EASA SIB 2019-17: Possible Improper Maintenance by Xtra Aerospace, LLC

What to do

Affected stakeholders should review and follow the recommended actions outlined in FAA SAFO 19005 to verify the approval status of maintenance articles from Xtra Aerospace. They should check their aircraft and spare parts inventories for any articles that may have been improperly approved and take corrective action as necessary. No specific compliance deadlines are stated in the bulletin.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin No. 2019-17 is an airworthiness bulletin addressing possible improper maintenance by Xtra Aerospace, LLC. It informs the European aviation community about the FAA's revocation of Xtra Aerospace's Part 145 certificate due to systemic approval of maintenance articles not listed on their operations specifications. This bulletin applies broadly to aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, parts suppliers, and distributors, but does not target specific aircraft or engine models.

What changed

EASA SIB No. 2019-17 communicates the revocation of Xtra Aerospace's EASA Part 145 certificate following the FAA's similar action. It introduces awareness of potential unapproved maintenance articles installed on aircraft or held in spare parts inventories within EASA member states. The bulletin endorses FAA's recommended actions but does not mandate any new airworthiness directives or regulatory changes.

Why it matters

This bulletin matters because it highlights a maintenance compliance issue that could affect the airworthiness of aircraft operating in Europe if unapproved parts were installed. Operators, maintenance organizations, and parts suppliers need to be vigilant about the provenance and approval status of maintenance articles to ensure regulatory compliance and safety. It helps prevent the use of unauthorized parts that could compromise aircraft safety and regulatory adherence.