REFERENCE:  DRAFT Advisory Circular 43-FLD

SUMMARY:  This AC describes a standardized procedure for requesting field approvals. The AC also provides instructions for completing a new field approval checklist.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS: CHAPTER 1.   INTRODUCTION

Who will perform the field approval and work with me during the approval process?
What do I need to prepare when requesting a field approval?
What is the difference between the two kinds of field approvals?
How will the repair or alteration affect the product?

CHAPTER 2.   DATA

Who is responsible for gathering data to support making an alteration?
What types of data may be used?
What is the DER's role in field approvals?

CHAPTER 3.   THE FIELD APPROVAL PROCESS

What are the three major steps in the field approval process?
Before requesting a field approval, what research should I conduct?
What alterations and repairs do not require a field approval?
How do I create the data package?
What happens when I am ready to submit the data package?
What is the ACO's role in the field approval process?
What will the ASI do after determining that the alteration or repair can be approved?
What may I do after I have my data field approval?
What may I do after I have my installation field approval?

CHAPTER 4.   AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL SUPPLEMENTS

What is the purpose of an AFMS and under what circumstances do I need to create one?
How do I create an AFMS?
What happens during the AFMS approval process?
How do I determine whether the dates are correct in the AFMS and FAA Form 337?
Where should copies of the AFMS be distributed?

CHAPTER 5.   INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS

What benefits do I gain from addressing the ICA in FAA Form 337?
Why is an ICA necessary?
What can I do to prepare the ICA?
What information should my ICA include?
What are the requirements for an ICA?
What are the requirements for ICAs for aircraft certificated under the CAR?
How should my ICA address installations that use other approved data?
Is there any circumstance under which field approved equipment does not need to be operational?
Are there any aircraft that do not need ICAs?
Who can ASIs contact for help with ICA?
Who is responsible for implementing the ICA and recording any changes?

AEA COMMENTARY:

The Association commends the FAA for taking this first step towards developing advisory materials that will standardize expectations and procedures for local FAA approval of alteration and repair data.

FMI: (draft) http://www.aea.net/ac43flddft7.pdf; www.aea.net