FAA Rules That TC and STC Holders Cannot Limit ICAs

The FAA has issued a policy statement that prevents type certificate and supplemental type certificate design approval holders (DAHs) from “inappropriately” restricting the availability, distribution and use of instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA). ICA constitute only those maintenance instructions recommended by a DAH in compliance with airworthiness standards that are acceptable to or approved by the FAA to maintain a type-certified product in an airworthy condition.

The policy statement, Section 21.50(b), requires the DAH to “furnish at least one set of complete instructions for continued airworthiness to the owner of each type aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller."

The Aeronautical Repair Station Association notes that it is inappropriate for a DAH to place limitations on the use of its ICA between product owner and the maintenance provider. Therefore, the agency says it will not accept restrictive statements or terms in ICA documents that limit the appropriate availability or use of the ICA where the FAA has determined the ICA are acceptable for maintaining a DAH’s product with FAA-approved replacement parts, articles or materials installed.