Handbook Bulletin Implementation Put Off Until Summer's End

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has successfully convinced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend the implementation of a costly Handbook Bulletin affecting aircraft maintenance programs to August 31, 2005.

At issue is a recent revision to the Handbook Bulletin for Airworthiness, 04-06D, which was originally issued in August 2004 and addresses aircraft configuration and maintenance programs for aircraft operated under Part 135. The original deadline of September 30, 2004, had been incrementally extended until February 28, 2005. In a call this week with NATA staff and members of the association’s Aircraft Maintenance and System Technology Committee, FAA officials explained that the additional delay was to allow more time to review comments submitted by NATA and to evaluate alternative solutions.

Many operators, in order to meet a nine or fewer passenger-seat configuration standard, have placarded or otherwise blocked certain seats to make them unusable. These aircraft are then generally maintained under 135.411(a)(1) requirements. The new guidance in HBAW 04-06 would require the physical removal of these seats or a switch to the 134.411(a)(2) maintenance program.

Most operators would be required to obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the seat removal. Using a placard to make a seat unusable by passengers, even if previously approved by the FAA, would not be acceptable under this new policy.

NATA staff and members of the association's Air Charter and Aircraft Maintenance and System Technology committees have met extensively with the FAA to voice concerns with the agency's course of action.

Compliance with the bulletin would have a staggering economic impact on the air charter industry, costing thousands of dollars per aircraft to obtain the STC. The overall impact on the industry could be several million dollars.

"We are pleased that our excellent working relationship with the FAA has proven to them that we are committed to finding common sense solutions to problems facing our industry," said Eric R. Byer, NATA Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs. "We applaud the FAA’s willingness to work with us to help sustain a valuable sector of our economy."

FMI: www.nata.aero