FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsMedium
A repair station technician is performing scheduled maintenance on a cargo door that was installed under a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The STC holder has published Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) for the modification. According to 14 CFR 43.16, what is the technician required to do?
- APerform the maintenance in accordance with the ICA published for that STC
- BFollow the ICA only if the technician holds an Inspection Authorization
- CDisregard the ICA and use only the original aircraft manufacturer's maintenance manual
- DFollow the ICA only if an Airworthiness Directive has been issued against the modification
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Perform the maintenance in accordance with the ICA published for that STC
14 CFR 43.16 requires that maintenance on products and parts be performed in accordance with the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) prepared under each applicable regulation, including those issued for STC installations.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect; ICA compliance is required of any mechanic performing the work, not just IA holders.
- C. Incorrect; the original manual does not cover the STC modification and cannot substitute for its ICA.
- D. Incorrect; compliance with ICA is required regardless of AD status.
43.16 Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA)
14 CFR 43.16 requires that maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration be performed in accordance with the ICA prepared by the manufacturer or STC holder.
- ICA are issued by TC, PMA, or STC holders
- Compliance is mandatory under 43.16
- Applies to alterations, appliances, and parts
- Deviations require FAA-approved alternate data
Memory trick: 'ICA is the instruction manual for the modification—follow it like gospel.'