How long must an FAA Form 337 for the overhaul of a reciprocating engine be retained according to regulations?

The requirement to retain an FAA Form 337 for the overhaul of a reciprocating engine is that it should be kept until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for a period of 1 year. This ensures that there is a record of the maintenance performed and any significant alterations made to the engine, which can be crucial for future maintenance, compliance checks, and safety assessments.

This retention period provides a balance between recordkeeping responsibilities and the practical need to maintain up-to-date documentation. It is essential for both the owner's records and for regulatory compliance, as any subsequent work done on the engine needs to consider previous maintenance history. The 1-year period allows for a reasonable timeframe for the work to be reviewed, ensuring that the records are relevant and reflect current standards and practices.

The emphasis on retaining the document for the duration of any subsequent alterations or superseding work also underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance records in aviation safety and compliance. This approach helps to foster a thorough understanding of the engine's maintenance history and ensures that all relevant information is available for technicians, inspectors, or regulatory bodies as needed.