Advisory Circulars (ACs)

The FAA publishes Advisory Circulars that explain:

• Eligibility requirements
• Privileges and limitations
• Application processes

ACs are available at: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars
Each Repairman certificate type has a specific AC.

FAA Order 8900.1 Guidance

FAA Order 8900.1 contains the guidance used by FAA inspectors to issue Repairman Certificates.
Guidance to issue Repairman certificates is in FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 5
Available at: https://drs.faa.gov

FAA Form 8610-3 — Application for Repairman Certificate

All applicants must complete FAA Form 8610-3, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Repairman
Instructions for completing the form are available in the form supplemental pages.

Available at: https://www.faa.gov/forms

Direct link: https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1041632

How to Apply

1. Complete FAA Form 8610-3
2. Schedule an appointment with a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). In some cases, FSDO personnel may be able to perform certification tasks using remote technology. 
3. Bring:
   • Government-issued photo ID
   • Proof of eligibility (varies by certificate type). When making your appointment, ask the FSDO personnel what documentation you need to bring for the repairman certificate you are requesting.

Find your local FSDO: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo

Who This Certificate Is For

This certificate is designed for individuals employed by:

• FAA-certificated repair stations, and
• Certificated air carriers and Certificated commercial operators with a Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP)

It allows employees to perform specialized maintenance functions as part of their job.

Your employer must provide a letter of recommendation for you to be eligible for this repairman certificate and will assist you with the application process. Application will be made with the FAA office responsible for oversight of the repair station, air carrier, or commercial operator.

Eligibility Requirements (Summary)

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be specially qualified for the maintenance tasks you will perform
• Be employed in a position requiring those qualifications
• Be recommended by your employer

And have either:

• At least 18 months of practical experience, or
• Completed FAA-acceptable formal training

You must also be able to read, write, speak, and understand English (with limited exceptions for work outside the U.S.).

Privileges & Limitations Summary

Key References

Advisory Circular:
AC 65-24 – Certification of Repairmen (General)

FAA Order 8900.1:
Volume 5, Chapter 5, Sections 1 and 4

Regulation:
14 CFR § 65.101
 

Who This Certificate Is For

This certificate is for an individual who built the major portion of their own experimental amateur-built aircraft. FAA will only issue this repairman certificate to one builder (the primary builder) of the aircraft. Group builds may designate one group member to receive the repairman certificate.

It allows the builder to perform the annual condition inspection on that specific aircraft.

Eligibility Requirements (Summary)

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be the primary builder of the aircraft
• Demonstrate the skills needed to determine the aircraft’s condition for safe operation
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

You must provide the following proof of eligibility when you apply for the certificate:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Completed form FAA 8610-3
• Evidence of being the primary builder of the aircraft.

Privileges & Limitations Summary

Key References

Advisory Circular:
AC 65-23B – Certification of Repairmen (Experimental Aircraft Builders)

FAA Order 8900.1:
Volume 5, Chapter 5, Sections 1 and 5

Regulation:
14 CFR § 65.104

Who This Certificate Is For

This certificate is for individuals who complete FAA-accepted training courses to inspect and/or maintain:

• Light-sport category aircraft (aircraft certificated under 14 CFR § 21.190)
• Certain experimental aircraft (aircraft certificated under 14 CFR § 21.191(g), (i), (k), or (l))

It offers a flexible pathway into aviation maintenance.

Applicants must complete FAA-accepted training to be eligible for the certificate. The specific training requirements are dependent on:

1. Whether an applicant seeks an inspection rating or a maintenance rating, and 
2. The category (and class, as applicable) of aircraft for which the person intends to exercise the privileges of the certificate.

Training provider List

A list of training providers providing FAA-accepted light-sport repairman training courses can be found here:
https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/LSA_repairmen_courses

Available Ratings

A Light-Sport Repairman Certificate may be issued with one or both of the following ratings:

• Inspection Rating
• Maintenance Rating

Category Privileges

A Light-Sport Repairman Certificate may be issued with one or more of the following aircraft category privileges:

• Airplane
• Rotorcraft (helicopter or gyroplane class)
• Glider (powered and unpowered)
• Lighter-than-air (airship or balloon class)
• Powered-lift
• Powered parachute
• Weight-shift-control

Eligibility Requirements (Summary)

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Complete FAA-accepted training
• Pass a written test from the training provider

You must provide the following proof of eligibility when you apply for the certificate:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Completed form FAA 8610-3
• Evidence of completing applicable training and test for the rating and category privileges being requested.

Privileges & Limitations Summary

Maintenance Rating

Key References

Advisory Circular:
AC 65-32 – Certification of Repairmen (Light-Sport)

FAA Order 8900.1:
Volume 5, Chapter 5, Sections 1 and 6

Regulations:
14 CFR §§ 65.107 and 65.109
 

MOSAIC Final Rule Changes – Effective October 22, 2025

Key Changes

✔ Light-sport repairman privileges expanded to include Experimental Amateur-Built (EAB) aircraft
✔ Certificate title simplified to Repairman Certificate (Light-Sport)
✔ Pre-October 22, 2025 certificates remain valid and equivalent

Important Notes

•  An EAB’s Operating limitations may limit who can perform the EAB annual condition inspection
  • The aircraft owner (or authorized agent) may request amended operating limitations from the FAA.
  • EAB operating limitations issued after January 30, 2026, are revised to include a light-sport repairman as a person authorized to perform the annual condition inspection.
• Inspection-rated repairmen are always limited to inspecting only aircraft they own

MOSAIC Rulemaking - Light-Sport Repairman Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ # 1 - How many different light-sport repairman certificates exist?

Answer: There is only one repairman certificate (light-sport), but two different ratings may be placed on the certificate: inspection and/or maintenance. 

FAQ # 2 - Is a light-sport repairman certificate the same as an experimental aircraft builder repairman?

Answer: No. These are two different types of repairman certificate, each with different eligibility requirements, privileges, and limitations. 

FAQ # 3 - Can a light-sport repairman perform the annual condition inspection on an experimental amateur-built (EAB) aircraft? 

Answer: The privileges of a light-sport repairman certificate, including those certificates issued prior to the MOSAIC final rule, allow the repairman to perform the condition inspection on an aircraft certificated in accordance with 14 CFR § 21.191(g) (i.e. EAB aircraft).

However, whether a light-sport repairman can perform the annual condition inspection on a specific EAB depends on the:

• Ratings and category/class privileges issued to the repairman, and
• Operating limitations issued to the EAB 

When permitted by the EAB aircraft’s operating limitations:

• If you hold a maintenance rating, you may perform the condition inspection on an amateur-built aircraft and approve the aircraft for return to service (as appropriate) if the aircraft is in the same category and class (as applicable) of aircraft for which you received training. 
• If you hold an inspection rating, you may perform the condition inspection on the amateur-built aircraft you own and approve the aircraft for return to service (as appropriate) if the aircraft is in the same category and class (as applicable) of aircraft for which you received training. You are not permitted to perform the condition inspection on an aircraft that you don’t own.

FAQ # 4 - Do I have to own a light-sport category aircraft to be eligible for a light-sport repairman certificate with an inspection rating?

Answer: No, ownership is not a light-sport repairman certificate or rating eligibility requirement.

The FAA will not deny a certificate or rating based on whether an applicant owns an aircraft certificated under 14 CFR § 21.191(g), (i), (k), or (l).  If you meet the certificate eligibility requirements in 14 CFR § 65.107(b) you are eligible for a light-sport repairman certificate with applicable rating and aircraft privileges dependent upon the training you completed. 

However, ownership is a limitation of the certificate and inspection rating privileges, and you would not be able to exercise certificate privileges on an aircraft that you do not own.

FAQ # 5 - I co-own an aircraft with another person who holds a light-sport repairman certificate with our aircraft’s N# and S/N listed on her certificate. Can I also get a light-sport repairman certificate with an inspection rating so that I can perform the aircraft’s annual condition inspection?

Answer: Yes. Aircraft ownership is not an eligibility requirement to obtain a repairman certificate (light-sport) with an inspection rating.

Note: This differs from the repairman certificate (experimental amateur-builder) under 14 CFR § 65.104, which is limited to the primary builder of an amateur-built aircraft and for which only one individual is eligible.

Under 14 CFR § 65.107(b), any applicant who meets the applicable age, language, and FAA-accepted training course requirements is eligible for issuance of a repairman certificate (light-sport) with the appropriate rating. The regulation does not limit eligibility based on ownership, nor does it limit the number of eligible applicants for a single aircraft.

However, certificate privileges are different from eligibility. Under 14 CFR § 65.107(d) and § 65.109(a) (as amended by MOSAIC), a repairman certificate (light-sport) with an inspection rating may exercise inspection privileges only on aircraft owned (wholly or in part) by that repairman. 

Therefore:

• Multiple co-owners (e.g., partnership, trust, LLC, etc.) may each obtain a repairman certificate (light-sport) with an inspection rating if each individually meets the eligibility requirements of § 65.107.
• Each repairman may only perform the annual condition inspection on an aircraft in which that repairman has an ownership interest and is identified as an owner in the aircraft’s FAA registration records.

FAQ # 6 - If my light-sport repairman certificate lists the N# and S/N of a light-sport aircraft I own, am I limited to only working on that aircraft?

Answer: No. A light-sport repairman with an inspection rating may work on any aircraft consistent with the certificate privileges in 14 CFR § 65.109(a), including only working on aircraft owned by the holder, that have an experimental airworthiness certificate issued in accordance with §§ 21.191(g), (i), (k), or (l) and that are in the same category, and class as applicable, of aircraft for which the holder has completed the training course specified in § 65.107(c).

If you request a replacement or amended certificate, the N-number and S/N previously identified on the certificate will not be included on the replaced or amended certificate.

FAQ # 7 - How can an aircraft owner revise the operating limitations issued to their EAB aircraft to allow a light-sport repairman to perform the annual condition inspection?

Answer: An EAB aircraft’s operating limitations may limit who can perform the annual condition inspection on the aircraft. The aircraft owner (or authorized agent) may request to amend the aircraft operating limitations to include light-sport repairmen as persons permitted to perform the annual condition inspection on the amateur-built aircraft.

• In amending a special airworthiness certificate, FAA will typically re-issue all operating limitations per the current version of FAA Order 8130.2, Appendix D, Table D-1.
• The registered owner (or agent of the owner) of the aircraft may request an amended airworthiness certificate from the FAA; refer 14 CFR § 21.173. 
• The Aviation Safety Knowledge Management Environment (ASKME) Airworthiness Certification (AWC) application provides an electronic means to process requests for replacement or amendment of an airworthiness certificate or operating limitations. Use of AWC by applicants is not mandatory but is FAA’s preferred method for application submission. The automation allows applicants to select an FAA designee to perform the work. 
• Access the AWC applicant portal here: https://awc.faa.gov/AWCExternalApplicant/Splash/Index

FAQ # 8 - If I am the primary builder of an experimental amateur-built aircraft, am I eligible for a light-sport repairman certificate?

Answer: No, you must meet the eligibility requirements in 14 CFR § 65.107(b) to be eligible for a light-sport repairman certificate. 
The primary builder of an EAB may be eligible for an experimental aircraft-builder repairman certificate under 14 CFR § 65.104. 

FAQ # 9 - May experience earned as a light-sport repairman be used to meet the experience requirement in 14 CFR § 65.77(b) to apply for a mechanic certificate?

Answer: Yes, experience working as a light-sport repairman, may be used towards meeting the experience requirements of 14 CFR § 65.77. Refer to Become an Aviation Mechanic | Federal Aviation Administration for additional information on obtaining an FAA Mechanic certificate.

FAQ # 10 - Can an FAA-certificated mechanic perform inspections and maintenance on light-sport category aircraft and experimental aircraft?

Answer: Yes, as permitted in 14 CFR part 65 subpart D and 14 CFR part 43, the holder of mechanic certificate is authorized to perform inspections and maintenance on all aircraft. However, the mechanic must remember that when working on light-sport aircraft, one or more consensus standard provides the certification basis for the aircraft. Furthermore, 14 CFR part 43 and the privileges and limitations set forth in 14 CFR part 65 apply and the mechanic may not approve for return to service any aircraft or part thereof unless the mechanic:

• Has previously performed the work concerned satisfactorily. 
• Understands the current instructions of the manufacturer and the maintenance manuals for the specific operation concerned.

FAQ # 11 - What is a consensus standard in the context of light-sport category aircraft?

Answer: Consensus standards provide the means of compliance for manufacturers of light-sport category aircraft to meet the design, production, and airworthiness requirements of 14 CFR part 22.  A manufacturer’s statement of compliance to applicable consensus standards is a required document for issuance of a special airworthiness certificate for light-sport category aircraft under 14 CFR § 21.190 and for experimental kit-built light-sport category aircraft under 14 CFR § 21.191(k). 

FAQ # 12 - Can a consensus standard define privileges and limitations of my FAA mechanic or repairman certificate? 

Answer: The regulations do not recognize consensus standards as a method to meet 14 CFR part 65 or 91; where conflicting information is presented in a consensus standard, the regulations take precedent.

FAQ # 13 - Can a light-sport repairman perform or approve work on a standard category aircraft that a sport-pilot can fly? 

Answer: No. Light-sport repairman certificate privileges do not extend to aircraft holding a Standard Airworthiness Certificate. However, a person working under the supervision of an FAA-certificated mechanic may perform work on an aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR § 43.3(d). 

FAQ # 14 - Can I re-certificate my standard category aircraft in the light-sport category so that a light-sport repairman can maintain it?

Answer: No. Aircraft that previously held a standard category airworthiness certificate are not eligible for a light-sport category airworthiness certificate. Refer to § 21.190(b)(2)

FAQ # 15 - If I hold a light-sport repairman certificate with an inspection rating and airplane category privileges, can I perform the required annual condition inspection on my twin electric engine airplane certificated under 14 CFR § 21.191(g)?

Answer: Yes. A repairman certificate (light-sport) with an inspection rating and airplane category privileges authorizes you to perform the required annual condition inspection on an aircraft you own that is certificated under 14 CFR § 21.191(g) and issued operating limitations requiring a condition inspection.

The presence of twin engines or electric propulsion does not change this privilege. Certificate privileges are based on aircraft category (airplane)—not engine type or number of engines.

FAQ # 16 - What must be included in the annual condition inspection of an EAB or experimental light-sport aircraft?

Answer: For aircraft certificated under § 21.191(g), (i), (k), or (l), the condition inspection must include, at a minimum, the scope and detail of 14 CFR part 43, Appendix D. A manufacturer’s inspection program may be used, provided it includes at least the applicable Appendix D items.

• Appendix D items that are not applicable due to aircraft design (e.g., compression checks on electric engines) do not apply.
• Appendix D also requires inspection of items for improper installation and operation, even if not specifically listed.

When available, use of the manufacturer’s recommended inspection program is encouraged, as it often addresses aircraft-specific features not explicitly detailed in Appendix D.

FAQ # 17 - What if I have not previously worked on a particular aircraft or system?

Answer: Under 14 CFR § 65.109, a repairman may not approve work for return to service unless that person:

• Has previously performed the work satisfactorily;
• Demonstrates the ability to perform the work to the satisfaction of the FAA; or
• Performs the work under the direct supervision of a certificated and appropriately rated mechanic or repairman who has prior experience with that task.

In practical terms:

You must be competent in the specific task before you can legally sign it off.

If you are working on an unfamiliar aircraft, system, or technology (such as electric propulsion), it is strongly recommended that you:

• Obtain additional training,
• Review current manufacturer maintenance data, and
• Seek guidance or supervision from a qualified and experienced person.

This protects safety—and your certificate.