scope:

Purpose.

This order sets forth the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program for the establishment of Maintenance Implementation Procedures (MIP) under the provisions of a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA). This order provides FAA personnel and National Aviation Authorities (NAA) information on the procedures and requirements for developing a MIP.

Applicability.

This order applies to FAA personnel involved in the development of a MIP with an NAA under the terms of a BASA. This order also allows for the development of a MIP while a BASA is being formally pursued by the requesting country. However it should be noted that a MIP may not be concluded without a signed BASA in place. Adherence to the procedures in this order is necessary for uniform administration of this directive material. Any deviations from this guidance material must be coordinated with, and approved by, the Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300. Any such approvals will be communicated in writing to the appropriate entity.

Note: The development of a MIP between the FAA and an NAA requires a long-term commitment of considerable resources by both authorities. Past experience has demonstrated that it may take 3 to 5 years for completion of an agreement. An NAA wishing to undertake such an initiative should have a viable aircraft maintenance surveillance and certification program, including competent personnel capable of finding compliance with national aircraft maintenance standards, practices, and procedures. The FAA prioritizes requests for a MIP based on the FAA's strategic goals and the results of a capability assessment of the NAA. The NAA may develop its own process of evaluating the FAA's ability to comply with the NAA's needs and requirements for concluding a MIP.