Under what condition could certificated mechanics perform and approve propeller work under an AD?

Under what condition could certificated mechanics perform and approve propeller work under an AD?

• A. If the alteration is major
• B. If the propeller is not replaced
• C. With explicit FAA waiver
• D. If the alteration is minor

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the distinction between minor and major work when returning a part to service under an AD. Certificated mechanics can perform and sign off on minor repairs or alterations and approve the item for return to service under FAA rules. So, if the propeller work described by the AD is minor in scope, a certificated mechanic may both perform the work and approve it for service. If the alteration were major, or if the AD requires a major modification, that would require an appropriately rated organization or individual (such as an FAA-approved repair station) and often a Form 337 or equivalent approval. An explicit FAA waiver isn’t the standard path for this situation, and simply noting that the propeller wasn’t replaced doesn’t address the regulatory threshold between minor and major work.

The key idea is the distinction between minor and major work when returning a part to service under an AD. Certificated mechanics can perform and sign off on minor repairs or alterations and approve the item for return to service under FAA rules. So, if the propeller work described by the AD is minor in scope, a certificated mechanic may both perform the work and approve it for service.

If the alteration were major, or if the AD requires a major modification, that would require an appropriately rated organization or individual (such as an FAA-approved repair station) and often a Form 337 or equivalent approval. An explicit FAA waiver isn’t the standard path for this situation, and simply noting that the propeller wasn’t replaced doesn’t address the regulatory threshold between minor and major work.