Which maintenance entity can utilize Authorized Release Certificates (FAA Form 8130-3) for approving Class I, II, and III products for return to service?

The correct response is that 14 CFR Part 145, Certified Repair Stations, are the maintenance entities that can utilize Authorized Release Certificates (FAA Form 8130-3) when approving Class I, II, and III products for return to service.

Certified Repair Stations are formally recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on certificated aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances. When these repair stations complete their work, they can issue FAA Form 8130-3, which serves as an Authorized Release Certificate. This form signifies that the product has been inspected and deemed airworthy according to FAA regulations.

In contrast, while Inspection Authorizations (IAs) allow individuals to approve work on aircraft, they do not possess the same authority as certified repair stations in terms of issuing Authorized Release Certificates for all classes of products. Additionally, although the Federal Aviation Administration oversees compliance and safety regulations, it does not issue these certificates directly; rather, it delegates that responsibility to certified entities like Part 145 repair stations. Manufacturers also have the capability to issue FAA Form 8130-3, but this application is specifically tied to their production processes and the materials they provide, not for the broader Class I, II