Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) provides a brief introduction to FAA Airworthiness Regulations
Introduction
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing civil aviation in the United States. Established in 1958 under the Federal Aviation Act, the FAA ensures the safety, security, and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) through the development and enforcement of aviation regulations.
FAA regulations are codified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), also known as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). These regulations govern all aspects of aviation, including aircraft design and certification, pilot licensing, air traffic management, airport operations, and airline safety.
Key Areas of FAA Regulations:
- Aircraft Certification & Airworthiness Standards
- Part 21: Certification Procedures for Products and Parts
- Part 23: Airworthiness Standards for Small Aircraft
- Part 25: Airworthiness Standards for Transport Category Aircraft
- Part 33: Aircraft Engine Certification
- Part 39: Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
- Pilot Certification & Licensing
- Part 61: Certification of Pilots & Flight Instructors
- Part 67: Medical Standards for Pilots
- Airline & Commercial Operations
- Part 91: General Operating & Flight Rules
- Part 121: Air Carrier Certification & Operating Requirements (for major airlines)
- Part 135: Operating Rules for Charter & On-Demand Flights
- Aircraft Maintenance & Repair
- Part 43: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
- Part 145: Repair Stations
- Part 147: Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools
- Air Traffic Control & Airspace Regulations
- Part 71: Designation of Airspace
- Part 91: ATC Procedures and Flight Rules
- Part 97: Standard Instrument Approach Procedures
- Safety Management & Operational Oversight
- Part 5: Safety Management Systems (SMS)
- Part 119: Certification for Air Carriers and Operators
- Part 135 & 121: Flight Safety and Crew Training
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Emerging Technologies
- Part 107: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones)
- Part 91 Subpart N: Special Flight Authorizations for Space Operations
The FAA continuously updates and refines regulations to adapt to technological advancements, industry needs, and evolving safety requirements. Compliance with FAA regulations is mandatory for all U.S.-registered aircraft operators and organizations involved in aviation activities.
FAA Airworthiness Regulations Foundation
The FAA’s regulatory framework plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and reliability of aircraft. Parts 21, 43, and 91 collectively cover the certification, maintenance, and operational requirements necessary to ensure that aircraft meet and maintain airworthiness standards throughout their lifecycle. By understanding these regulations, aviation professionals can effectively support compliance, enhance operational safety, and contribute to the overall integrity of the aviation industry. The following three key parts forming part of the foundation of airworthiness compliance:
- 14 CFR Part 21 – Certification Procedures for Products and Parts
- 14 CFR Part 43 – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alterations
- 14 CFR Part 91 – General Operating and Flight Rules
These regulations define the requirements for aircraft certification, maintenance, and operation, ensuring that aircraft remain airworthy throughout their lifecycle. A fundamental understanding of these regulations is essential for professionals working in aircraft design, production, maintenance, and operational oversight.
14 CFR Part 21 – Certification Procedures for Products and Parts
14 CFR Part 21 governs the processes for the certification of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and other related products and parts. It provides the legal framework for obtaining and maintaining Type Certificates (TCs), production approvals, and airworthiness certificates. Key subparts include:
- Subpart A – General: Establishes general requirements and definitions.
- Subpart B – Type Certificates: Details the process for obtaining a type certificate, which signifies FAA approval of an aircraft’s design.
- Subpart D – Changes to Type Certificates: Covers modifications to existing type certificates, including major and minor changes.
- Subpart E – Supplemental Type Certificates (STC): Allows modifications to previously certified aircraft, engines, or propellers.
- Subpart H – Airworthiness Certificates: Defines procedures for issuing standard and special airworthiness certificates.
- Subpart K – Parts Manufacturer Approvals (PMA): Establishes the process for manufacturers to produce FAA-approved replacement and modification parts.
- Subpart O – Technical Standard Order (TSO) Approvals: Defines the approval process for equipment and materials meeting specific FAA performance standards.
Understanding Part 21 is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and regulatory compliance personnel involved in the certification and production of aircraft and components.
14 CFR Part 43 – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alterations
14 CFR Part 43 governs the standards and practices for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alteration of U.S.-registered aircraft. It ensures that aircraft remain in airworthy condition by establishing minimum maintenance requirements for both individuals and repair stations involved in these activities. The regulation is essential for mechanics, maintenance providers, and operators who are responsible for ensuring continued compliance with FAA safety standards. Key elements include:
- §43.1 to §43.16: Define the scope, applicability, and performance rules for maintenance work.
- Appendices to Part 43: Provide detailed requirements, including acceptable methods for major repairs and alterations, maintenance records, and return-to-service procedures.
Part 43 applies to maintenance personnel, repair stations, and operators responsible for ensuring aircraft remain in compliance with airworthiness standards.
14 CFR Part 91 – General Operating and Flight Rules
14 CFR Part 91 establishes the regulatory requirements for the operation of civil aircraft within the United States. It provides guidance on general flight rules, maintenance requirements, and operational safety, ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards. Part 91 applies to various categories of operations, including private, corporate, and certain commercial flights, setting the foundation for safe and legal aircraft operation. While it covers various aspects of flight operations, it also includes critical provisions related to airworthiness compliance:
- Subpart A – General: Defines key operational requirements and responsibilities for aircraft operators.
- Subpart C – Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements: Specifies mandatory equipment, instruments, and certificates necessary for legal flight operations.
- Subpart E – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations: Aligns with Part 43 by outlining operators’ responsibilities for maintenance and compliance.
- Subpart L – Continued Airworthiness and Safety Improvements: Introduces long-term airworthiness management requirements, including safety enhancements and inspections.
Part 91 is essential for aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance personnel, ensuring compliance with operational safety and continued airworthiness obligations.
Next Steps
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Air Traffic Control, 14 CFR Part 91, 14 CFR Part 43, Airspace Regulations, National Airspace System (NAS), 14 CFR part 21, Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Type Certificates (TCs), Aircraft Maintenance, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Airworthiness Standards, Aircraft Certification, SAS blogs, Part 21, Safety Management
