What is required when replacing spot welds with rivets during a major repair approval?

When replacing spot welds with rivets during a major repair, specific approval by an authorized FAA representative is required. This requirement exists because the change in the method of attachment can significantly alter the structural integrity and performance of the component being repaired. Welding and riveting are different methods of joining materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Thus, the approval process ensures that the new method meets safety standards and maintains the aircraft's airworthiness.

The FAA requires that significant alterations or repairs, such as this replacement, be reviewed by an authorized representative to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and specifications. This oversight is crucial to ensure that any changes made do not compromise the safety and reliability of the aircraft.

In contrast, maintaining the original number of welds or increasing the number of rivets by a percentage may be irrelevant unless the FAA has evaluated the specific circumstances and approved the repair method. Additionally, the notion that no approval is needed suggests a misunderstanding of the regulatory oversight necessary for major repairs, which emphasizes the importance of FAA involvement in ensuring safety compliance.