Most of the worlds privately operated certified light aircraft operate without traceability paperwork required for replacement parts. FAA regs require that the installing mechanic verify that the part is legal by whatever means he has at his disposal, no manufacturer paperwork required.
The FAA certificated mechanic doing light aircraft repairs operates outside of a maintenance organization, doesn't pay government or quasi-governmental fees to any organization, and is free to supervise others in doing certified aircraft maintenance. His authority includes supervising aircraft owners maintaining their own aircraft and also supervising, inspecting and signing-off work such as weld repairs and machine work performed by uncertificated personnel. By my observation most privately owned N-registered aircraft are maintained by team work between owner and FAA mechanic, in either the owner or mechanics hangar. There is no recognition or necessity for a documented maintenance program except for following FAA requirements that cover all aircraft, for instance A.D. compliance and generic annual inspection requirements. The over regulated maintenance paperwork and licensing/fee structure that one reads here as being inextricably associated with 'C of A' aircraft does not apply.
Last edited by Silvaire1; 17th Mar 2014 at 18:23.