Repair Station Ratings: Stumbling Block?

The Federal Aviation Administration's decade-long effort to update repair station classifications and expand quality systems appears to have stalled once again. The agency indicated that it plans to withdraw a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would overhaul the ratings system for repair stations. The NPRM also would require repair stations to establish a quality program, maintain a capability list, designate a chief inspector and have permanent housing for facilities, equipment, materials and personnel.

The notice to officially withdraw the NPRM is not scheduled for release until July. The notice--which actually is considered a rule--must first get vetted by the Department of Transportation and the Office of Management and Budget.

The move to withdraw the NPRM is not a complete surprise, industry officials say. The NPRM generated considerable controversy from most corners of the industry, except for the labor groups. The FAA acknowledged that controversy, saying the agency was withdrawing the NPRM, "because we have determined that it does not adequately address the current repair station environment and because of the significant issues commenters raised."

The controversy swirling around the rating system changes and quality program requirements has continued for years. Both the classifications and quality program components originally were part of a larger, comprehensive rewrite of Part 145 regulations governing repair stations released in 2001.