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UNAPPROVED PARTS
NOTIFICATION
SUSPECTED UNAPPROVED PARTS PROGRAM OFFICE, AVS-20
13873 PARK CENTER ROAD, SUITE 165
HERNDON, VA 20171
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U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
No. 2006-00157
November 15, 2006
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http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/programs/sups/upn/
AFFECTED PARTS
Aircraft accessories and instruments.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this notification is to advise all aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, and parts suppliers and distributors regarding improper maintenance performed on aircraft accessories and instruments.
BACKGROUND
Information received during a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspected unapproved parts investigation revealed that Fat Angel Aviation Services, Inc. (Fat Angel), located at 737 South Point Blvd. Suite G, Petaluma, CA 94954, improperly maintained and approved for return to service aircraft accessories and instruments. Fat Angel formerly held Air Agency Certificate No. OFGR270L with Accessory Class 1 and 2 ratings, and Limited rating (specialized services). The FAA has not been able to determine the total number of parts affected or the timeframe in which the improper maintenance occurred. Discrepancies noted in Fat Angel practices included, but are not limited to, the following:
· Maintaining and approving for return to service various instruments without holding an instrument rating.
· Approving for return to service instruments and accessories described as having been repaired
without being inspected or repaired using acceptable methods, techniques, and practices.
· Performing instrument and accessory repairs without using required approved data.
· Failing to maintain instruments and accessories in accordance with Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program manuals.
· Failing to properly document instrument and accessory repairs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Regulations require that type-certificated products conform to their type design. Aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, maintenance organizations, and parts suppliers and distributors should
inspect their aircraft, aircraft records, and/or parts inventories for any aircraft instruments or accessories that were approved for return to service by Fat Angel.
If these instruments or accessories are found installed on aircraft, appropriate action should be taken.
