Working on the paperwork side of approving laser cleaning as a method on a structural repair package. What does AC 43.13-1B say (or not say) that's relevant for a method like this? Want to make sure I'm grounding the approval correctly.

AC 43.13-1B and Laser Cleaning: What It Says and What It Doesn't

AC 43.13-1B does not specifically mention laser cleaning as an approved method. Here's what you need to ground your approval correctly:

What AC 43.13-1B Actually Says [1]

The regulation establishes a hierarchy:

1. Manufacturer's maintenance manual or ICA first — always the baseline.
2. Other methods acceptable to the Administrator — if no manufacturer data exists or if you're adapting an approved method to a new context.
3. The method must be:
   • Appropriate to the product being repaired
   • Directly applicable to the repair being made
   • Not contrary to manufacturer's data

The Compliance Path for Laser Cleaning

Since laser cleaning is not in AC 43.13-1B by name, you have two routes:

Route 1: Manufacturer Approval
If the aircraft OEM (Boeing, Airbus, etc.) has approved laser cleaning in their structural repair manual or SRM, use that directly with Form 337, block 8 reference.

Route 2: "Other Methods Acceptable to the Administrator"
You document that laser cleaning:

• Does not compromise structural integrity or corrosion protection [2]
• Leaves the aluminum substrate intact (no thinning) [2][5]
• Is followed by required NDI (eddy-current thickness check to confirm zero base-metal loss) [5]
• Includes proper conversion coat and primer per SRM paint specs within 8 hours [5]
• Uses controlled parameters that preserve hardness and tensile properties [2]

What You Should Reference in Your Approval

• AC 43.13-1B § 5, Purpose & Applicability — cite the "other methods acceptable to the Administrator" clause
• Peer-reviewed aerospace data confirming no substrate damage at correct power levels [2]
• Your OEM's SRM for surface prep, NDI, and coating requirements (this becomes your controlling document)
• FeatherPulse operating parameters for the specific substrate and defect (coupon testing + thickness verification) [5]
• OSHA/FDA laser safety compliance per 29 CFR 1926.54 and 21 CFR 1040.10 [4]

The Critical Gap

AC 43.13-1B predates widespread aerospace laser cleaning (1998). It doesn't forbid it—it just doesn't speak to it. Your approval rests on:

1. Does the OEM allow it? (Best answer.)
2. Does it meet the AC 43.13-1B test? (No substrate damage, proper follow-up protection, documented NDI.)
3. Are you staying within structural repair limits? (Not exceeding pit depth or thickness limits in the SRM.)

If the aircraft manufacturer has no published position on laser cleaning, contact Jamie at jamie@aviationlaser.com or **(

---

Sources

[1] FAA AC 43.13-1B — Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices
[2] Effectiveness and Safety of Laser Cleaning Aircraft with FeatherPulse
[3] Laser Safety Manual
[4] FeatherPulse Laser Ablation — Full Reference Document