Continuing analysis and surveillance

This regulation requires Part 121 air carriers to maintain an ongoing system that monitors how well their maintenance and inspection programs are working and fixes any problems found. This applies whether the airline does the work itself or contracts it out to another company.

The system must continuously analyze and watch over:

• The inspection program's performance and effectiveness
• All other maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration programs
• Correction of any deficiencies discovered

If the FAA determines these monitoring programs don't meet regulatory standards, the airline must make necessary changes after being notified. Airlines can challenge such FAA directives by filing a petition within 30 days with their responsible Flight Standards office. Unless there's a safety emergency, filing the petition temporarily suspends the FAA's directive until a final decision is made.

This ensures airlines don't just perform maintenance but actively verify their maintenance systems are working properly and improving over time.

*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.*