I'll still argue that. Part 65.85 (a) states that a mechanic may return an airframe, or any related part or appliance, to service, after he has performed maintenance or inspection.
FAR 1.1 defines 'Appliance' as 'any instrument, mechanism, equipment, part, apparatus, appurtenance, or accessory, including communications equipment, that is used or intended to be used in operating or controlling an aircraft in flight, is installed in or attached to the aircraft, and is not part of an airframe, engine, or propeller'.
As far as replacing transistors, it's a simple task. It's removal and replacing an item using standard shop practices not performing modifications or any operations that require testing beyond an operational check. I'll give you that it's not to the strictest adherence to the regs, but are you going to tell me that every single maintenance function you have performed on an aircraft has been with a book setting next to you? I.e., if you are going to perform a simple sheet metal repair, you don't go running for a structural manual.
As for the guy Mike referenced, I don't know the back story. The fed may have been having a excremental day and needed to work out some stress?
I've done a slug of compasses, logged them in, and intend on continuing. We're all big boys here, read the regs and make up your own mind.
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By the way 1.1 defines 'Instrument' as 'a device using an internal mechanism to show visually or aurally the attitude, altitude, or operation of an aircraft or aircraft part. It includes electronic devices for automatically controlling an aircraft in flight'.
I hear what you are saying related to Appliance, but historically FAA has taken the limitation in 65.81 (but excluding major repairs to, and major alterations of, propellers, and any repair to, or alteration of, instruments) to limit what a mechanic cane do, and reserve those items to Repair Stations.
65.81 provides what any mechanic can do, and provides the limitation above, 65.85 further defines the scope of an airframe rating, and 65.87 further defines the scope of a power plant rating. 65.85 and 65.87 don’t add any additional capability beyond what 65.81 provides.
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