Who is authorized to rebuild an aircraft engine and issue a zero time maintenance record?

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

Answer: (D)

The ability to rebuild an engine and issue a zero-time maintenance record comes from the engine maker and facilities they authorize. When an engine is overhauled to “zero time,” the overhaul must be performed according to the manufacturer’s specific procedures, using approved parts, and the entity performing the work must be approved by the manufacturer to certify the engine as having zero hours. That official designation and the associated maintenance record are issued only by the engine’s manufacturer or a facility the manufacturer has approved to perform the overhaul.

This isn’t something a general certificated engine mechanic, the aircraft owner, or the FAA independently authorizes. A mechanic can perform maintenance within the scope of their certificates, the owner can operate or maintain the aircraft within applicable rules, and the FAA certifies airworthiness, but they don’t issue zero-time engine records. The manufacturer and its approved overhaul facilities control the zero-time designation to ensure consistency with OEM data and proper documentation.