Aircraft Certification References

Aircraft certification is a structured process governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure all aircraft meet stringent safety, performance, and operational standards. This involves multiple stages, including type certification, production certification, and continued airworthiness oversight. The following list provides categorized references to key FAA advisory circulars (ACs) and regulations that support aircraft certification.

General Certification Procedures

These documents outline the foundational procedures for obtaining aircraft certification, from initial design approval to production oversight.

8130.2K - Link
This document provides comprehensive guidance on airworthiness certification procedures for aircraft, engines, propellers, and other aeronautical products. It details the requirements for obtaining standard, special, and export airworthiness certificates, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations.

8110.4C CHG 7 - Link
This advisory circular describes the responsibilities and procedures for FAA engineering field offices in processing certification projects. It helps ensure that aircraft and related systems meet established safety and performance standards before being approved for operation.

8100.5E - Link
This document provides guidance on the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program, which allows manufacturers to act on behalf of the FAA in certification activities. It establishes the oversight process to ensure regulatory compliance while streamlining certification procedures.

8100.19 - Link
FAA Order 8100.19 focuses on FAA oversight of aircraft certification projects, providing structured processes for monitoring compliance. It ensures that FAA designees and ODA holders maintain the highest safety and performance standards in all certification activities.

8110.48A - Link
This document provides guidance on engineering evaluations and approvals for aircraft modifications and certification projects. It ensures compliance with FAA safety standards in design changes.

8110.121 - Link
This advisory circular details the process of obtaining FAA field approvals for aircraft modifications. It ensures modifications meet airworthiness requirements before implementation.

MIMIS 0.0 - Link
This system provides digital resources for managing aircraft certification data. It streamlines compliance tracking and regulatory documentation.

8110.9 - Link
This document outlines the FAA’s policy on delegation of authority for aircraft certification. It ensures regulatory compliance while expediting the certification process through authorized designees.

Airworthiness Standards and Continued Operational Safety

These references provide guidance on maintaining the ongoing safety and compliance of aircraft in service, including major design changes and modifications.

AC 20-24C - Link
This advisory circular outlines the requirements for obtaining type certification of aircraft and aeronautical products. It provides manufacturers with the necessary steps to demonstrate compliance with FAA airworthiness regulations.

AC 20-167A - Link
This document provides guidelines for the approval of airborne systems and equipment, ensuring their reliability in flight. It covers the testing and validation processes necessary to achieve FAA certification.

AC 21.101-1B - Link
This AC describes the FAA's requirements for determining whether a major change to an aircraft design requires a new type certificate. It ensures that modifications do not compromise the aircraft’s overall safety and compliance with regulations.

AC 20-175 - Link
This document provides direction on aircraft modifications that impact performance, handling, and safety. It ensures that any changes made to an aircraft maintain the required level of operational safety and reliability.

Certification for Specific Aircraft Categories

These advisory circulars provide detailed certification requirements for different types of aircraft, including rotorcraft, transport aircraft, and small airplanes.

Rotorcraft Certification

AC 27-1B CHG 1-9 - Link
This AC provides certification standards for normal category rotorcraft, detailing compliance requirements for performance, safety, and structural integrity. It serves as a guide for manufacturers seeking FAA approval for new helicopter designs.

AC 29-2C CHG 4-8 - Link
This advisory circular provides compliance guidelines for transport category rotorcraft. It ensures that helicopters meet structural and performance safety standards.

AC 29-2C CHG 9 - Link
This advisory circular provides comprehensive compliance guidance for transport category rotorcraft. It outlines the necessary steps to achieve certification under FAA Part 29 regulations.

Transport Category Aircraft

AC 25.954-1 - Link
This document focuses on the certification of fuel system safety for transport category airplanes. It ensures that aircraft fuel systems meet the required safety standards to prevent ignition risks.

AC 25-7D - Link
This AC serves as a flight test guide for transport category aircraft, outlining testing methodologies for performance, handling, and safety. It is essential for manufacturers during the certification process of new aircraft models.

AC 25-17A - Link
This AC provides criteria for transport category airplane cabin safety certification. It ensures that interior design elements meet FAA safety requirements.

Small Aircraft Certification

AC 23-8C - Link
This advisory circular provides certification guidance for small airplane structures, including load calculations and material strength. It ensures that aircraft meet performance and durability requirements.

AC 23-19A - Link
This advisory circular outlines the compliance process for certification of normal, utility, and acrobatic category airplanes. It provides specific requirements for testing and safety evaluations.

AC 23-24 - Link
This document covers fatigue, damage tolerance, and structural integrity considerations for small aircraft. It guides manufacturers in demonstrating compliance with safety regulations for long-term operation.

AC 23-17C - Link
This document provides updated certification standards for normal, utility, and acrobatic category airplanes. It ensures compliance with evolving safety and performance regulations.

AC 120-93 - Link
This advisory circular addresses the use of electronic flight displays in transport aircraft. It provides standards for their safe integration and operation.

Additional Regulatory Compliance References

These references address specific regulatory compliance topics, including aircraft markings, electronic systems, and crew training requirements.

AC 45-2E - Link
This AC provides guidelines on aircraft identification and registration markings. It ensures that all aircraft display the necessary legal markings for identification and tracking.

AC 120-97A CHG 1 - Link
This document standardizes procedures for Operational Suitability Evaluations (OSEs). It supports manufacturers in meeting FAA requirements for new aircraft systems and components.

AC 120-102B - Link
This advisory circular provides guidance on the approval and use of electronic flight bags (EFBs). It ensures that digital tools used in the cockpit meet safety and operational standards.

AC 121-22D - Link
This document focuses on crew training programs and operational approval requirements for flight crews. It ensures that airline operators maintain effective and standardized training procedures.

Structural Integrity and Performance Standards

These references provide guidelines for ensuring aircraft structures meet durability and performance criteria.

AC 20-155A - Link
This AC provides guidelines for composite material certification in aircraft structures. It ensures that advanced materials used in aircraft meet regulatory safety and performance standards.

AC 23-10 - Link
This document provides guidance on the selection of materials and structural analysis for aircraft certification It ensures aircraft designs maintain durability and meet FAA safety standards.

AC 25.613-1 - Link
This AC covers material strength properties and structural integrity for transport category aircraft. It ensures that aircraft structures maintain safety throughout their operational life.

AC 25-8 - Link
This advisory circular establishes structural requirements for fuel and fire safety in aircraft design. It ensures that aircraft fuel systems remain safe under operational conditions.

AC 25.775-1 - Link
This document establishes certification criteria for cockpit window integrity and visibility. It ensures resistance to impact and environmental conditions.

AC 25-20 - Link
This advisory circular provides guidance on pressurized fuselage design and certification. It ensures aircraft structures withstand operational stresses safely.

Safety Equipment and System Requirements

These references cover essential safety components and onboard systems necessary for certification.

AC 20-73A - Link
This document outlines the certification requirements for emergency equipment onboard aircraft. It ensures that safety devices meet FAA performance standards.

AC 20-157 - Link
This advisory circular addresses electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) in aircraft. It ensures proper installation and maintenance to prevent failures.

AC 20-160A - Link
This document provides guidance on lightning protection measures in aircraft design. It ensures that aircraft remain safe during lightning strikes.

AC 20-174 - Link
This document addresses safety considerations in aircraft icing certification. It ensures that aircraft can safely operate in known icing conditions.

AC 21-9B - Link
This circular provides requirements for obtaining a Production Certificate (PC) to manufacture aircraft or components. It ensures manufacturers adhere to FAA-approved quality control systems.

Certification of Aircraft Components and Fuel Systems

These references provide guidelines for ensuring that individual aircraft components meet FAA standards.

AC 20-152A - Link
This document outlines the certification requirements for aircraft avionics and software systems. It ensures reliability and compliance with FAA standards.

AC 21-23B - Link
This document serves as a guideline for obtaining and managing type certificates for aircraft and aircraft components. It ensures compliance with FAA airworthiness standards.

AC 25.981-2A - Link
This advisory circular details fuel tank ignition prevention measures. It ensures compliance with FAA requirements to minimize explosion risks.

Regulatory and Operational Certification Standards

These references focus on regulatory compliance and operational approvals necessary for aircraft in commercial use.

AC 21-2L - Link
This document provides guidance for obtaining production certification of aircraft and aeronautical components. It ensures manufacturers meet regulatory standards before production begins.

AC 21-12C - Link
This AC provides criteria for issuing special airworthiness certificates. It ensures that aircraft meet the necessary operational and safety requirements for specific uses.

AC 21-44A - Link
This document details requirements for production approvals and supplier control procedures. It ensures that aircraft manufacturers maintain consistent quality and compliance with FAA regulations.

Advanced Systems and Certification of New Aircraft Components

These references provide guidelines for emerging technologies and new aircraft component approvals.

AC 23-1523 - Link
This document specifies performance and design criteria for aircraft control and stability systems. It ensures aircraft handling meets operational safety standards.

AC 38-1 - Link
This advisory circular provides certification requirements for aircraft emission controls. It ensures compliance with environmental and noise reduction regulations.

AC 120-98A CHG 1 - Link
This AC covers the implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) for commercial aviation operators. It ensures compliance with FAA safety risk management policies.