Definition
Repairs to an aircraft, airframe, powerplant, propeller, or appliance that are not classified as major repairs under 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A. Minor repairs may be performed and approved for return to service by an appropriately rated mechanic, and they do not require the use of FAA Form 337.
Plain English
Smaller fixes to an aircraft that don't significantly affect how it flies, its weight and balance, its structure, or how its systems work. Because they're lower-risk, the paperwork and approval requirements are simpler than for major repairs.
Context Anchor
You will see this term when reading about aircraft maintenance records, logbook entries, and the difference between repairs, major repairs, alterations, and preventive maintenance.
Derivation
“Minor” comes from a Latin word meaning “smaller” or “lesser.” In this aviation use, it means lesser in regulatory effect, not necessarily easy or unimportant. “Repair” means restoring something that is damaged or worn so it can function properly again.
Why Pilots Care
Determines whether a certificated pilot may perform and document the work or whether an A&P mechanic and formal approval are required.
Intuition Check
Do not read “minor” as “doesn’t matter.” Here, “minor” means the repair does not have the kind of effect that would make it a major repair under FAA rules.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic logged the patched fairing as a minor repair and returned the aircraft to service without filing a Form 337.
Example Sentence 2
The mechanic confirmed the fabric patch on the wing was a minor repair and required only a logbook entry.