FAA Revises Alternate Compliance Approval Process

The FAA has issued a draft revised Order 8110.103A with new information about how agency personnel process alternative methods of compliance (Amoc) requests. Amocs are requested by companies and individuals seeking a different method for complying with an Airworthiness Directive (AD), but Amocs must also be approved by the FAA. The revised order addresses some key issues, including procedures for urgent 24/7 Amoc requests; allowing the FAA to approve Amocs for foreign-registered aircraft; procedures for coordinating Amocs with FAA Flight Standards; guidance for handling of proprietary data; an optional Amoc response checklist to ensure compliance with the order; and allowing the use of e-mail for approving or denying Amoc requests. Although the FAA can approve a request for an Amoc for an AD that applies to a foreign-registered aircraft, the order noted, “Authorizing use of the Amoc is the responsibility of the CAA of the state of registry.” The order also includes a detailed listing of the information required in an Amoc request. This order becomes effective on December 31.