Hot section: FAA Revises AMOC Approval Process

The FAA has issued revised Draft Order 8110.103A detailing new procedures on 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.