These four words—new, rebuilt, overhauled
and repaired—are terms of art that have
distinct, specific meanings in the context of
aircraft maintenance. Those meanings are
defined in the FARs. It’s crucial for owners to
understand precisely what they mean and how
they differ.
“New” means never used. Dimensionally,
a new component meets new fits and limits
(obviously).
“Rebuilt” means a previously used component
that has been overhauled to new fits and
limits (possibly using approved oversize or
undersize parts) by the original manufacturer.
For example, only the Continental factory in
Mobile, Alabama, can “rebuild” a Continental
engine, although any A&P mechanic or engine
shop may “overhaul” one. When the f X