Who must approve data used for major repairs before it can be used for return to service?

• A. FAA
• B. The aircraft owner
• C. The local airworthiness inspector
• D. The manufacturer

Answer: (A)

When a repair is major, the engineering data guiding that repair must have the FAA’s approval before the aircraft can return to service. This approval ensures the repair conforms to the aircraft’s type design and meets safety standards, since major repairs can affect strength, weight, balance, performance, or reliability. Data from manufacturers or engineering sources is only valid for return to service if the FAA has reviewed and approved it as part of the applicable certified data package. The aircraft owner or a local inspector cannot authorize this data on their own.