PLT439: Persons Authorized to Perform Maintenance
What code PLT439 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Persons Authorized to Perform Maintenance before your checkride.
Recall regulations - persons authorized to perform maintenance
What this means for your checkride
Except as otherwise provided, no person may maintain, rebuild, alter, or perform preventive maintenance on an aircraft or component unless authorized. The holder of a mechanic certificate may perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations as provided in Part 65. A person working under the supervision of a certificated mechanic or repairman may perform work the supervisor is authorized to do, but this does not authorize a required Part 91 inspection or an inspection after a major repair or alteration.
Applicants must know who is legally permitted to perform maintenance and the limits on unsupervised or supervised work.
Working under supervision does not extend to signing off required inspections or inspections after a major repair or alteration.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.