Chapter nine of AC 120-16E describes what is expected for contract maintenance. The first paragraph of chapter nine of this AC clearly spells out this responsibility, stating: Consistent with 121.1 (b), 135.1 (b)(2) and others, when you use a maintenance provider to accomplish all or part of the maintenance activities on your airplane or its component parts, that maintenance provider becomes, in effect, part of your maintenance organization and under your control. (FAA, 2008, p. 33)