Every plane in the sky needs maintenance to stay safe, but the FAA doesn't let just anyone do the work. That's where FAA Part 145 certification comes in. It's the official stamp of approval that proves your shop meets the highest standards for safety and quality. Becoming a certified part 145 repair station can feel like a huge hurdle, but it's the key to working on most U.S. aircraft. We'll walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, so you can get your faa 145 certification without the headache.
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.
For many operators, especially those flying for business, using a Part 145 repair station isn’t just a preference—it’s a requirement. Insurers and regulators often mandate it to ensure the aircraft is maintained under a system with proven quality controls and direct FAA oversight. This is a critical part of risk management. Choosing a non-certified shop can lead to serious compliance issues, potentially leaving you with an aircraft that’s grounded and unable to fly. Sticking with a Part 145 station ensures your maintenance practices meet established legal and insurance standards, keeping your operations smooth and your aircraft in the air. Having a robust system for aircraft document management is key to proving this compliance during audits.
Think of an aircraft's maintenance history as its resume. A complete and pristine set of records from a Part 145 certified shop can significantly increase its resale value. Because these stations are required to keep detailed, FAA-approved documentation of all work performed, a potential buyer has a transparent and trustworthy history of the aircraft's care. This detailed log makes it easier to verify warranty claims and plan for future maintenance. Just like a clean vehicle history report, a well-documented maintenance log from a certified facility gives buyers confidence, which often translates directly into a higher selling price for the asset.
Trust is the foundation of the relationship between an aircraft operator and a maintenance shop. Part 145 certification acts as a powerful trust signal, showing that the FAA has vetted the station’s processes, training, and quality control systems. This third-party validation gives customers peace of mind and an added layer of protection. Certified shops typically carry comprehensive liability insurance and have standardized procedures that lead to fewer errors and complaints compared to non-certified facilities. When technicians follow consistent, documented steps—often guided by tools like the SOMA Production App—the result is higher quality work and a more reliable, positive customer experience.
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.
The regulations from 14 CFR § 145.151 through 145.165 focus specifically on your team. These rules require repair stations to have a qualified and accountable manager, supervisors, and inspectors. But it’s not enough to just fill these roles; you must also prove their capabilities through a documented training program. This means keeping complete, inspection-ready records that show every team member is competent for their assigned tasks. For many shops, managing these records is a constant challenge. A centralized system for aircraft document management helps ensure that training files and qualifications are always current and accessible, turning a major compliance hurdle into a simple, streamlined process.
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 critical rule for FAA Part 145 certification is that all documentation must be in English. This isn't just for U.S.-based repair stations; it also applies to any foreign facility that wants to work on U.S.-registered aircraft. These international stations are held to the same standards as their U.S. counterparts and are overseen by FAA international offices. They must follow U.S. regulations, not just local rules. This requirement ensures that all maintenance and repair work meets a consistent safety and quality benchmark, no matter where the work is done. Keeping everything in one language simplifies communication and makes audits much more straightforward. A robust aircraft document management system is key to keeping these records organized, compliant, and ready for review.
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).
A key part of your quality system is its independence. The FAA requires that the people checking the work are separate from the people doing the work. This rule, found in 14 CFR § 145.211, is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure every repair is inspected without bias. In practice, this means your inspectors should report to a different manager than the maintenance technicians. Your Quality Control Manual (QCM) must clearly outline these separate reporting lines and inspection procedures. This creates a repeatable process for every task, from parts receiving to final sign-off, and proves your QC system is functioning as required. Centralizing these procedures within your aircraft maintenance management software helps create a clear, digital trail, making audits much smoother.
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.
If you're starting from scratch, be prepared for a long road ahead. The Part 145 certification process is not a quick one. It's not uncommon for it to take three years or more from the moment you submit your initial paperwork to when you receive your official certificate. This extended timeline covers everything from the pre-application meetings and documentation reviews to the formal application, FAA inspections, and final approval. You need to factor this significant waiting period into your business plan, as it will affect your financial projections, staffing, and go-live date. Patience and meticulous planning are essential.
Given the lengthy certification timeline, you might want to consider a different approach: buying an existing Part 145 repair station. This can be a much faster way to get your business operational, potentially saving you years of waiting for FAA approval. When you acquire a station, you also inherit its certificate, facility, equipment, and often, its experienced personnel and customer base. Of course, thorough due diligence is critical. You'll need to carefully review the station's compliance history, operational procedures, and financial health. Integrating a new aircraft maintenance management system can also help you standardize processes and get a clear view of your new operations from day one.
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.
Part 145 allows a certificated repair station to operate smaller "satellite" locations under its main certificate. This means a satellite station can perform maintenance as long as it's under the central station's direct oversight. The central station remains fully responsible for ensuring the satellite location follows its FAA-approved manuals, quality system, and training programs. While this structure helps MROs expand their service area, it also adds complexity. Consistent compliance depends on repeatable daily processes, not just at the main hub but at every satellite location. Managing this consistency across multiple sites is where a centralized platform for aircraft document management becomes essential, ensuring every team works from the same playbook.
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.
What's the real difference between a Part 145 certified shop and a non-certified one? The biggest difference is FAA oversight. A Part 145 certified station has proven to the FAA that its training, tools, manuals, and quality control systems meet a high standard. This certification acts as a signal of trust and reliability for aircraft operators, who know the work is being done according to documented, approved procedures. A non-certified shop doesn't have that same level of required FAA validation.
Does getting Part 145 certification really take years to complete? Yes, it often does. From submitting your initial paperwork to receiving the final certificate, the process can easily take three years or even longer. This timeline accounts for the FAA's detailed review of your manuals, multiple rounds of feedback, and the final on-site inspections. It's a thorough process, which is why planning for that long runway is so important.
Once I have a Part 145 certificate, can I work on any type of aircraft? Not exactly. Your certification comes with specific "ratings," which define the scope of work you are authorized to perform. For example, you might be rated for airframes but not for engines, or for specific radio instruments but not for propellers. All maintenance you perform must fall within the scope of your FAA-approved ratings.
What is the most common mistake shops make when trying to get certified? A frequent misstep is having manuals that don't reflect what actually happens on the shop floor. Your Repair Station Manual and Quality Control Manual must be living documents that guide your daily operations. If an FAA inspector shows up and sees your team doing something differently than what your manual describes, it can cause major delays or problems with your application.
Do I need this certification if I only perform maintenance on my own company's aircraft? Generally, if you are an operator maintaining your own fleet under regulations like Part 121 or 135, you don't need a separate Part 145 certificate. The certification is required when you want to perform maintenance for other companies and approve their aircraft for return to service. It essentially turns your maintenance department into a commercial service provider.
