Draft Policy Statement Concerning Life-Limits and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a draft policy statement concerning life-limits and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). The purpose of the policy statement is to clarify that certain life-limited items, in addition to those specifically required by 14 CFR §§ 27.571 or 29.571, should be included in the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the ICA for rotorcraft.

Appendix A of both part 27 and 29 states that the ALS must set forth each mandatory replacement time, structural inspection interval and related structural inspection procedure approved under §§ 27.571 or 29.571. However, other mandatory replacement times, mandatory inspection intervals and related procedures associated with structural integrity are also appropriate for inclusion in the ALS. The policy, along with an upcoming rulemaking, helps clarify that other life limits can be included in the ALS.

Comments are due Aug. 10, 2009

A copy of the draft is attached