Plain English Meaning

Repairs fix something that is broken or worn so the aircraft is safe to fly again. Alterations change the aircraft from how it was originally built or approved. The FAA splits both into major (significant work, requires extra paperwork and qualified people) and minor (routine work).

Full Definition

Maintenance actions performed on an aircraft that either restore it to an airworthy condition (repairs) or change its design, configuration, or specifications from its original certificated state (alterations). Both are classified by the FAA as either major or minor, and major repairs and major alterations must be documented on FAA Form 337 and performed by appropriately certificated personnel.

Context Anchor

Seen in records, , discussions, and decisions after maintenance has been performed.