The engine rebuild and zero time maintenance record: who is authorized to issue it?

• A. The FAA.
• B. Any certificated mechanic.
• C. The aircraft owner.
• D. The engine manufacturer or a facility approved by the manufacturer.

Answer: (C)

The engine rebuild and the zero-time maintenance record are certifications that must come from the party that actually performed the overhaul or from the manufacturer. When an engine is rebuilt, its time since overhaul is reset to zero, and this status is officially issued by the engine manufacturer or by a facility approved by the manufacturer. They have the authority to certify that the overhaul was completed and that the engine is effectively “zero hours.” The aircraft owner is not authorized to issue this zero-time record themselves, because they did not perform the overhaul or hold the required authorization. This ensures the engine’s time-tracking and certification remain accurate and trustworthy in the aircraft’s maintenance records.