What does FAR Part 43 mandate regarding aircraft maintenance?

FAR Part 43 outlines the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations of aircraft to ensure they are airworthy and safe for operation. This part of the regulations explicitly states that all maintenance activities must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications or acceptable methods. This requirement ensures that maintenance is carried out following the established standards that consider the aircraft's design and operational limits, which is critical for safety and reliability.

By mandating adherence to manufacturer specifications, FAR Part 43 helps maintain the integrity of the aircraft systems and components, particularly in regards to repairs and preventive measures. This standardization is essential for ensuring consistency, safety, and compliance within the aviation industry.

Other choices do not align with the requirements set forth in FAR Part 43. For instance, stating that maintenance must be conducted annually fails to account for the specific maintenance schedules and requirements dictated by the manufacturer for differing aircraft types and operational conditions. Suggesting that maintenance can be performed sporadically undermines the need for regular inspections and ongoing airworthiness. Moreover, claiming that only major repairs must follow the manufacturer's specifications limits the scope of safety and compliance that encompasses all maintenance activities, which is not consistent with the regulations.