ATEC Fly-In News: FAA Provides Update On 43.13-1B Revisions

The FAA's effort to modernize Advisory Circular (AC) 43.13-1B, "Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair," is moving down parallel tracks, with a minor update due out soon and industry outreach on a major revision set to start later this month.

FAA officials shared updates at ATEC's 2025 Washington, D.C. Fly-In Sept. 17. The 650-page guidance, which hasn't undergone a significant update since 1998, provides extensive general technical details on aircraft inspection and repair processes. Aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS), which do not always have access to manufacturers' manuals and other technical data, use the guidance extensively to supplement their course materials.

The FAA's first step is releasing an editorial update. The document, which will become AC 43.13-C, is written and is undergoing legal review, AFS-300, Airmen Section Manager, Airman and Special Programs Group Kevin Morgan told Fly In attendees.

The next step is a comprehensive revision of the "entire document, from front to back, all paragraphs, all chapters," he said. The FAA will conduct a series of industry "listening sessions" to gather input on what the new AC should include. The first session is scheduled for Sept. 23 and 24 at Vertical Aviation International's Alexandria, Va., headquarters. Morgan expressed optimism that the minor update will be out in "days." It's too early in the process to provide an accurate timeline for the major update, he added.

The council is working with other aviation groups to gather input for the new AC and submit it directly to the FAA. For more information, contact Tarra Ruttman.