UK Part 145 Deadline Approaching: Make Sure You Have the Right Maintenance Release Documentation

If you have a US-based repair station or if you use US-based repair stations to provide MRO services, then you should carefully look at the approaching UK deadline. The UK has been accepting EASA 145 maintenance approval certificates (EASA Form 1) but will insist on UK CAA 145 maintenance releases (or comparable maintenance release documents accepted under a bilateral agreement) after December 31, 2024.

This means that distributors who sell overhauled components to UK operators and MROs will need those components to be overhauled under standards acceptable to the UK if the maintenance release is dated January 1, 2025 or later. Acceptable maintenance release documents in the UK will include:

• UK CAA Form 1
• FAA 8130-3 if signed as a dual-release under UK 145 privileges
• TCCA Form One

UK CAA Part 145 Repair Station Certification

The practical deadline for U.S.-based repair stations to obtain UK CAA Part 145 maintenance organization approval is December 31, 2024. This certification is part of the UK’s transition following its withdrawal from the European Union (EU).

The new UK CAA approval process replaces the previous recognition of EASA certificates for repair stations servicing UK aircraft. The deadline does not affect maintenance approvals that were issued before the current deadline, so already-maintained parts with EASA Form 1 (issued by or before December 31, 2024) will still be acceptable for installation on UK-registered aircraft. However, parts subject to maintenance release dated after January 1, 2025, will require acceptable release documentation.

As of March 2024, the UK CAA had received about 150 applications from U.S.-based maintenance providers. As of late November 2024, over 700 U.S. entities had applied, with 300 receiving approvals. The UK CAA anticipates more applications in the final weeks of 2024.

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications for UK CAA Part 145 approval opened in January 2023. The agreed application deadline is September 30, 2024, allowing 90 days for approvals before the transition period ends. However, recent statements encourage anyone who hasn’t yet applied to come forward and submit applications as soon as possible, even if the September deadline was missed. New applications may not be approved by January 2025, but shops that have not yet applied should still submit their paperwork. The CAA aims to make the approval process accessible and let the market determine business placements.

Requirements and Eligibility

Applicants must hold a valid FAR 145 Repair Station Certificate issued by the FAA. Evidence of need for UK approval is required, but the bar is not set high; an expression of interest from a potential UK customer is sufficient.

While the UK CAA believes most commercial operator needs have been addressed, they recognize that some gaps in general aviation support may remain. The UK CAA is prepared to work with affected stakeholders and has workarounds in place to minimize disruptions for small GA operators.

Application Procedure

Submit a completed application form to the UK CAA.

Provide necessary documentation, including:

• Copy of the FAA Air Agency approval certificate
• Federal Tax Identifier Number
• Payment of the relevant fee

Upon receipt of the UK Part 145 approval number, submit required documentation to the FAA. The FAA National Coordinator and CAA National Coordinator will keep a record and share the status of applications for UK Part 145 repair stations located in the US to monitor approvals granted by the CAA.

Costs and Validity

The Initial approval fee for organizations holding a FAR 145 Repair Station Certificate is £1,0822.

The Annual fee to maintain approval is £646.

Approvals are valid for 24 months and require renewal.