Hello.

I am studying for my O&Ps and I have a question about "approved data" and
"acceptable data."

I understand that the manufacturer's maintenance manual is only considered
"acceptable data," and is therefore not approved for use in making major
repairs or major alterations.

So let's suppose I want to overhaul some big nasty Lycoming with an integral
supercharger and a planetary-type prop reduction gear. Per CFR Part 43
Appendix A, this is a powerplant major repair. What is my approved data? Is
the Lycoming overhaul manual a source of approved data? If so, what is the
difference between this overhaul manual and a "maintenance manual" as
defined in CFR Part 43 Appendix A?

Second question:

Suppose I crumpled some skin on the wing of my Cessna 172. Assuming that it
is economically feasible to undertake a major repair to correct this damage,
where would I find my approved data? A Cessna 172 Structural Repair Manual
seems like the obvious choice, if there is such a publication. Again, would
this not be considered a "maintenance manual?"

Thanks
-Mark