What is the classification of the repair for replacing a damaged vertical stabilizer with a new identical stabilizer?

Replacing a damaged vertical stabilizer with a new identical stabilizer is classified as a minor repair because it restores the aircraft to its original condition without significantly altering its structure or design. Minor repairs are defined by regulations as those that do not affect the type design and are permissible under the existing certification of the aircraft.

In this scenario, since the new vertical stabilizer is identical to the one being replaced, it does not change the aircraft's overall performance or specifications. Minor repairs typically involve component replacements or adjustments that do not require a significant amount of engineering or technical assessment.

On the other hand, major repairs would involve more complex changes that could affect the aircraft's configuration or operational safety. Significant alterations would also be alterations that affect the aircraft's type design, which is not the case here. An inspection, while vital to aircraft maintenance, refers to the process of evaluating the condition of an aircraft rather than repairing or replacing components. Thus, the classification as a minor repair accurately reflects the nature of the work being performed.