“Under the current, nonsensical standard, a repair station with 15 air carrier customers must execute 15 different qualification requirements for their [non-destructive inspection] inspectors, 15 programs to track calibrated equipment, 15 methods to receive incoming parts, 15 standards of required inspection items, and so on,” ATS points out.

“The proposed amendment would actually further this faulty approach by initiating additional air carrier requirements that would supersede the repair station’s own FAA-accepted procedures,” it adds.

Several operators expressed concern at FAA’s planned one-year implementation period. UPS said a one-year time line is “unrealistic,” given the operators’ needs to “first agree on what the rule means, establish conditions of acceptability, revise applicable manuals, train personnel and, in some cases, hire additional personnel.” The package carrier suggests a two-year implementation period.

The congressional mandate discussed only Part 121 operators, but FAA’s proposal includes Part 135 operators if their aircraft can have 10 or more seats. Under the law, FAA has three years—or until Feb. 14, 2015—to issue a final rule. The new comment deadline is March 13.