Can EASA PART 145 perform Line Maintenance on a Base Maintenance Approval?

Under EASA Part 145, an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) cannot perform line maintenance unless it is specifically approved for line maintenance in its scope of work listed in the approval certificate. I found surprisingly many people thought it is possible, but here are the difference.

Key points to consider:

1. Scope of Approval:

? Line maintenance is a specific category of maintenance, and the approval for it must be explicitly granted by the competent authority in the organization’s approval certificate.

? If line maintenance is not mentioned in the approval scope, the AMO cannot legally perform it.

2. Base Maintenance vs. Line Maintenance:

? Base maintenance approval does not automatically include line maintenance approval.

? Line maintenance tasks (e.g., routine inspections, defect rectifications, component changes between flights) are operationally distinct from base maintenance.

3. Regulatory Requirement:

? As per EASA Part 145.A.75, an organization must ensure all maintenance activities are within its approved scope.

? Performing line maintenance without explicit approval would be a non-compliance and could result in regulatory action.

4. Subcontracting:

? If the AMO is not approved for line maintenance, it may subcontract these activities to a Part 145 organization that is approved for line maintenance, provided it complies with the requirements under Part 145.A.75(b).

If you’re involved with such an AMO, ensure the organization’s Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE) clearly outlines the scope and includes line maintenance if applicable.