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Structuring access to the US market through FAA Part 145 certification

Business Case

Structuring access to the US market through FAA Part 145 certification

For a French manufacturer of hydraulic components, SURFEO structured the compliance process to prepare access to the North American market.

Aeronautics & SpaceSupply Chain ManagementRisk & ComplianceFAA Part 145Aircraft maintenanceQualityHydraulic componentsUnited States14 CFR Part 145
Context & challenges

Turning a regulatory requirement into a market-access capability

14 CFR Part 145 governs how to obtain a repair station certificate and the rules applicable to maintenance, preventive maintenance and alteration operations.[1]

The company we supported designs and manufactures hydraulic components. It wanted to adapt its processes and quality system to US requirements, while preparing the teams concerned.

SURFEO was commissioned to analyse the reference framework, assess the existing set-up, define the compliance plan and support internal adoption.

Our intervention

An approach combining the reference framework, processes, action plan and team preparation.

01
Analyse the requirements
Translate the FAA Part 145 regulatory and standards obligations.
02
Assess the existing set-up
Review the internal processes and the quality system in place.
03
Structure compliance
Define an action plan tailored to the gaps identified.
04
Prepare the teams
Run targeted awareness and training workshops.
Market & regulation

Access governed by 14 CFR Part 145 and the EU-US agreement

For an organisation based in France, OSAC states in particular that it must hold an EASA Part-145 approval and demonstrate the need for an FAA approval. The first issue is limited to 1 year, then to 2 years.[2]

Bilateral framework. The Maintenance Annex Guidance organises how approvals are processed between the European Union and the United States.[3]
Structured application. OSAC cites the FAA supplement to the MOE, forms FAA 8400-6 and 8310-3, and the supporting documents.[2]
Monitoring required. A rule published at the end of 2024 requires, in certain cases, testing programmes for foreign stations, with compliance due by 20 December 2027.[4]
Outcomes

An organisation prepared for US standards

Compliance with US standardsThe client was supported through the compliance process described in the project sheet.
Improved North American competitivenessThe approach supported the company’s positioning on the target market.
Enhanced credibilityThe programme strengthened credibility with customers and partners.
Teams preparedThe workshops made the teams aware of the specific requirements of the approval.

Prepare your FAA Part 145 pathway

SURFEO structures the gap analysis, the roadmap and team preparation to secure the process.

Let’s talk about your project

External sources

  1. eCFR, “14 CFR Part 145 - Repair Stations”, version current as of 22 October 2026. ecfr.gov
  2. OSAC, “Agrément d’entretien FAA - 14 CFR Part-145”, accessed on 28 October 2026. osac.aero
  3. EASA, “EASA Part-145 organisations located in the USA”, MAG Change 10 in force since 10 October 2025. easa.europa.eu
  4. Federal Register, “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States”, 18 December 2024. federalregister.gov
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