About Safety

Unapproved Parts Notification?

A recent check of the unapproved parts notifcations posted on the FAA's website revealed an unusual entry. Listed there was a notice to all aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance organizations about aircraft and engines approved for return to service by Robert Gould.

The UPN went on to state that Gould, who did not hold a valid Inspection Authorization, approved for return to service aircraft following annual inspections and engines following major alterations. The notification added that evidence revealed that Gould falsified maintenance record entries by using the IA numbers of other mechanics.

The FAA was unable to determine all makes and models of affected aircraft and engines and that all aircraft and engines approved for return to service by Robert Gould should be considered suspect. The UPN recommends that if any aircraft or engines are found to have been approved for return to service by Gould they should be submitted for reinspection to an FAA-certified mechanic with a valid IA. Also inspect the validity of engine logbook entires, return-to-service tags, and other documentation tied to those aircraft and engines.

Good information, but was an unapproved parts notification the best method of disseminating that information?