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When the Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft rule was implemented in 2004, one of its many benefits was the creation of a new repairman certificate: Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA) repairman with an inspection rating and Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA) repairman with a maintenance rating. These ratings authorize owners, maintainers, and pilots of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) to perform certain inspection and maintenance functions. As with any aviation privilege, exercising the privileges of these ratings means accepting responsibility for doing the job correctly. That, in turn, means ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills, and equipment you need for the task.

To help you determine your readiness for this responsibility, the FAA has developed a Personal Minimums Checklist for Maintenance. Already widely used in the maintenance community, this checklist can be a great resource to those with LSA repairman certificates. Here are the things you’ll want to address before you start any given inspection or maintenance task:

Have I had the proper training?

Inspection Rating Training Requirements: Prior to applying for a repairman certificate with an inspection rating, the owner/pilot of an ELSA must complete a 16-hour training course in the same class of aircraft for which you seek inspection privileges.

Maintenance Rating Training Requirements: Prior to applying for a repairman certificate with a maintenance rating, an individual owner/pilot must complete the required training for a specific class of light-sport aircraft. The length of training varies with the class of aircraft for which you seek maintenance privileges. Also the repairman needs to check the manufacturer’s requirements for additional task specific training.

Do I have the knowledge to perform the task?

Training is the necessary starting point, but you must also have knowledge and understanding of the task. For example, do you understand the manufacturer’s instructions as set out in the maintenance manuals? Here’s a real-life example. In some gyrocopters, there is a requirement for the cables to be reversed. If you don’t have sufficient knowledge and understanding, you might install the cables incorrectly.

Have I performed the task previously?

Experience counts too, and, in fact, it is required. A repairman must demonstrate the ability to do the work correctly or perform the task under the direct supervision of an appropriately certificated, trained, rated, and experienced mechanic or repairman, before he or she can approve any ELSA or SLSA aircraft or part for return to service.

Have I researched the regulations to ensure compliance?

You will want to review Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 1, 21, 39, 43, 45, 65, 91, as well as industry-developed ASTM International consensus standards on topics, including, but not limited to, continued airworthiness requirements and inspection practices/ techniques.

Am I mentally prepared to perform the task?

With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, fatigue affects everyone’s mental preparation to at least some degree. Recognizing fatigue is a key to ensuring you are prepared to do the work. Since fatigue is cumulative, you can mitigate the level of risk by simply getting some sleep—including naps. If naps are not in your  schedule, know your limitations. Have someone check your work. Use a task checklist to ensure that you haven’t missed anything. Accept your limitations, and do critical work only when you are mentally and physically refreshed.

Am I physically prepared to perform the task?

Whether it is strength, flexibility, or vision, make sure you’re physically prepared for the task. In my early years as a maintenance technician, I had no problem occupying a small aircraft compartment, and I could easily read numbers on electric wires. Things are different today. I can’t get into a small compartment, and there is no way I can read those numbers without a magnifying glass.

Have I taken the proper safety precautions?

Make safety precautions a high priority, and don’t put yourself in the position of saying “if only…” If only I had worn safety glasses, I would not have a metal sliver in my eye. If only I hadn’t propped the airplane while it was parked on ice, I would not be asking you to sign my cast. If only I had bought a fire extinguisher, I would not be paying off the loan for a pile of molten metal.

Do I have the necessary technical data?

Always refer to appropriate maintenance manuals, inspection schedules, technical data, etc., while carrying out your maintenance tasks. No matter what, never rely on “…but I’ve done it a thousand times” to justify or replace current technical data. Always refer to the chapter dealing with standard maintenance procedures for a particular type of aircraft, engine, propeller, etc. Technical data should be readily accessible to your work area. Manuals that you don’t read are of no value.

Do I have the proper tools and equipment to perform the task?

Maintenance of Light Sport Aircraft requires a variety of basic tools. These include many common items that you may already have, such as a drill, a tape measure, files, and wrenches. Other tools might include a reamer for cleaning paint out of holes. Specialized tools are normally listed in the aircraft’s maintenance manual. Good tool safety practices require that you establish controls to account for tools. These may include shadow boards, foam cutouts in your toolbox, and a checklist.

Do I have the resources available to perform the task?

Before you start, ensure that you have the resources needed to complete the work. First, establish a list of general resources needed (consumables) such as oil, anti-freeze, safety wire, restraints, wire ties, small plastic bags for capturing small pieces, etc. Once you have all the general resources at hand, review the task and identify any additional special resources needed to complete the work. Not having all your resources available wastes time, and it also introduces risk when you have to stop a process for lack of proper resources. Using the Maintenance “Personal Minimums” Checklist will help you to more confidently answer the question, “Are you ready or not?”

Be safe, and have fun!!

Martin Bailey is an Aviation Safety Inspector with Flight Standards Service’s General Aviation and Avionics Branch.