Guidance During the Certification Process

ANNOUNCEMENT

The FAA Flight Standards Service (FS) is making key improvements to application processing by combining elements of the certification process.

Effective January 24, 2024, FS is utilizing a new process to increase applicant readiness for initial certifications, which is applicable to applicants for an air carrier, air operator, or air agency certificate, or the issuance of management specifications (MSpec) in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91 subpart K (part 91K), 125, 133, 135, 137, 141, 142, 145 (Domestic), and 147.

This new process is a continuation of our efforts to enhance the certification process.  FS is committed to designing long term, sustainable improvements that reduce certification wait times and improve application processing times. Please see FAA Notice 8900.687 for further information.

 

Certification Process Guidance

The following information is used by FAA Inspectors as guidance during the certification process. This information is also useful for the applicant to review.

FAA Order 8900.1 Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS), Volume 2, Chapter 11

FSIMS Volume 2, Chapter 11

  • Section 1: Phase 1–Preapplication
  • Section 2: Phase 2–Formal Application (SAS Business Process Modules 1 and 2)
  • Section 3: Phase 3–Design Assessment (SAS Business Process Modules 2, 3 and 4)
  • Section 4: Phase 4–Performance Assessment (SAS Business Process Modules 2, 3 and 4)
  • Section 5: Phase 5–Administrative Functions
  • Section 6: Part 145 Repair Station Ratings and Classifications Under 14 CFR Part 145, §§ 145.59 and 145.61
  • Section 7: Certification of a Part 145 Satellite Repair Station, Amendment to, and/or Transfer of Certificate of the Part 145 Certification
  • Section 8: Initial, Renewal, Amendment, and Approval of a Part 145 Repair Station Located in the United States Applying for an EASA Part-145
  • Section 9: Certificating/Renewing/Amending a Part 145 Repair Station Located Inside the United States Under a BASA/MIP
  • Section 10 Certificating/Renewing/Amending a Part 145 Repair Station Located Outside the Territories of the United States and not Under a BASA/MIP
  • Section 11: Initial, Renewal, or Amendment Certification of an EASA Part-145 EU-based AMO Applying for a 14 CFR Part 145 Certificate
  • Section 12: Initial, Renewal, or Amendment of a Part 145 Repair Station Located Outside the Territories of the United States and Under an Agreement
  • Section 13: Procedures for Collaborating with TSA During a Security Audit for Part 145 Repair Stations (Located Within and Outside the U.S. and its Territories) Both Under and Not Under a Maintenance Implementation Procedure

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Last updated: Thursday, July 24, 2025