FAA inspection limitations. This information can be found  in the Rig Manufacturers Owners Manual and the AAD  Manufacturers Owners Manual. Acceptable data is often times confused with approved data.  Acceptable data has been allowed under the FAA system and  generally used for minor repair. It can be applied to many  minor repair practices of different types and application.  It is general in its nature and not a required process for an  approved repair procedure. It is used by the FAA when  considering approval for alteration and usually does not fall  under the standard of certificated or approved (TSO and major  repairs). Acceptable data is applied in a very broad manner  and is not to be a replacement for use of approved data when  addressing the FAA major repair process. In many situations, it is a better decision, economically and  for the end repair, to return the damaged equipment to the  manufacturer. This answers all questions as to the quality,  manufacturer/FAA repair requirements, and airworthiness  of the item when returned to service and confirms that the  repair meets the continued service condition. The following procedures use a format that provides the  rigger with all of the necessary information to complete the  repair properly. It has been used by at least one manufacturer  to provide the necessary documentation to riggers in the field  to perform major repairs or alterations on that manufacturer’s  equipment. The procedures provide the following information  to the rigger: Approved data to be used for major repairs and alterations  may be one or more of the following. This data can only be  obtained from the manufacturer or the FAA Administrator.  This data applies to: d.  Skills, prior knowledge, and experience with type  of repair e.  Advisability of attempting this repair 1.  Applicable products—those parts of the parachute that  the procedure addresses. 2.  Description—brief explanation of the repair or  alteration. 3.  Materials—those items needed to perform the  procedure. 4.  Machines—those machines required to do the  procedure. In addition to the machines, there may be  special attachments required to do the work properly. 1.  Model, size, version 2.  Manufacturer specifications (approval for repairs,  requirements) 3.  TSO C23b, C23c, and C23d 4.  ADs 5.  Manufacturer’s SB’s 6.  Drawings, information, or repair standards from  manufacturers research & development (R&D)  engineers 7.  Designated alteration data offered by the FAA 8.  Manufacturer’s manuals (including installation and  assembly instructions) 5.  Equipment—additional tools needed (in addition to  the sewing machines). 6.  Procedure—the step-by-step guide through the repair.  This may include a disassembly and reassembly  procedure. Disassembly may be straightforward, but  the reassembly instructions may provide special tips  or procedures to accomplish the task. 7.  Inspection—the final inspection of the finished repair.  This is a very critical part. In many cases, the rigger  is doing the work alone. Within the manufacturing  environment, the persons doing the work generally  do not inspect their own work. This is given over to  dedicated inspection personnel. For the private rigger,  there may be no one around to inspect the work. In  the case of simple repairs, it is easy for the rigger to  inspect the finished job. For more extensive repairs,  such as a harness main lift web replacement, there  can be several areas that need to be addressed, such  as dimensions, stitching, and hardware orientation.  By having an inspection checklist, the rigger can be  assured of not missing any critical area. • Appropriate to the product being repaired; • Directly applicable to the repair being made; and • Not contrary to manufacturer’s data. a.  FAA certification required b.  Equipment (sewing and tools) c.  Materials, quantity, quality, and Mil-Spec The rigger is responsible to confirm the information of  model, type, serial number, and date of manufacture when  requesting or attempting to obtain any of the above data. It  is very important when confirming the following: When contacting the manufacturer or FAA Administrator  with request for information as listed for possible major  repairs, it is advisable to confirm the following: Repair Techniques Types of Approved Data 7-12