What signifies that a manual is considered approved data for maintenance?

A manual is considered approved data for maintenance when it includes an airworthiness limitations section. This section is crucial because it outlines specific maintenance and inspection requirements that are essential for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of an aircraft. The airworthiness limitations are established by the manufacturer and are often based on time or lifecycle events, ensuring that all necessary maintenance is performed within the recommended intervals.

Having this section in the manual provides clear guidance to maintenance personnel about critical tasks that need to be completed to comply with regulatory standards, making it a key element of approved maintenance data. Manuals with this inclusion are recognized as authoritative references by regulatory bodies like the FAA, thereby ensuring that maintenance practices adhere to safety regulations.

The other considerations mentioned, such as publication duration, being issued by an FAA representative, or frequent updates for technology, do not inherently qualify a manual as approved data for maintenance when compared to the specific imperative of airworthiness limitations.