Manual requirements
Read the official ruleThis regulation requires Part 121 air carriers to include specific maintenance-related information in their manuals. The manual must contain an organizational chart showing who's responsible for maintenance, plus a list of any outside contractors performing inspections or maintenance work.
Most importantly, the manual must detail the carrier's maintenance programs, including:
- How routine and non-routine maintenance is performed
- Which maintenance items require inspection because they could endanger safety if done incorrectly
- Who is authorized to perform required inspections
- Procedures ensuring inspectors remain independent (workers can't inspect their own work, and inspection decisions can't be overruled by non-inspection supervisors)
- How to handle incomplete work during shift changes
- Standards for tools and measuring equipment
The carrier must also establish a recordkeeping system that tracks what work was done, who did it, and who approved it. This creates accountability and ensures maintenance is performed consistently according to approved procedures.
*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*