Steve Pierce
BENEFACTOR
Graham, TX
So I just got a phone call from the owner of a nearby FBO who is doing an annual on an M7 Maule that I replaced a Concord battery with a SBS J16 battery. His mechanic has an issue with it and says it requires a Field Approval. He says he called Maule and the FAA and both agree yet they could not provide any documentation that is was illegal. I have done these on many different aircraft quoting AC 43.13-2B Chapter 10. I also look at the definition of a major alteration and do not see it listed. I want to make sure I am doing this legally for both mine and the customer's sake. Can anyone point out anything I am missing?
Appendix A to Part 43 - Major Alterations, Major Repairs, and Preventive Maintenance
(a)Major alterations -
(1)Airframe major alterations. Alterations of the following parts and alterations of the following types, when not listed in the aircraft specifications issued by the FAA, are airframe major alterations:
(i) Wings.
(ii) Tail surfaces.
(iii) Fuselage.
(iv) Engine mounts.
(v) Control system.
(vi) Landing gear.
(vii) Hull or floats.
(viii) Elements of an airframe including spars, ribs, fittings, shock absorbers, bracing, cowling, fairings, and balance weights.
(ix) Hydraulic and electrical actuating system of components.
(x) Rotor blades.
(xi) Changes to the empty weight or empty balance which result in an increase in the maximum certificated weight or center of gravity limits of the aircraft.
(xii) Changes to the basic design of the fuel, oil, cooling, heating, cabin pressurization, electrical, hydraulic, de-icing, or exhaust systems.
(xiii) Changes to the wing or to fixed or movable control surfaces which affect flutter and vibration characteristics.
Appendix A to Part 43 - Major Alterations, Major Repairs, and Preventive Maintenance
(a)Major alterations -
(1)Airframe major alterations. Alterations of the following parts and alterations of the following types, when not listed in the aircraft specifications issued by the FAA, are airframe major alterations:
(i) Wings.
(ii) Tail surfaces.
(iii) Fuselage.
(iv) Engine mounts.
(v) Control system.
(vi) Landing gear.
(vii) Hull or floats.
(viii) Elements of an airframe including spars, ribs, fittings, shock absorbers, bracing, cowling, fairings, and balance weights.
(ix) Hydraulic and electrical actuating system of components.
(x) Rotor blades.
(xi) Changes to the empty weight or empty balance which result in an increase in the maximum certificated weight or center of gravity limits of the aircraft.
(xii) Changes to the basic design of the fuel, oil, cooling, heating, cabin pressurization, electrical, hydraulic, de-icing, or exhaust systems.
(xiii) Changes to the wing or to fixed or movable control surfaces which affect flutter and vibration characteristics.