AMC 20-20B Continuing structural integrity programme
Source document: Easy Access Rules for Acceptable Means of Compliance for Airworthiness of Products, Parts and Appliances (AMC-20) (Amendment 23)
AMC 20-20B Continuing structural integrity programme
Summary
The document provides guidance for type certificate holders, maintenance organizations, and authorities on developing continuing structural integrity programs for aging aircraft. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining valid programs throughout operational life, supporting compliance with relevant regulations, and offering acceptable means of compliance based on industry experience.
Related Questions
The AMC supports compliance with the ageing structural integrity requirements in Annex I (Part-26) to Regulation (EU) 2015/640, as introduced by Regulation (EU) 2020/1159, including limits of validity (LOVs), WFD evaluation, damage tolerance for repairs and modifications, and processes for ensuring the continued validity of the continuing structural integrity programme. It also supports compliance with point 21.A.65 of Part 21 and the certification basis established in accordance with points 21.A.101(h) and 21.A.433(a)(5) of Part 21.
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Some of the related regulations and documents mentioned in the AMC include: Point 21.A.61 (Instructions for continued airworthiness), Point 21.A.65 (Continuing structural integrity for aeroplane structures), Point 21.A.101 (Type-certification basis), Points 26.300 through 26.334 (applicable to Design Approval Holders), and various EASA AMC and FAA Advisory Circulars such as AMC 25.571 (Damage tolerance and fatigue evaluation of structure) and AC 91-56 B (Continuing Structural Integrity for Airplanes).
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No, the AMC 20-20 B is not mandatory. It describes an acceptable means of compliance but does not constitute a requirement. The guidelines are derived from extensive industry experience and are intended to supplement the engineering and operational judgement necessary for compliance findings.
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The target audience for the guidance provided in this AMC includes type certificate holders (TCHs), supplemental type certificate holders (STCHs), repair approval holders, maintenance organizations, operators, and competent authorities. While primarily aimed at large aeroplanes, the material is also applicable to other aircraft types for those wishing to develop robust continuing structural integrity programmes.
* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation
The primary purpose of the AMC 20-20 B Continuing Structural Integrity Programme is to provide guidance to type certificate holders (TCHs), supplemental type certificate holders (STCHs), repair approval holders, maintenance organizations, operators, and competent authorities for developing continuing structural integrity programmes. These programmes are essential for ensuring the safe operation of ageing aircraft throughout their operational lives.
* Aviation.Bot's Suggestion - Always consult the original regulation for confirmation
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