Which FAA exams test 14 CFR 43.3?

This regulation is tested on the following FAA exams: PAR, CAX, AMG, AMA, AMP. These include the FAA Private Pilot (PAR), FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX), FAA AMT General (AMG), FAA AMT Airframe (AMA), FAA AMT Powerplant (AMP).

Part 43Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration

14 CFR 43.3 — Persons Authorized to Perform Maintenance

Only certified mechanics, repair stations, and the manufacturer may perform maintenance. Pilots may perform limited preventive maintenance.

Regulation Text

Except as provided in this section, no person may maintain, rebuild, or alter any aircraft, airframe, aircraft engine, propeller, appliance, or component part to which this part applies. Persons authorized include: the holder of a mechanic certificate, the holder of a repairman certificate, a certificated repair station, the manufacturer, and the holder of a pilot certificate (for preventive maintenance only on aircraft owned or operated by that pilot).

Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.

Plain-English Explanation

Maintenance work is restricted to qualified people. A&P mechanics can do most work, IAs can approve annual inspections and major repairs/alterations, and repair stations handle specialized work. Pilots can perform limited preventive maintenance on their own aircraft — things like oil changes, tire replacement, and spark plug cleaning (listed in Part 43, Appendix A). Understanding who can do what is fundamental to aviation maintenance regulation.