Maintenance

Review guidance for maintenance personnel, including the minimum equipment lists (MELs), A&P Inspection Authorization renewals and more.

News

Protecting Aviation Maintenance Technicians From ‘Poachers’ April 2, 2024: One-third of nearly 300 flight departments surveyed reported they lost aviation maintenance technicians to other employers. Experts suggest ways business aviation operators can mitigate the practice of “poaching” AMTs.
Maintenance: Is Your Flight Operation Ready for Winter? Dec. 6, 2023: As winter approaches, business aviation operations face the task of preparing for cold weather. Proper planning and preparedness are essential to ensure safe and efficient trips during this challenging season.
Business Aviation Maintenance in a Digitally Predictive World Nov. 22, 2023: While the industry has gained from rudimentary predictive aircraft health monitoring capabilities in the past, today’s new-generation aircraft include sensors built into components that allow operators to capture data from all systems and use it for preventative maintenance planning.
AMT Strategies for Maximizing Powerplant Lifespan Nov. 20, 2023: Good housekeeping, failsafe tool tracking and never-miss procedures for clearing hangars and debris are the everyday contributions aviation maintenance technicians can make to maximize the lifespan of the powerplants they are responsible for.
Aviation Maintenance Technicians Can Aspire to Lead Flight Departments Sept. 26, 2023: No single path – pilot, maintenance or scheduling/dispatch – provides all the needed experience to lead a flight operation, say experts. AMTs aspiring to reach that goal should identify and address their knowledge gaps.
Widening the Technician Hiring Pipeline Sept. 21, 2023: The industry is trying new ways to increase the number of available business aviation maintenance technicians including communication, cooperation and regulatory overhauls regarding technical schools.
First-Ever NBAA-BACE Maintenance Competition Allows Students to Test Skills, Gain Experience Sept. 14, 2023: Aircraft maintenance workers are in high demand in business aviation, so to highlight the excitement and opportunities the industry offers, for the first time the 2023 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition will feature a Maintenance Competition.
Maintenance: Industry Looks to All-Synthetic SAF Aug. 15, 2023: The next step in sustainable aviation fuels is the use of so-called “neat” SAF, which is totally free of all fossil fuels and not blended. Business aviation OEMs say they’re ready.
NBAA Thought Leadership Webinar: Directors of Maintenance Share Tips for Success Aug. 11, 2023: To shine a light on some of the best ways to keep a maintenance department at peak safety and efficiency, the NBAA brought together three of the industry’s leading directors of maintenance in its Thought Leadership Webinar: DOMs Spill Their Secrets to Running the Most Efficient Flight Departments, sponsored by Veryon.
Should Your Maintenance Department Go Digital? Aug. 8, 2023: Advocates of business aviation digital systems say the time is right for maintenance departments to consider making the leap from analog to digital for recordkeeping and documenting processes.
NBAA Maintenance Conference Inspires Attendees to Maximize Their ‘Personal Toolbox’ May 2, 2023: As the business aviation maintenance community comes together in Hartford, CT for a week of education and networking, attendees were welcomed to the event with advice to help them maximize their personal toolbox.
At NBAA’s Request, FAA Extends Comment Period on Draft MEL Advisory Circular April 26, 2023: At the NBAA’s request, the FAA recently extended to May 18 the comment period on draft Advisory Circular 91-67A – general aviation use of minimum equipment lists (MELs).
Onboard AMTs Bring Security, Efficiency to International Trips April 4, 2023: Aviation Maintenance Technicians, or those who often serve a dual role as flight attendant and maintenance technician, bring significant benefits to international operations.
Changes in Part 147 to Bolster Maintenance Workforce Feb. 7, 2023: Shifting the oversight structure is designed to better prepare the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.
Industry Continues to Adapt to Supply Chain Challenges Dec. 18, 2022: Managers need to be resourceful to deal with parts shortages and shipping delays.
Maintenance Careers Highlighted at LATC Business Aviation Day Dec. 5, 2022: NBAA staff took part in the annual Lake Area Technical College Business Aviation Day in South Dakota, which is designed to promote to students the exciting and rewarding maintenance career opportunities available in the industry.
Maintenance: Preparing for Winter Operations Dec. 5, 2022: Here are some tips on how to get ready before winter weather arrives.
Maintenance: Labor Shortage Prompts Fresh Hiring Approaches Dec. 4, 2022: The dearth of qualified maintenance personnel has prompted new recruitment tactics.
Meeting Parts Delivery Challenges Nov. 28, 2022: Local sourcing and extra insurance are two ways operators can mitigate the risks associated with procuring aircraft parts.
AMT Jobs in Business Aviation: Will There Be Enough Applicants? Sept. 1, 2022: The NBAA Maintenance Committee is holding sessions at colleges around the country to introduce students to careers in business aviation.
Mitigating Supply Chain and Maintenance Workforce Challenges July 28, 2022: Finding aircraft parts and qualified technicians continues to be difficult.
Maintenance: Problematic ADS-B Configuration Errors June 14, 2022: A substantial number of ADS-B installations have triggered failure notices when operating in the national airspace system, a situation that needs to be addressed.
Maintenance: Top Traits for Technicians Dec. 13, 2021: While the resumes of many candidates may indicate they have the experience and credentials to do the work, the personal qualities of the candidates may be just as important.
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges Dec. 8, 2021: The pandemic’s ripple effects are making it harder to obtain aircraft parts quickly.
Podcast: Navigating Supply Chain Challenges Nov. 15, 2021: global supply chain crisis has hit business aviation just when the industry is experiencing a resurgence in flight activity. How can operators and support providers adapt to mounting shortages of critical parts and materials?
Aviation Maintenance Evolving Oct. 6, 2021: Emerging technologies are drawing new professionals to aviation maintenance.
Maintenance: Ramping Up Maintenance Activities Aug. 23, 2021: Experts offer tips for emerging from COVID inactivity.
Operations: Aircraft Painting Best Practices Aug. 11, 2021: Planning to paint an aircraft is not just about selecting colors and finishes. Consider the environmental impact of the process.
BizAv Maintenance Community Welcomes New, Dedicated Pavilion at NBAA-BACE Aug. 3, 2021: New for 2021, the NBAA-BACE Maintenance Pavilion offers exhibitors a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services and connect with current and potential customers.
Podcast: Dealing With Parts Supply and Logistics Challenges Aug. 2, 2021: Business aircraft operators are increasingly having to deal with parts shortages and logistical bottlenecks. Innovative solutions are sometimes required to overcome these challenges.
Podcast: Turning Wrenches? With AMTs, Think Tech May 24, 2021: To commemorate National Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day across the U.S. on May 24, four business aviation AMTs retrace their professional paths, discuss how the industry has evolved and provide advice for those who may be considering careers in this dynamic field.
Aviation Maintenance Has Come a Long Way Since 1903 May 19, 2021: Aviation Maintenance Technician Day is celebrated every year on May 24, but not many people know the significance of that date. It’s the day 153 years ago that Charles (Charlie) Taylor – one of the giants of aviation – was born.
Deconstructing Minimum Equipment Lists April 28, 2021: Understanding how MELs work enables operators to develop a list of onboard items that can be inoperative while ensuring their aircraft fly safely and legally.
Maintenance Providers: Avoid ‘Ghost’ Targets When Testing ADS-B Equipment April 19, 2021: During testing, maintenance providers should follow their ADS-B testing equipment manufacturer’s guidance to avoid transmitting false airborne target information, which creates confusion.
Understanding Deferred Maintenance Feb. 23, 2021: It’s important to distinguish between what equipment is necessary to perform a flight and what equipment operators can legally defer repairing, per regulation.
Maintenance: Understanding Minimum Equipment Lists Dec. 3, 2020: How much do you know about your aircraft’s minimum equipment list (MEL)? You may not want to answer until you read this article.
NBAA News Hour: Education, Outreach Vital to Attracting Diverse Aircraft Maintenance Workforce Nov. 9, 2020: A recent webinar examined how to attract a broader segment of the student population to a career in the maintenance sector of business aviation.
Podcast: Best Practices for Small Flight Department Maintenance Nov. 2, 2020: Four experts offer advice to managers of small aviation operations who may not have a background in maintenance or the resources to hire a full-time maintenance professional.
New Resource Outlines Best Practices for Small Flight Department Maintenance Oct. 19, 2020: For operators that don’t have a full-time technician, this new NBAA members-only resource provides guidance on how to manage maintenance effectively and cost-efficiently.
NBAA News Hour Explores Common ‘Gotchas’ with MELs and Deferred Maintenance Oct. 16, 2020: NBAA News Hour on Oct. 16 examined the deferred maintenance items allowable under regulations, comparing minimum equipment lists (MELs), non-essential furnishing lists (NEFs), configuration deviation lists (CDLs) and other regulatory requirements.
Podcast: Minimum Equipment Lists 101 Sept. 14, 2020: Minimum equipment lists may seem relatively straightforward, but they do require attention to detail.
NBAA Urges FAA to Implement Standardized, Scalable Minimum Equipment List Processes Sept. 11, 2020: NBAA has asked the FAA to create a simplified, scalable solution for operating aircraft with certain inoperative instruments and equipment for Part 91 – a process normally accomplished via a Minimum Equipment List authorization.
Maintenance: Diligence Required When Returning Aircraft to Service Aug. 5, 2020: Returning aircraft to service properly requires maintenance technicians to follow detailed procedures that usually are found in Chapter 5 of airframe and engine maintenance manuals.
NBAA Names Recipients of 2020 Maintenance Scholarships July 28, 2020: NBAA’s Maintenance Committee announced the recipients of 2020 Maintenance AMT Scholarships at the conclusion of the association’s NBAA GO Virtual Maintenance Conference.
NBAA Wraps Virtual Maintenance Conference with Call for Awareness on STC Compliance July 28, 2020: The NBAA GO Maintenance Conference wrapped up July 27, 2020, with a detailed look at maintaining airworthiness when installing equipment through supplemental type certificates.
Virtual Maintenance Conference: The Three Domains of Aircraft Connectivity July 17, 2020: The July 20 NBAA GO Maintenance Conference session, “Connectivity Tip-to-Tail,” covers the aircraft’s three domains for satellite or ground-based communications – cockpit, systems and passengers – and their different needs.
Virtual Maintenance Conference: Industry Plays Key Role in Emergence of Sustainable Aviation Fuel July 14, 2020: The business aviation industry continues to play a leading role in the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), The emergence of SAF was detailed in the NBAA GO Virtual Maintenance Conference session, Sustainable Aviation Fuels - A Maintenance Perspective.
FAA Releases Policy Letter Regarding Part 91 Minimum Equipment Lists July 9, 2020: The FAA has published Policy Letter 36, Revision 3 regarding approval of and the preamble for Part 91 Minimum Equipment Lists.
Maintenance: Reducing Maintenance Risks July 7, 2020: Many aircraft operators and repair stations mitigate maintenance risk by adhering to four key concepts: communication, continuity, planning and oversight.
Virtual Maintenance Conference: 3 Tips for Troubleshooting a NO COMM Data Link Error July 3, 2020: Operators experiencing a NO COMM error, one of those most common data link communication issues, should run through a series of simple tests to determine the cause of the problem.
Virtual Maintenance Conference: Mitigating Business Aircraft Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities June 26, 2020: Though business aircraft typically feature the most hardened cybersecurity systems, a breach could create a very real concern. Secure connectivity is the subject of the latest NBAA GO Virtual Maintenance Conference session, and those interested may join the live Q&A session at 3 p.m. (EDT) Monday, June 29, 2020.
Aviation Maintenance Schools Adapting to COVID-19 Environment June 18, 2020: Thanks to the efforts at aviation maintenance schools around the country, many students will complete their programs on time or be only minimally delayed in entering the workforce.
Virtual Maintenance Conference: Eliminate Distractions to Increase Safety, Efficiency May 29, 2020: Overcoming distractions that challenge business aviation companies was the focus of the latest NBAA GO Virtual Maintenance Conference session on managing distractions.
MROs Work to Keep Aircraft Ready for Service During Pandemic April 27, 2020: Even as business aircraft operators remain largely idled by the COVID-19 crisis, the industry’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies are servicing aircraft and keeping them ready to fly.
Fleet Readiness and Maintenance Considerations During COVID-19 April 9, 2020: An NBAA News Hour webinar held April 9, 2020, highlighted maintenance best practices and other considerations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maintenance Mentors Offer Guidance to A&P Students at California Roundtable March 6, 2020: Over 50 aspiring technicians in the San Francisco Bay Area received career guidance from industry veterans during the Maintenance Mentor Roundtable on March 4 , 2020.
NBAA Continues Efforts to Harmonize Part 91 MEL International Compliance Requirements March 4, 2020: The FAA published a draft advisory circular to describe acceptable methods for operating aircraft with certain inoperative instruments and equipment, and in part to ensure international standardization.
NBAA Has Tips for Effectively Using Maintenance Contractors Nov. 25, 2019
Maintenance: How to Have a Good Service Center Experience Oct. 7, 2019: Learn how planning and communication are key to ensuring an aircraft is delivered on time and on budget.
Podcast: Ramping Up Recruiting for Business Aviation Maintenance Professionals June 17, 2019: Business aviation maintenance professionals discuss approaches to combat the aviation maintenance workforce shortage.
FAA Proposed Rule Means Flexibility for Maintenance Training May 21, 2019: The FAA proposes expanding a previously proposed rule to allow aviation maintenance technician schools to use competency-based training and satellite training locations.
FAA Recognizes AET Certificate as Equal to Formal Training Jan. 11, 2019: The FAA has formally recognized ASTM's National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies Aircraft Electronics Technician certification as equivalent to formal training when showing eligibility for the issuance of a repairman certificate.
FAA Develops Interim Solution for STCs Not Evaluated for MMEL/MEL Relief Dec. 4, 2018: Before an item installed under a supplemental type certificate can be included on a master minimum equipment list, the component, system or appliance must be evaluated as early as possible during its certification process.
Investing in the Aviation Maintenance Workforce Oct. 29, 2018: Increased competition in the labor market and changing demographics in the business aviation workforce present challenges to companies looking to hire new technicians and maintenance professionals.
Time to Upgrade: What You Need to Know About Aircraft Refurbishment Oct. 22, 2018: Learn how effective communication and thoughtful planning help you to get the most out of aircraft refurbishment, in the November/December 2018 Business Aviation Insider magazine, the NBAA-BACE Issue.
FAA Extends Compliance Date for Expired Navigation Databases in Minimum Equipment Lists Nov. 1, 2017: Notice N 8900.440, “Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) Policy Letter 98, Revision 1, Navigation Databases and Associated Aviation Safety Inspector Requirements” provides guidance to the FAA’s Aircraft Evaluation Division (AFS-100) and aviation safety inspectors with MEL oversight responsibility, as well as to aircraft operators authorized to use MELs. Review Notice N 8900.440.
Top 5 Myths About Equipping for ADS-B Oct. 16, 2017: With the ADS-B deadline approaching on Dec. 31, 2019, NBAA dispels the myths about the process for equipping with this key NextGen technology.
MEL Changes Required for Flying With an Expired Navigation Database Sept. 6, 2017: In a recent revision to FAA Policy Letter 98 (PL-98) – which provides standardized MMEL relief to operators with out-of-currency navigation databases (NDBs) – the agency determined that expired databases do not meet the definition of “inoperative” equipment, and are not authorized for MMEL relief per 14 CFR.
It Pays to Plan Ahead for ADS-B Equipage June 13, 2017: This is the second in a series of articles about the importance of planning early for the January 2020 ADS-B requirement.
Quick Turns: The Importance of Achieving Positive Tool Control June 12, 2017: One of the most pressing issues facing business aviation maintenance technicians, flight departments and MROs right now is how to meet directives regarding positive control of all tools to eliminate incidents and accidents due to tool FOD.
Coordinating ADS-B Installation with Planned Maintenance Reduces Aircraft Downtime June 2, 2017: Dec. 31, 2019, may seem a long way off, but it’s a hard deadline for operators to equip their aircraft with ADS-B capabilities. Once Jan. 1, 2020, arrives, ADS-B will be required to operate in most airspace over the continental United States.
Quick Turns: Aircraft Paint Is More Than Meets the Eye April 17, 2017: The paint on your aircraft is much more than decorative. Members of the NBAA Paint Forum want aircraft owners and operators to understand that aircraft paint is a complex protective system that requires care and maintenance with the same diligence afforded to other flight components, such as engines and control surfaces.
Nonessential Equipment and Furnishings April 12, 2017: Aircraft Master Minimum Equipment Lists (MMELs) can now be found on the FAA Flight Standards Information System web site. Currently, Master Minimum Equipment Lists (MMEL) provide relief only for passenger...
New FAA Review Board Offers Clarity on Inconsistent Interpretations of Regulations March 29, 2017: On March 9, 2017, the FAA established the Regulatory Consistency Communication Board to provide guidance to internal and external stakeholders by clarifying inconsistencies related to the application of regulations.
Special Report: Connectivity Dec. 12, 2016: Travelers demand continuous connectivity while en route from takeoff to landing, and they expect connection speeds to be as fast as those they have at home or in their offices, which puts pressure on owners and operators to make sure their onboard connectivity systems are capable of meeting those demands.
Quick Turns: Explaining Inflight Wi-Fi’s Limitations July 18, 2016: Learn how to explain the limitations of inflight Wi-Fi to your passengers in the Quick Turns section of the July/August 2016 issue of NBAA's Business Aviation Insider magazine.
Quick Turns: Maintenance Internships Program Tips April 25, 2016: Flight departments working to establish internship programs may benefit from the lessons learned from long-running programs such as the one at Nationwide Insurance. Since 2007 the company has introduced select airframe and powerplant students from Columbus State Community College to the maintenance side of the operation.
Quick Turns: In-House Training Offers Multiple Benefits Dec. 21, 2015: Staffing concerns, lost employee productivity and potential savings in time and cost are some of the common reasons why flight departments are moving toward in-house training for aircraft maintenance technicians and other personnel. Perhaps more importantly, this type of education helps promote a positive, collaborative work environment.
Quick Turns: Proper Response to Mission ‘Squawks’ Aug. 24, 2015: Business Aviation Insider magazine's July/August 2015 Quick Turns article explains how advance planning may minimize business aircraft maintenance issues during an extended trip.
Special Report: Cabin Connectivity Technology Aug. 17, 2015: The world is becoming more interconnected as the rapid advancement in 'connectivity' technologies escalates. Smartphones, tablets and a host of other electronic devices for personal and business use are now commonplace, and as a result business travelers today expect to remain connected whether they are at the office or 40,000 feet in the air.
New NBAA Subcommittee to Examine Cabin Connectivity Standards Oct. 7, 2014: A working group, formed to address the need for improved in-cabin connectivity standards for passengers and crew, has evolved into the Connectivity Subcommittee of the NBAA Maintenance Committee.
Huerta: Part 23 Changes May Cut Certification Costs Oct. 28, 2012: FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta recently said he expects the joint industry-FAA committee reforming FAR Part 23 to recommend a better rulemaking approach that will allow more design innovation and cut certification costs for new light aircraft.
Maintenance Scholarship Deadline Approaching, Others Awarded Later This Year Jan. 11, 2012: March 2, 2012, is the application deadline for NBAA's Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarship (TRACS).
NBAA Webinar Reveals Secrets of Outside Maintenance Dec. 12, 2011: A webinar conducted on December 7, 2011, helps aircraft operators determine the right time for outsourcing aircraft maintenance.
Airframe and Powerplant Inspection Authorization Aug. 10, 2011: Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics who hold Inspection Authorization (IA) may inspect and approve for return to service aircraft and parts after a major repair or alteration and may perform annual and progressive inspections.
FAA Issues Proposed Policy Clarifying Definition of Actively Engaged for Purposes of Inspector Authorization Dec. 6, 2010: The FAA has issued a Notice of Proposed Policy that seeks to clarify the definition of actively engaged for purposes of Inspector Authorization initial and renewal applications.
NBAA Safety Alert: Tire Pressure Jan. 25, 2010: Review NBAA's safety recommendations for assuring that aicraft tire pressures are kept within allowable limits.

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2025 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)

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2026 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2026)

2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)

2027 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2027)

2024 NBAA Maintenance Conference

2024 NBAA Business Aviation Taxes Seminar

2024 NBAA Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference

2025 NBAA International Operators Conference (IOC2025)

2025 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2025)

2025 NBAA Maintenance Conference

2024 NBAA White Plains Regional Forum

2024 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2024)

2025 NBAA International Operators Conference (IOC2025)

2025 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2025)

2026 NBAA International Operators Conference (IOC2026)

2026 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2026)

2027 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2027)