13 information, per acceptable practices, prior to issuance of FAA Form 8130-3 for approval for return to service.
23.2.6 Unique identification aids in product or article traceability. The preferred method is a unique form tracking number in block 3. However, if traceability is provided through other information on the form combined with a number in block 3, this is also acceptable.
23.2.7 When using the form as a maintenance release and approval for return to service, the same requirements of any other maintenance release must be followed. The person or company whose signature and certificate number appear on the form states that the work was accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR part 43 and is taking responsibility for ensuring that it was accomplished correctly. When FAA Form 8130-3 is issued for approval for return to service in accordance with this AC, the FAA Form 8130-3 that accompanies each shipment, product, or article must comply with the recordkeeping requirements of 14 CFR parts 43 and 145, as applicable. Certificate holders (CH) of 14 CFR parts 65 subpart D, 121, and 135 may issue FAA Form 8130-3.
23.2.8 The “User/Installer Responsibilities” statements may be placed on either side of the form.
If the statements are placed on the back side of the form, a note in block 12 should indicate this.
23.2.9 The originator of the FAA Form 8130-3 may reissue the form by written request to fix administrative errors. The request for a corrected form may be accomplished without reverification of the condition of the product or article. The reissued form is not a statement of current condition and must refer to the form being corrected. Include this reference in block 12 using a statement similar to: “This FAA Form 8130-3 corrects the error(s) in block(s) [enter block number(s) corrected] of FAA Form 8130-3 [enter form tracking number] dated [enter issuance date] and does not cover conformity/condition/release to service.” In block 14e, put the date the corrected form was issued. Both forms must be retained according to the retention period in 14 CFR § 91.417(a). In cases where the originator is no longer available (e.g., deceased, employment terminated, or otherwise unavailable), the reissuance depends on availability of the CH identified on the original form. If the originator signed under the authority of, and is using the certificate number of, an approved organization (e.g., a repair station or air carrier), then a person authorized by that company with access to the originator’s copy may reissue the form.
23.2.10 If a copy of FAA Form 8130-3 is requested due to a lost or damaged form, a correlation must be established between FAA Form 8130-3 and the applicable product(s) or article(s). The originator should retain a copy of each FAA Form 8130-3 issued to allow verification of the original data. There is no restriction on the number of copies of FAA Form 8130-3 that may be sent to the customer or retained by the originator. If there is information on both sides of the form, the copy must also include both sides.
23.3 Information Systems and Automation.
23.3.1 Conceptually, forms are used to do one or more of the following: present information in a standard manner, collect data, and collect signatures attesting to the accuracy of the data.
With technological advances, data collection can be generated electronically in various ways and then stored that way. In the same way, the collection of signatures attesting to the collected data’s accuracy has also evolved. However, when the data is presented
(e.g., when it is printed), it should still be in a standard manner that facilitates recognition and acceptance. This is typically accomplished by combining the data with the form image when it is generated. In keeping with technological advances, repair stations and air carriers may develop or use systems that generate an electronic version of the form in accordance with their Operations Specification (OpSpec) A025, Electronic Signatures, Electronic Recordkeeping Systems, and Electronic Manual Systems. AC 120-78 provides guidance that may be useful in developing such a system. Additional considerations are:
1. Through these systems, the signature of the person authorized to issue FAA Form 8130-3 may be applied electronically to block 14b.
2. The form data may be printed, along with the form image, and retained in paper format, or it may be held in a secure database, provided the database contains all the information required on FAA Form 8130-3 and is available for FAA review upon request. If the data is retained in a database, it does not need to be a graphic image of the document(s) (including signatures).
3. FAA Form 8130-3 or form data must be retained by the owner, operator, or CRS, as applicable, consistent with the CH’s policy and procedures for retention of maintenance records under 14 CFR §§ 91.417(b) and 145.219(c).
4. When a new or corrected FAA Form 8130-3 is issued as described by this AC, the system must retain the original form data and the new form data. The system should not overwrite or destroy the original record.
23.3.2 When printing an electronically produced version of the form, the form must duplicate the general format of the original government-printed form with the following considerations:
1. The overall design of the form must not be changed, and no words may be added or deleted (with the exception of filling in the blanks).
2. The form may be reduced in overall size to reduce paper consumption, but not to the extent that it is no longer easily readable and readily recognizable.
3. The size of blocks, in relationship to each other, may vary slightly, but all blocks must remain in their original location.
4. White is the preferred color for the paper; however, if another color is used, the information contained on the form must be legible.
5. All entries on the form must be made in permanent ink and be in English.
23.4 Approval for Return to Service After Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alteration.
23.4.1 Only those persons authorized by 14 CFR § 43.7(b)–(e) may issue FAA Form 8130-3 for approval for return to service of products and articles that have undergone maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration. In addition, the applicable recordkeeping requirements of 14 CFR § 43.9, § 43.11, § 91.417, § 91.421, § 121.380, § 135.439, or § 145.219 must be met.
Note: Persons authorized under 14 CFR § 43.7(b) using FAA Form 8130-3 for returning to service an aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance must provide the owner or operator, in accordance with 14 CFR § 91.417(b)(1), a traceable FAA Form 8130-3 to the certificate number of that person. The person making the return to service should retain a copy, and the owner or operator must retain the FAA Form 8130-3 until that work is superseded or 1 year after the work is performed.
23.4.2 When an article is received that is marked with dual or multiple part numbers, the article should be processed in the following manner:
23.4.2.1 Articles from air carriers that are dispositioned for maintenance are required to be maintained and inspected in accordance with the part number(s) and instructions presented on the work request. If the customer is an air carrier or foreign air carrier with N-registered aircraft, follow the air carrier/operator’s maintenance program ICA (refer to 14 CFR §§ 121.367, 129.9(a)(6), and 135.425).
23.4.2.2 All related records pertaining to the maintenance performed should reflect the same part number for the maintenance of a particular article as referenced in the customer’s request. Typically, the part number on the customer’s work request should match the part number on the return to service. If the article is marked with a single Production Certificate (PC), Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), or Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA) number, the return to service created should reference that number. If the article is marked with more than one PAH number (e.g., PC-6CE), request guidance from the customer to determine which part number to use to support the customer’s work request.
Note: Part markings applied under 14 CFR part 45 may only be modified as defined in FAA-approved or acceptable data
(e.g., maintenance manuals, ADs, manufacturer drawings, technical data, and SBs).
23.4.3 Block 12 of FAA Form 8130-3 (or an attachment) must clearly document the process used to determine airworthiness, such as references to manufacturer maintenance manuals, other ICA, or other FAA-approved or acceptable technical data. If attachments are used, they should include the form tracking number of the corresponding FAA
16 Form 8130-3. When attachments are used, the number of attachments must be stated in block 5.
23.5 Issuance of FAA Form 8130-3 for Used Products and Articles Removed from a U.S.-Certificated Aircraft for Installation on Another U.S.-Certificated Aircraft.
23.5.1 FAA Form 8130-3 may be issued for approval for return to service of those products and articles removed from a U.S.-certificated aircraft (under an Operating Certificate in accordance with 14 CFR § 121.367 or § 135.425) for use on other aircraft operated under the same Air Carrier Certificate. The removal and installation of products and articles must be accomplished in accordance with the air carrier’s FAA-accepted maintenance program and OpSpecs. The use of FAA Form 8130-3 for this purpose is optional.
23.5.2 Those products and articles removed from a U.S.-certificated aircraft other than those referenced in paragraphs 23.5.1 and 23.5.3 must have an airworthiness determination made in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 43.3 and 43.13(a)–(c) by persons authorized in 14 CFR § 43.7(b)–(e). This also includes compliance with the applicable ADs, alterations status, and total time/cycles for those products and articles as required by 14 CFR §§ 91.417, 121.380, and 135.439. The use of FAA Form 8130-3 for this purpose is optional.
23.5.3 Title 14 CFR part 129 operators may issue an FAA Form 8130-3 approval for return to service for those products and articles removed from a U.S.-certificated aircraft operated in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 129.9(a)(6) and 129.14 and for use on another aircraft operated under the same operating authorization. Removal, installation, and an airworthiness determination must be made by persons authorized under 14 CFR §§ 43.3 and 43.7 and in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 43.1 and 43.13 for the foreign air carrier’s FAA-approved maintenance program or other methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator. This also includes compliance with the applicable ADs, alterations status, and total time/cycles for those products and articles as required by 14 CFR § 91.417. The use of FAA Form 8130-3 for this purpose is optional, but the FAA recommends its use.
23.6 Information Relevant to the European Union (EU).
23.6.1 Aviation authorities in the EU may recognize FAA Form 8130-3 for approval for return to service only from 14 CFR part 145 repair stations or air carriers that also hold a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 approval and that were rated for the product or article at the time the product or article was approved for return to service. When FAA Form 8130-3 is used as approval for return to service to meet the terms and conditions of the Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA), this is considered to be a “dual release” FAA Form 8130-3. The MAG can be viewed at https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/internatio nal/bilateral_agreements/baa_basa_listing.
23.6.2 A product or article approved for return to service with a dual release on FAA Form 8130-3 is eligible for installation on a U.S.- or EU-registered aircraft. For a dual
17 release, check both boxes in block 14a stating “14 CFR 43.9 Return to Service” and “Other regulation specified in Block 12” and include the following statement in block 12:
“Certifies that the work specified in block 11/12 was carried out in accordance with EASA Part-145 and, in respect to that work, the component is considered ready for release to service under EASA Part-145 Approval Number [EASA 145-XXX].” The FAA approval/certification number must be entered in block 14c. Only facilities that are both FAA- and EASA-approved and located in the United States or an EU Member State can issue a dual release certificate, as published in the U.S.-EU Safety Agreement, Annex 2, Maintenance, and the MAG; others must issue both an FAA Form 8130-3 and an EASA Form 1, Authorised Release Certificate, individually.
23.6.3 The MAG also provides guidance for using FAA Form 8130-3 (and EASA Form 1) without a dual release for special cases. Refer to the MAG Section B, Appendix 1, Guidance for the EASA Supplement, for the United States, and the MAG Section C, Appendix 1, Guidance for the FAA Supplement, for the EU.
23.6.4 When FAA Form 8130-3 is used as an approval for return to service to meet the terms and conditions of a BASA, users should refer to the specific agreements and requirements for completion instructions.
24 AC FEEDBACK FORM. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
R obert Reckert for Lawrence Fields Executive Director, Flight Standards Service
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE COMPLIANCE RECORD (SUGGESTED FORMAT) AD Number and Amendment Number Date Received Subject Compliance Due Date Hours/Other Date of Compliance Airframe Total Time in Service at Compliance Method Used to Comply with the AD One Time or Recurring Next Compliance Due Date Hours/Other Authorized Signature, Certificate, Type, and Number Remarks
Aircraft, Engine, Propeller, Rotor, or Appliance: Make Model S.N.
Appendix B B-1 APPENDIX B. BLOCK-BY-BLOCK INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING FAA FORM 8130-3 FOR AN APPROVAL FOR RETURN TO SERVICE B.1 Block 1, Approving Civil Aviation Authority/Country. FAA/United States.
(Preprinted.)
B.2 Block 2, Authorized Release Certificate, FAA Form 8130-3, Airworthiness Approval Tag. (Preprinted.)
B.3 Block 3, Form Tracking Number. Enter the unique number established by the numbering system (see paragraph 23.2.6).
B.4 Block 4, Organization Name and Address. Enter the full name and physical address (no post office box numbers) of the individual, organization, or facility that is issuing the form. A logo, certificate number, or other identification of the issuer is permitted if it can be contained within the block.
B.5 Block 5, Work Order/Contract/Invoice Number. Fill in the work order number, contract number, and/or invoice number related to the shipment list or maintenance release authorization number. Also state the number of pages attached to the form, including dates, if applicable. If the shipment list contains the information required in blocks 6 through 11, the respective blocks may be left blank if a list is attached to the form. In this case, the following statement should be entered in block 12: “This is the certification statement for the articles listed on the attached document dated [date], containing pages [X] through [X].” In addition, the shipping list should cross-reference the form tracking number located in block 3. If a work order/contract/invoice number is not available, enter “N/A.”
B.6 Block 6, Item. Enter the single item number for each aircraft engine, propeller, or article.
If entering multiple items, whether they share the same part number or not, number each item in sequence. If a separate list is used, enter “List Attached.”
B.7 Block 7, Description. Enter the name or description of the product or article. Preference should be given to the term used in the instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) or maintenance data (e.g., Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC), Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), or Service Bulletin (SB)).
B.8 Block 8, Part Number. Enter the part number of the product or article. In the case of an aircraft engine or propeller, the model designation may be used. If the article being worked on is a subassembly that does not have a part number of its own, enter the next higher assembly number followed by the word “subassembly.”
B.9 Block 9, Quantity. Enter the quantity of each item. If a separate list is used, enter “List Attached.”
B.10 Block 10, Serial Number. If 14 CFR part 45 requires a serial number to identify the product or article, enter it here. Additionally, any other serial number not required by regulation also may be entered. If no serial number is entered in this block, enter “N/A.”
Appendix B B-2 B.11 Block 11, Status/Work. The following table describes what to enter in a specific situation. The term entered in block 11 should reflect the kind of work performed by the organization. The use of uppercase or lowercase in this block does not matter.
Table B-1. FAA Form 8130-3 for Approval for Return to Service Block 11 Terms Enter: For:
“OVERHAULED” A process that ensures the product or article is in complete conformity with the applicable service tolerances specified in the type certificate (TC) holder’s or equipment manufacturer’s ICA, or in the data approved or accepted by the responsible authority. The product or article will be at least disassembled, cleaned, inspected, repaired as necessary, reassembled, and tested in accordance with the approved standards and technical data or current standards and technical data acceptable to the Administrator, which have been developed and documented by the holder of a TC, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), or a material, part, process, or appliance approval under 14 CFR part 21 (refer to 14 CFR §§ 21.50, 43.2, and 91.421).
“REPAIRED” Repair of the defect(s) using an applicable standard.
“INSPECTED” and/or “TESTED” Examination or measurement in accordance with an applicable standard (e.g., visual inspection, functional testing, or bench testing).
“MODIFIED” Alteration of a product or article to conform to an applicable standard.
Note: The applicable standard must be described in block 12.
B.12 Block 12, Remarks. The use of uppercase or lowercase in this block does not matter.
B.12.1 In block 12, describe the work performed that is identified in block 11, and the associated results necessary for the user or installer to determine the airworthiness of the product or article in relation to the work being certified. This can be done either directly or by reference to supporting documentation. If additional attachments are part of the FAA Form 8130-3 return to service, such as FAA Form 337, Major Repair and Alteration (Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, or Appliance), or other pertinent documentation, annotate “See attachment(s) [insert here]”. Attachment(s) must have traceability to the FAA Form 8130-3.
B.12.2 Below are examples of conditions that could necessitate a statement in this block. These statements may or may not be appropriate depending on the form’s purpose.
1. Data required by 14 CFR § 43.9, including a description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of work performed. This should also include the revision level or status of the data used. If the certificate holder (CH) uses other documents such as work orders, shop travelers, or FAA Form 337 to comply with 14 CFR §§ 43.9 and 43.11, they must be specifically referenced in this block.
Appendix B B-3
2. Compliance with Airworthiness Directives (AD) or SBs.
3. Repairs carried out.
4. Modifications carried out.
5. Replacement articles installed.
6. Life-limited parts status (total time, total cycles, etc.).
7. If a specific batch or lot number is used to control or trace the product or article, enter the batch or lot number in this block.
8. Any Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) parts used (some European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)-based air carriers do not accept PMA parts and documenting the use of them on FAA Form 8130-3 notifies the end user prior to installation).
9. Deviations from the customer work order.
10. Information needed to support shipments with shortages or reassembly after delivery.
11. Release statements to satisfy a Civil Airworthiness Authority (CAA) maintenance requirement.
12. Attachments, when used. Attachments should include form tracking numbers of the corresponding FAA Form 8130-3.
Note: Item 11 refers to a dual release against both 14 CFR part 43 and a CAA maintenance requirement or the single release by a 14 CFR part 145 approved maintenance facility against a CAA maintenance requirement. However, care should be taken to check the relevant boxes in block 14a to validate the release.
A dual release requires both the FAA and the appropriate CAA to approve/accept the approved data.
B.12.3 A 14 CFR part 145 certificated repair station (CRS) that also holds an EASA Part-145 certification and performs maintenance, preventive maintenance, and/or alterations to EASA member-registered aircraft may use the FAA Form 8130-3 EASA dual release for articles removed for maintenance or inspection and then reinstalled on the same aircraft, or for parts consumed in the performance of maintenance and inspections of those Member State aircraft and for articles that enter the EASA system. FAA Form 8130-3 cannot be used for an aircraft return to service record. The final dual release should be issued with the following statements in the specified blocks:
1. In block 14a, check only the box stating, “Other regulation specified in Block 12.”
Do not check the box that states compliance with 14 CFR § 43.9.
2. In block 12, insert text similar to: “Certifies that the work specified in block 11/12 was carried out in accordance with EASA Part-145 and, in respect to that work, the [product/article] is considered ready for release to service under EASA Part-145 Approval Number [insert number: EASA 145-XXX].”
Appendix B B-4 Note: Blocks 14b, 14c, 14d, and 14e will require completion by the FAA CRS per the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) (“dual release”);
however, the release applies only to its EASA Part-145 certification.
3. When FAA Form 8130-3 is used as an approval for return to service to meet the terms and conditions of a BASA, users should refer to the specific agreement’s requirements for completion instructions. FAA Form 8130-3 is restricted to a dual release only (i.e., one FAA and one BASA).
B.13 Blocks 13a through 13e. Shade, darken, or otherwise mark to preclude inadvertent or unauthorized use.
B.14 Block 14a, Approval for Return to Service. Mark the appropriate boxes indicating which regulations apply to the completed work. If the box “Other regulation specified in Block 12” is marked, then the regulations of the other CAA must be identified in block 12. At least the left box “14 CFR 43.9 Return to Service” must be marked, or both boxes may be marked, as appropriate.
Note: In block 14a, the subclause “unless otherwise specified in Block 12” is intended to provide a means to document where any work performed deviated from the requirements of 14 CFR part 43. If all the required maintenance was not carried out, list the specifics in block 12 and/or attachments. This can include documenting work performed on products and articles that did not come off of N-registered aircraft, such as public use and military aircraft. If that is the case, then block 14a should not be checked if the work does not conform to the requirements of 14 CFR part 43.
B.14.1 For work done in accordance with foreign authorities, the “Other regulation specified in Block 12” box must be checked. The regulations of the other CAA must be specifically identified in block 12. In addition, the data used to complete the work must be clearly stated in block 12 or attached to the form with the attachment identified in block 12. If the work has been done in accordance with both the regulations of the FAA and another CAA, both boxes in block 14a must be checked (see paragraph 23.6.2 for dual release instructions). Any attachments should include the form tracking number of the corresponding FAA Form 8130-3.
B.15 Block 14b, Authorized Signature. This space will be completed with the signature of the authorized person. Only persons specifically authorized are permitted to sign this block. The approval signature must be applied at the time and place of issuance and manually applied, except as provided in paragraph 23.2.7.
B.16 Block 14c, Approval/Certificate No. Enter the certificate number of the 14 CFR § 43.7 entity.
B.17 Block 14d, Name (Typed or Printed). Enter the typed or printed name of the authorized representative whose signature appears in block 14b.
Appendix B B-5 B.18 Block 14e, Date (dd/mmm/yyyy). The date to be entered in block 14e for approval for return to service is the date on which the original work was completed (refer to 14 CFR § 43.9). The date should be in the following format: two-digit day, first three letters of the month, and four-digit year (e.g., 03 Feb 2008). This does not need to be the same as the printing or shipping date, which may occur later. The use or omission of slashes, hyphens, or spaces in the date does not matter.
OMB Control Number: 2120-0746 Expiration Date:12/31/2027 Advisory Circular Feedback Form Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0746. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering, and maintaining the data needed, completing, and reviewing the collection of information.
All responses to this collection of information are voluntary. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.
If you find an error in this Advisory Circular, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by emailing this form to the Flight Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFB-120-Directives@faa.gov.
Subject: AC 43-9D, Maintenance Records and FAA Form 8130-3 Return to Service Date: _____________________ Please mark all appropriate line items:
☐ An error ( procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph ____________ on page _______.
☐ Recommend paragraph _____________ on page __________ be changed as follows:
☐ In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:
(Briefly describe what you want added.)
☐ Other comments:
☐ I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me using the information below.
Submitted by: Date: ______________________ FAA 1320-73 (01/25) SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS EDITIONS