revisions.
(13) Schedule the MRB meeting before attendance of ISC meetings, as required.
(14) Attend all ISC meetings, and be prepared to address any previous open issues that develop during WG or ISC meetings.
(15) Ensure that the appropriate FAA and other regulatory authorities attend WG meetings.
(16) Ensure the participation of FAA personnel assigned to the MRB.
(17) Offer information, guidance, and assistance to the ISC and each WG regarding regulatory requirements, PPH, compliance and process management, MSG noncompliance, and other related issues.
(18) Review reports from previous ISC meetings (if applicable) and from the WG members with regard to open issues or concerns.
(19) Provide oversight of the OEM/TCH validation of maintenance tasks performed under Chapter 2, paragraph 2-5.
(20) Discuss potential problem areas of controversy with other regulatory authority participants and decide if FAA Maintenance Review Board Policy Board (MRBPB) guidance is needed. If required, draft an appropriate issue paper for submittal to the MRBPB for resolution.
Page 20 Par 4-3
(21) Discuss items of new technological developments and issues not previously addressed in the MSG-3 document with the FAA MRBPB and International Maintenance Review Board Policy Board (IMRBPB).
(22) Remain aware of the current status of IMRBPB and FAA MRBPB issues and communicate these changes to the MRB and ISC for consideration for implementation into the OEM/TCH program.
(23) Approve the MRBR, and revisions, in accordance with established MRBR revision procedures.
c. MRB Members. MRB members perform the following functions:
(1) Provide guidance and feedback to the FAA WG advisors and WG members.
(2) Direct FAA WG advisors in assigned WGs regarding compliance with the PPH and current regulatory and policy requirements.
(3) Attend MRB meeting to review and discuss all significant quality problems and open issues, as required.
(4) Attend ISC meetings, as invited by the ISC chairperson to support regulatory and policy requirements.
(5) Attend WG meetings to review and discuss all significant quality problems and open issues, as required. Ensure that the WG follows the MSG process and PPH guidelines.
Report any deviations from the MSG process/approved PPH procedures to the MRB chairperson.
(6) Review technical data, MSG analysis, and PPH revisions provided by the OEM/TCH before each WG meeting, as required. The OEM/TCH must provide and deliver the data 30 calendar-days before each meeting.
(7) Provide oversight of the OEM/TCH validation of the associated maintenance procedures.
(8) Review WG meeting minutes and provide progress reports to the MRB chairperson within 2 weeks after each WG meeting, but no later than the next scheduled ISC meeting. This review will contain an assessment of WG activities, including a notification of any controversy, potential problem areas, or issues affecting the MSG process.
(9) Provide the MRB chairperson with highlights, including minimum scheduled tasking/interval requirements and any unresolved WG concerns or issues.
d. FAA Maintenance WG Advisors. An FAA WG advisor is any person assigned to the WG by the MRB chairperson to provide assistance or technical guidance to that WG, but may (or may not) be a member of the MRB. This person may be in addition to the MRB member assigned to that WG. FAA WG advisors perform the following functions: