FAA is performing an overhaul of the approval for return to service guidance. The most significant part of this overhaul is adding the instructions for completing an 8130-3 (as an approval for return to service) to FAA Advisory Circular 43-9.
Many ASA members manage the repair of rotable parts. They send the parts to appropriately rated repair stations and the repair stations complete the work requested. The repair stations complete an approval for return to service for the work performed; this is typically produced on an 8130-3 tag.
The 8130-3 tag is very important to the distributor’s plans for selling or returning the part following the overhaul or other work accomplished. Uniformity, accuracy, and clarity in how this form is completed is therefore quite useful.
The FAA has made their revision [AC 43-9D] available for comment. Comments are due to the FAA by October 18th. ASA has already identified certain places where the guidance could be clarified, and ASA plans to file comments with the FAA. If you would like to have your comments added to ASA’s then please submit them to ASA by October 14, 2024 so we can review and consider them.