Persons authorized to approve aircraft, airframes, aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, or component parts for return to service after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration

In plain English

This rule lists who may approve an aircraft for return to service after maintenance — generally a certificated mechanic or repair station. A pilot who performs preventive maintenance may approve that specific work for return to service.

Key points

• Return-to-service approval is its own authority (separate from doing the work).
• Mechanics/repair stations approve maintenance for return to service.
• A pilot can return-to-service their own preventive maintenance.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming doing the work also automatically approves it for return to service.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation.*