Part 21

Part 21. Part 21 is a critical section of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that governs the certification procedures for products and parts, as well as the approval of organizations and personnel involved in the design and production of aircraft. It establishes the legal framework for obtaining a type certificate, production certificate, and airworthiness certificate, ensuring that all aeronautical products meet stringent safety standards before entering service. The regulations within this part are fundamental to the aviation industry in the United States and influence global certification practices through agreements like the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement.

Definition and Scope

Part 21 formally defines the regulatory procedures for the certification of aircraft, engines, propellers, and related parts within the United States. Its scope encompasses the entire lifecycle of an aeronautical product, from initial design approval through production and continued airworthiness. The part applies to applicants and holders of various certificates, including those for supplemental type certificates, parts manufacturer approvals, and technical standard order authorizations. Key organizations affected include The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, General Electric Aviation, and countless supply chain entities supporting major original equipment manufacturers.

Historical Development

The origins of Part 21 trace back to the foundational Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938 and the subsequent Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which established the precursor to the Federal Aviation Administration. Early certification rules were consolidated and codified into the modern Federal Aviation Regulations in the mid-1960s. Significant amendments followed major aviation accidents, such as those involving the McDonnell Douglas DC-10, which prompted reforms in design and production oversight. The adoption of International Civil Aviation Organization standards and practices, along with technological advancements seen in aircraft like the Boeing 777, has driven continuous updates to harmonize with European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulations under initiatives like the Certification Specifications.

Key Provisions and Requirements

Central to Part 21 are the requirements for obtaining a type certificate, which validates that a product's design meets all applicable airworthiness standards such as FAR Part 25 for transport category airplanes. The part details processes for issuing a production certificate to organizations demonstrating a consistent ability to manufacture products conforming to an approved design. It also outlines the issuance of an airworthiness certificate for individual aircraft, confirming they are in a condition for safe operation. Other critical provisions govern the approval of major design changes through a supplemental type certificate, the production of replacement parts under a parts manufacturer approval, and the establishment of a design organization approval for entities like Gulfstream Aerospace.

Regulatory Impact and Implementation

The implementation of Part 21 has a profound impact on the global aerospace manufacturing sector, influencing projects at companies like Airbus, Rolls-Royce Holdings, and Textron Aviation. It mandates rigorous compliance procedures, requiring extensive documentation, testing, and quality assurance systems akin to those in AS9100 standards. The Federal Aviation Administration conducts audits and surveillance through its Flight Standards District Office network and aircraft evaluation groups to ensure adherence. The part's framework facilitates international trade through validation agreements, such as those managed under the International Aircraft Certification program, affecting the export of aircraft like the Cessna Citation series and Pratt & Whitney engines.

Comparison with Other Regulatory Parts

While Part 21 governs design and production certification, other parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations address distinct operational phases. FAR Part 23 sets airworthiness standards for normal, utility, and acrobatic category airplanes, which are certified under the procedures of Part 21. Similarly, FAR Part 25 standards for transport category aircraft are implemented through Part 21's certification processes. In contrast, FAR Part 43 prescribes rules for aircraft maintenance, and FAR Part 145 regulates repair stations, which are separate from the design and production approvals of Part 21. Internationally, Part 21 is often compared to European Union Aviation Safety Agency Part 21, with both systems being aligned through the European Union-United States Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement to reduce duplication for manufacturers like Dassault Aviation. Category:Federal Aviation Regulations Category:Aircraft certification Category:Aviation law in the United States