Repair stations are closely regulated and monitored by the FAA. The agency requires air carriers to ensure that their contract maintenance and training programs, and the contractors themselves, fully comply with federal regulations. There are approximately 4,187 domestic and 709 foreign FAA-certified repair stations. Some carriers outsource aircraft maintenance and airlines must meet stringent FAA requirements if they rely on contract maintenance. Airlines have to ensure that all contractors follow the procedures specified in the air carrier’s maintenance program; carriers must list all contractors on a vendor list; only substantial maintenance providers have to be approved in the air carrier’s operation specifications; and the airline must show that the provider has the capability, organization, facilities and equipment to perform the work. Both the air carrier and the FAA inspect work done at repair stations. The air carrier conducts oversight through its continuing analysis and surveillance system, which requires audits of the facilities working on the carrier’s aircraft. Inspection requirements come from the National Work Program Guidelines (NPG) order issued annually, and is based on risk analysis of results from the previous year’s surveillance. The NPG establishes a base level of surveillance data that should be evaluated, including areas such as facilities, maintenance processes, technical data and training programs. The FAA uses risk assessments tools to retarget resources and develop the following year’s inspection program. Many U.S. air carriers rely on foreign repair stations outside the United States for at least some of their maintenance. The FAA certifies these facilities annually, and a repair station may lose its certificate if it does not comply with FAA requirements. MORE