Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft
What is an airworthiness certificate?
An airworthiness certificate is an FAA document which grants authorization to operate an aircraft in flight. Issuance of airworthiness certificates is governed by Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Subpart H, Airworthiness Certificates.
There are two different classifications of FAA airworthiness certificates:
Who may apply for an airworthiness certificate?
A registered owner or owner's agent of an aircraft may apply for an airworthiness certificate.
Who is authorized to issue an airworthiness certificate?
Only FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors and authorized Representatives of the Administrator as defined in 14 CFR Part 183, Representatives of the Administrator (i.e. Designees), are authorized to issue an FAA airworthiness certificate.
Airworthiness Certification Process
The FAA requires several basic steps to obtain an airworthiness certificate in either the Standard or Special class.
The FAA may issue an applicant an airworthiness certificate when:
- Registered owner or operator, or their agent, registers the aircraft,
- Applicant submits an application to the local FAA servicing office, and
- FAA determines the aircraft is eligible and in a condition for safe operation.
How to apply for an airworthiness certificate
- (PREFERRED) Submit an application online via the Airworthiness Certification (AWC) tool, or
- Submit FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate to the local FAA servicing office.
Applicant Resources
- AWC Applicant Registration Guide and Application Process Overview
- Video: AWC Applicant: Special Flight Permit (for Maintenance) Application
- Refer to Advisory Circular 21-12C, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, for guidance with FAA Form 8130-6.
Can the FAA revoke an airworthiness certificate?
Yes. Per 14 CFR section 21.181, Duration, the FAA can revoke an existing airworthiness certificate in any category if the aircraft no longer meets its approved design and/or is not in an airworthy condition.
Does the FAA provide information regarding the definition of the term "airworthy?"
The definition of the term "airworthy" is contained in FAA Order 8130.2, Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft, Appendix I, Definitions.