ASA Files Comments on 8130.21J

On Friday June 6, ASA filed comments in response to the FAA’s draft update to Order 8130.21. This FAA order provides instructions for completing the FAA Form 8130-3 with a left-side signature.

The new revision will be numbered Order 8130.21J. The title of the guidance in “Completion of FAA Form 8130-3 under Part 21.”

ASA announced that the draft was open for comment, but the original comment period was quite short, so ASA asked for an extension (which the FAA granted, through June 6).

This is a major rewrite of the guidance, so it is to be expected that the draft-for-comment might still need some work. Many of ASA’s comments highlighted discrepancies that were probably inadvertent (like wrong word choice, or provisions that would have violated existing law). Some others highlighted policy choices that could undermine safety, and recommended alternatives designed to achieve FAA goals without compromising safety.

The FAA Form 8130-3 has evolved into a critical tool for airworthiness assurance in the aircraft parts world. Getting the 8130-3 guidance right is an important step in the continued effort to support safety.

ASA is pleased to be able to work with the FAA to help edit this document and make it ready for eventual release to the public. Cooperation on this document is a great example of the way that the regulators and industry work together toward our common safety goals.