Every airplane in the sky needs regular maintenance to stay safe. But not just any shop can do the work. The FAA has strict rules to make sure only qualified repair stations work on aircraft.
Those rules are known as FAA Part 145. They help aviation companies know that their maintenance teams, tools, and training meet the highest standards. This article will explain what Part 145 is, who it applies to, and how certified repair stations stay compliant.
FAA Part 145 is a set of FAA rules for certified repair stations. It explains what a repair station needs to do aircraft maintenance and repairs. The rules cover staffing, training, tools, manuals, and recordkeeping. The FAA checks these items before it approves a certificate.
Part 145 matters because it helps keep maintenance work safe and consistent. It requires clear procedures and strong quality controls. It also requires records that prove the work was done correctly. Many operators trust Part 145 stations because the rules support safe, compliant maintenance. Part 145 also helps shops run more smoothly day to day. Teams can find documents faster, track work steps more clearly, and prepare for inspections with less stress.
A Part 145 repair station holds an FAA certificate. It can perform maintenance, repairs, and inspections within the ratings on that certificate. The FAA reviews the station's procedures and staffing plan. The FAA also reviews tools, facilities, and quality controls. The repair station must follow those systems every day.
Part 145 certification sends a clear signal to operators. It shows the repair station follows standardized processes. It also shows that the station keeps audit-ready documentation. This lowers risk because quality checks happen as part of daily work. Training and recordkeeping stay current. Teams do not have to scramble when an inspection comes up.
Many airlines, charter operators, and private owners prefer Part 145 repair stations. They want consistent procedures and clear quality controls. They also want ongoing FAA oversight.
Part 145 repair stations can support maintenance for aircraft operated under:
…as long as the work is within the station's approved ratings and operations specifications.
Not every shop or team can perform maintenance on U.S.-registered aircraft. To do the job legally, some organizations must get Part 145 certification from the FAA.
These groups need certification if they want to work on aircraft that fly under FAA rules:
If a facility wants to approve repairs or inspections and return aircraft to service, it needs a Part 145 certificate. Without it, the work isn't recognized by the FAA.
Shops outside the U.S. that want to work on U.S.-registered aircraft must also get certified under Part 145. These foreign repair stations face the same rules as U.S.-based ones and are overseen by FAA international offices.
Here's what to watch out for:
Getting certified under FAA Part 145 means proving your repair station meets strict standards. These rules cover everything from your staff and training to your tools, quality systems, and documentation. Here's what's required:
You need the right people in place to do the work safely and correctly.
Part 145 repair stations are approved to perform specific types of work based on their FAA-assigned ratings. Common ratings include Airframe, Powerplant, Propeller, Radio, Instrument, and Accessory. Some shops may also receive Limited Ratings for specialized services like composites, welding, or non-destructive testing.
Your rating defines what you're authorized to repair or inspect. If your business expands, you'll need to update your certification to reflect the new scope. All maintenance activities must stay within your approved ratings.
If your repair station holds a limited rating, you may also use a capability list to define the specific articles you're authorized to work on. Under Part 145, a limited-rating repair station may perform work on an article if it's listed on a current FAA-acceptable capability list (or in the repair station's operations specifications).
The FAA requires specific manuals that explain how your shop operates.
These documents must be up to date, reviewed regularly, and available during FAA inspections.
A strong quality system ensures all work meets FAA standards.
You must have written procedures for inspecting work, recording results, and fixing issues. This includes how to handle damaged or unapproved parts, how to calibrate tools, and how to keep records. The FAA reviews this system during your certification and monitors it afterward through audits.
Your quality system should also cover contract maintenance. Part 145 allows repair stations to contract certain maintenance functions, but only under defined conditions—such as FAA approval of the contracted function and clear oversight showing the repair station remains directly in charge of the work (especially when using non-certificated persons).
Your shop needs to have the right space and tools for the job.
Even if you do some tasks off-site, your main repair station is still responsible for making sure everything is done properly.
Getting certified as a Part 145 repair station isn't just about passing an inspection. It's a multi-step process that starts with strong documentation and continues through regular compliance.
Before applying, you'll need to gather several documents. These include a Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and Training Program Manual (TPM), as listed above. You'll also need diagrams of your facility, an equipment list, and written procedures for how your team handles maintenance work.
All documents must reflect how your operation runs in real life. Keep them up to date any time something changes.
Once your manuals are ready, you can submit FAA Form 8310-3 along with all required documents to your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). The FAA will review your application, ask for any needed changes, and then schedule a site visit.
Make sure your application clearly lists the ratings and work types you're applying for.
During the inspection, FAA staff will verify that your shop, staff, and equipment match what's written in your manuals. They'll check training records, inspect your tools, and review your sample maintenance documents.
If the FAA finds any problems, you'll need to fix them before you can get certified.
Getting certified is just the beginning. To keep your certificate, your repair station must follow FAA rules at all times. This includes running internal audits, updating training regularly, and keeping your manuals current.
The FAA may drop in for surprise inspections, so you need to stay organized and audit-ready year-round. Keeping records clean and processes tight helps avoid delays, fines, or suspension.
FAA Part 145 compliance depends on daily habits. Audit day should not feel different from any other day. Repair stations that stay ready focus on training, documentation, and controlled work steps. Off-site work needs the same level of control.
Training must stay current. Proof of training must also be easy to find. Track initial training for new hires. Track recurrent training for current staff. Track role-based qualifications for each person's job. Keep records complete and consistent.
Records should work like audit evidence. Teams should be able to find them fast. Records should match across teams and locations. Part 145 requires record retention for at least two years. The FAA can request those records during an inspection. The NTSB may also request records in some cases.
Each completed task needs clear documentation. Describe the work in plain language. Link the work to the right references and approvals. Use an authorized signature for the release. Store the records in a searchable system. Keep records ready for audits.
Part 145 includes service difficulty reporting. Repair stations must report certain serious failures, malfunctions, or defects to the FAA. The report must be submitted within 96 hours of discovery. A simple internal process helps. One person should flag the issue. Another person should review it. A designated person should submit the report.
Off-site work needs the same controls as on-site work. Written procedures should guide remote work. Teams should track tools and equipment used off-site. Teams should keep complete records for all remote tasks. Routine work at a second location may need FAA approval. Use that check before remote work becomes standard practice.
Following FAA Part 145 takes consistent control over training, documentation, and day-to-day execution. SOMA Software helps repair stations stay organized, stay ahead of deadlines, and keep records audit-ready in one connected system.
With SOMA, you can:
Get a quote to see how SOMA Software supports Part 145 repair stations with tools built for real operational workflows.
