Airline Maintenance Release and Return to Service Checklist
This airline maintenance release and return-to-service checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 43.11 (Maintenance Record Requirements), EASA Part 145 (Maintenance Organisation Approvals) release documentation, Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) Part M requirements, and airline Quality Assurance (QA) department release authorization procedures. Designed for Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME) and Authorized Release Certificate holders to systematically ve
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
- Role: Licensed AME / A&P Mechanic with IA Authority
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 43.11 Maintenance Records, EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Approvals, EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness, FAA AC 43-9C Maintenance Records, Airline QA Department Release Authorization Procedures
Task Completion Verification
All required work completed.
- All work order task cards signed off and complete?
- All additional findings dispositioned (repair or defer in MEL)?
- All deferred items documented in MEL/CDL dispatch?
- Required operational checks performed and signed off?
- Test flights conducted (if required by AMM)?
Approved Data Compliance
Maintenance performed per approved data.
- All maintenance performed per FAA/EASA approved data?
- Approved data at current revision?
- STC requirements complied with (if applicable)?
- Any ADs due during work complied with?
- Required service bulletins incorporated?
Parts and Materials
Approved parts verification.
- All replaced parts from approved sources with 8130-3/EASA Form 1?
- Part numbers and serial numbers recorded on work order?
- Life-limited parts within limits and recorded?
- Correct consumables (fluids, sealants, fasteners) used?
- All consumables within shelf life?
Safety-Critical Items
Safety verification before release.
- All required safety wire, cotter pins, and lockwire installed?
- Tool inventory complete - no tools left in aircraft?
- All access panels and doors closed and fastened?
- All fluid levels (oil, hydraulic, fuel) checked?
- All ground equipment, chocks, and pins removed?
Logbook and Documentation
Maintenance record requirements.
- Aircraft logbook entry made describing all work?
- Part numbers installed documented in logbook?
- Aircraft hours and cycles at time of maintenance documented?
- Copies of 8130-3 forms attached to work order?
- Discrepancy log updated with all deferrals?
Release Authorization
Formal return-to-service approval.
- Release signed only by appropriately authorized person?
- Work scope within certifying staff's rating/authorization?
- Required dual inspections (if any) completed by independent inspector?
- Maintenance Release (CRS/EASA Form 1) issued?
- Release Notes
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Why Use This Airline Maintenance Release and Return to Service Checklist?
This airline maintenance release and return to service checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for licensed ame / a&p mechanic with ia authority professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 43.11 Maintenance Records, EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Approvals, EASA Part M Continuing Airworthiness, FAA AC 43-9C Maintenance Records, Airline QA Department Release Authorization Procedures. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Airline Maintenance Release and Return to Service Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Task Completion Verification, Approved Data Compliance, Parts and Materials, Safety-Critical Items, Logbook and Documentation, Release Authorization. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
Who should use this Airline Maintenance Release and Return to Service Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Licensed AME / A&P Mechanic with IA Authority professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.