Industry gets more time to review training manual

The maintenance industry received a 60-day extension from the FAA to review and comment on draft AC 145-RSTP. Comments are due March 22. The Advisory Circular defines the scope and description of the Part 145 Repair Station Training Program.

Industry trade groups said they found numerous issues that are not consistent with the June 21, 1999, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or with the Aug. 6, 2001, final rule.
The FAA initially promised the industry that the AC would be published by Aug. 6, 2001. Having missed that date, the industry felt the agency was trying to accelerate publication of the final AC before the fast-approaching FAR 145.163 implementation date of April 6 this year.

The industry contended that publishing the draft for public review last December 22 and allowing a 30-day time frame for comment subjected aviation small businesses to an unrealistic and unfair burden.