Definition
A maintenance facility certificated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 145 to perform inspection, maintenance, repair, alteration, or overhaul of aircraft, airframes, engines, propellers, appliances, or component parts. The certificate specifies the ratings and limitations of the work the station is authorized to perform.
Plain English
A maintenance shop that the FAA has officially licensed to work on specific parts of aircraft. The license states exactly what kinds of work the shop is allowed to do.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance records, aircraft logbooks, airworthiness discussions, and decisions about where an aircraft can legally receive certain maintenance or repairs.
Why Pilots Care
Work performed here meets regulatory standards, preserving airworthiness and keeping the aircraft legal to fly.
Intuition Check
Do not read “approved” as “recommended” or “well-liked.” Here it means officially authorized by the FAA for specific maintenance work.
Example Sentence 1
The avionics upgrade was performed by an Approved Repair Station, and the work was documented in the aircraft's logbook.
Example Sentence 2
The owner chose an approved repair station to ensure the avionics upgrade complied with regulations.