FAR 43.13 — Maintenance Performance Rules
FAR 43.13 sets the general performance rules for aircraft maintenance: approved methods, proper tools, and returning the aircraft to at least original condition.
In Plain English
FAR 43.13 lays out the general performance rules anyone must follow when performing maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations on an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance.
The rule has three main parts:
- (a) Methods and tools: The technician must use the methods, techniques, and practices in the current manufacturer's maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) — or other methods acceptable to the Administrator. They must also use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus needed to do the job per accepted industry practices. If the manufacturer recommends special equipment, that equipment (or an approved equivalent) must be used.
- (b) Quality of work: The work and materials used must leave the aircraft in a condition at least equal to its original or properly altered condition with respect to aerodynamic function, structural strength, vibration resistance, deterioration resistance, and other qualities affecting airworthiness.
- (c) Air carriers: For Part 121, 135, or qualifying Part 129 operators, the methods in their approved maintenance manual are an acceptable means of compliance.
Why it matters: as a pilot, you're confirming that maintenance was performed to these standards before accepting the aircraft as airworthy.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 43.13§ 43.13 Performance rules (general).
(a) Each person performing maintenance, alteration, or preventive maintenance on an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance shall use the methods, techniques, and practices prescribed in the current manufacturer's maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness prepared by its manufacturer, or other methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the Administrator, except as noted in § 43.16. That person shall use the tools, equipment, and test apparatus necessary to assure completion of the work in accordance with accepted industry practices. If special equipment or test apparatus is recommended by the manufacturer involved, that person must use that equipment or apparatus or its equivalent acceptable to the Administrator.
(b) Each person maintaining or altering, or performing preventive maintenance, shall do that work in such a manner and use materials of such a quality, that the condition of the aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance worked on will be at least equal to its original or properly altered condition (with regard to aerodynamic function, structural strength, resistance to vibration and deterioration, and other qualities affecting airworthiness).
(c) Unless otherwise notified by the Administrator, the methods, techniques, and practices contained in the maintenance manual or the maintenance part of the manual of the holder of an air carrier operating certificate or an operating certificate under part 121 or 135 of this chapter and operators under part 129 of this chapter holding operations specifications (that is required by its operating specifications to provide a continuous airworthiness maintenance and inspection program) constitute acceptable means of compliance with this section.
[Doc. No. 1993, 29 FR 5451, Apr. 23, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 43-20, 45 FR 60182, Sept. 11, 1980; Amdt. 43-23, 47 FR 41085, Sept. 16, 1982; Amdt. 43-28, 52 FR 20028, June 16, 1987; Amdt. 43-37, 66 FR 21066, Apr. 27, 2001; Amdt. 43-63, 90 FR 35211, July 24, 2025]
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What standards must a mechanic follow when performing maintenance on your airplane?
Per FAR 43.13(a), the mechanic must use the methods, techniques, and practices in the current manufacturer's maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, or other methods acceptable to the Administrator, along with the proper tools and any manufacturer-recommended special equipment.
Q2After maintenance is completed, what condition must the aircraft be in?
FAR 43.13(b) requires that the work and materials used result in a condition at least equal to the aircraft's original or properly altered condition regarding aerodynamic function, structural strength, vibration and deterioration resistance, and other qualities affecting airworthiness.
Q3For a Part 121 or 135 operator, how can a mechanic show their methods are acceptable to the FAA?
Under FAR 43.13(c), the methods, techniques, and practices contained in the air carrier's approved maintenance manual constitute an acceptable means of compliance, unless the Administrator notifies them otherwise.
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