DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
SUBJECT: RECIPROCATING ENGINE OVERHAUl, TERMINOLOGY AND STANDARDS
DATE: 4/7/76
Advisory Circular No: 43-11
Initiated by: AFS-830
1. PURPOSE.
This advisory circular discusses engine overhaul terminology and standards that are being used in the
aviation industry:
a. To inform the owner or operator of the variety of terms used to describe types of reciprocating
engine overhaul.
b. To clarify the standards used by the industry during reciprocating engine overhaul.
c. To review the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) regarding engine records and standards.
2. REFERENCES.
FAR 43, Sections 43.9, 43.13(a), and 43.13(b); FAR 91, Sections 91.173 and 91.175.
3. BACKGROUND.
In the maintenance of aircraft engines, terms such as top overhaul, major overhaul, etc., are used
throughout the aviation industry. The standard to which an engine is overhauled usually depends on
the terms used by the person who is performing the engine overhaul. These terms are familiar to the
aviation community, but their specific meanings are not fully understood. This could result in similar
engines being overhauled to different tolerances. We believe that through the discussion that follows,
owners or operators and engine overhaul facilities will have a better understanding of the terms and
standards relating to those terms.
4. DISCUSSION.
a. The selection of an overhaul facility by the average aircraft owner is usually determined by
the cost quoted by the engine overhauler. Engine overhauls can be accomplished to a variety
of standards. They can also be accomplished by many different facilities, ranging from engine
manufacturers, large repair stations, or individual powerplant mechanics. The selection of an
overhaul facility can and does, in most cases, determine the standards that are used during
overhaul. The FAR requirement in Section 43.13(a) is that the person performing the overhaul
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