Approved data is technical or quality information that has been formally authorized for use under the applicable engineering, quality, customer, or aviation authority process. In manufacturing and MRO, it commonly refers to controlled drawings, specifications, repair instructions, dispositions, work instructions, or maintenance data that personnel may use to perform, inspect, or verify work.
In aerospace MRO, approved data is especially important when discrepancies, repairs, alterations, or nonconformances are documented. An NCR disposition, repair instruction, or corrective action may need to reference approved data so the completed work remains traceable before release documentation is prepared, where applicable.
Approved data should not be confused with a release certificate or release document. The data supports and controls the work; it does not by itself certify that an item is released. It also excludes drafts, uncontrolled copies, informal instructions, or data that has not been accepted through the required authorization path.