Substantiate your claim with references.

What would be required in your scenario is a mechanic sign off that the alteration was minor and acceptable.

Reference:

https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/med ... 3-210a.pdf

In particular:

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 43, § 43.7 specifies persons authorized to approve an aircraft or aircraft component for return to service after maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration. For major repairs or major alterations the work must be done in accordance with technical data approved by the Administrator.

Title 14 CFR part 1, § 1.1 defines major repairs and major alterations. In addition, part 43 appendix A, paragraph (a) further defines what constitutes a major alteration. In a similar manner, part 43 appendix A, paragraph (b) further defines what constitutes a major repair. A minor alteration is an alteration that is not major.

Minor alterations/repairs do not require approved data.

Major alterations require FAA approval. Interior fittings are not major per Part 43 Appendix A. Minor alterations only require a mechanic (or other person indicated in Part 43.7) to return the aircraft to service.

Mike C.

Substantiate your claim with references.

What would be required in your scenario is a mechanic sign off that the alteration was minor and acceptable.

Reference:

https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/med ... 3-210a.pdf

In particular:

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 43, § 43.7 specifies persons authorized to approve an aircraft or aircraft component for return to service after maintenance, preventative maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration. For major repairs or major alterations the work must be done in accordance with technical data approved by the Administrator.

Title 14 CFR part 1, § 1.1 defines major repairs and major alterations. In addition, part 43 appendix A, paragraph (a) further defines what constitutes a major alteration. In a similar manner, part 43 appendix A, paragraph (b) further defines what constitutes a major repair. A minor alteration is an alteration that is not major.

Minor alterations/repairs do not require approved data.

Major alterations require FAA approval. Interior fittings are not major per Part 43 Appendix A. Minor alterations only require a mechanic (or other person indicated in Part 43.7) to return the aircraft to service.

Mike C.

here's my specific question:

1) let's say i want to get rid of all the wood (rails, galley, etc), and replace with the newer-styles I see, that include gray composites and carbon fiber.

2) recovering all the seats, but using new foam and materials to give them a new shape.

i assume these are all minor alterations.

My understanding is that #1 would require an STC, assuming these are new parts.

#2 you can do as long as you adhere to the original seat design, in other words you can rebuild the foam, make the surfaces tighter to the frame, and change the pattern of lines, creases, folds, etc.

I would assume so. The controlling opinion is that of the installing mechanic (with likely heavy influence from what he believes he can get away with at his FSDO).

I would think #1 would be minor as long as the change doesn’t affect anything like passenger access to safety equipment (O2 masks) or egress (emergency exit). Or structural attach points.

#2 should be fine as long as seat structure and safety features aren’t affected (seat belts, attach points, frame).

Some seemingly simple changes to foam can invalidate the G rating of the seat, so even foam changes can be major

Some seemingly simple changes to foam can invalidate the G rating of the seat, so even foam changes can be major

Yes, very good point, they have to be substantially the same, including type / density of foam.

Do you have any insight to drink rails and tray tables, I've always been told that anything that changes the interior is sticky because of safety.

Generally, yes, they are.

Anything that is not listed in FAR 43 Appendix A part (a) is a minor alteration. As long as you don't change structure, you are good.

That doesn't mean there are no requirements on the mods, you still have to do it compliant to standards such as burn rating, good materials, etc.

Mike C.

Avoiding specifics Mike?

Generally, yes, they are.

Anything that is not listed in FAR 43 Appendix A part (a) is a minor alteration. As long as you don't change structure, you are good.

That doesn't mean there are no requirements on the mods, you still have to do it compliant to standards such as burn rating, good materials, etc.

Mike C.

"Drink rail" is not structural, therefore it is a minor change.

Mike C.

"Drink rail" is not structural, therefore it is a minor change.

Mike C.

For those thinking about FJ44 converted legacy Citations, or the CJ series, Williams just announced their 2024 pricing for FJ44 engine programs. It is just a tad under $500 per aircraft per hour.

About 19% increase over 2023, which was about 11% increase over 2022. Any guesses as to what 2025 will cost?

It is like printing money. You can't go off program, it will cost more, and if you do, you also lose *ALL* the value of any prior payments. You have to pay from zero hour to go back on regardless of any prior payments. Consider it punishment for not paying your Williams tax on time.

I burn maybe 15% more fuel than an FJ44 per mile. That's cheap compared to the Williams program.

And no 150 hour minimum, either!

And I have TRs!

I feel really good about my choice of airplane today.

Mike C.

Have you seen Pratt's price list for overhauls in 2024?

Everything is going up, it's not just Williams.

We never did get a commitment out of you in regards to exactly what could be changed on a jet interior without an STC.