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Chapter 4. Airworthiness Certificate
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An Airworthiness Certificate is issued by a representative of the FAA after the aircraft has been inspected, is found to meet the requirements of the CFR's, and is in condition for safe operation. The certificate must be displayed in the aircraft so that it is legible to passengers or crew whenever the aircraft is operated. The Airworthiness Certificate is transferred with the aircraft, except when it is sold to a foreign purchaser.
FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate, is issued for aircraft type certificated in the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, and transport categories, or for manned free balloons. An explanation of each term in the certificate follows: [Figure 6]
Item 1.
Nationality - The "N" indicates the aircraft is of U.S. registry. Registration Marks-the number, in this case 2631A, is the registration number assigned to the aircraft.
Item 2.
Indicates the manufacturer, make, and model of the aircraft.
Item 3.
Indicates the manufacturer's serial number assigned to the aircraft, as noted on the aircraft data plate.
Item 4.
Indicates that the aircraft, in this case, shall be operated in accordance with the limitations specified for the NORMAL category.
Item 5.
Indicates the aircraft has been found to conform to its type certificate and is considered in condition for safe operation at the time of inspection and issuance of the certificate. Any exemptions from the applicable airworthiness standards are briefly noted here and the exemption number given. The word NONE is entered if no exemption exists.
Item 6.
Indicates the Airworthiness Certificate is in effect indefinitely if the aircraft is maintained in accordance with 14 CFR parts 21, 43, and 91, and the aircraft is registered in the United States. Also included are the date the certificate was issued, the signature of the FAA representative, and his or her office identification.
FAA Form 8100-2 remains in effect as long as the aircraft receives the required maintenance and is properly registered in the United States. Flight safety relies, in part, on the condition of the aircraft, which may be determined on inspection by mechanics, approved repair stations, or manufacturers who meet specific requirements of 14 CFR part 43.
FAA Form 8130-7, Special Airworthiness Certificate, is issued for all aircraft certificated in other than the Standard classifications, such as Experimental, Restricted, Limited, and Provisional.
An explanation of each term in the certificate follows as issued for an experimental amateur-built aircraft: [Figure 7]
Item A.
Category/Designation - In this case, the category is EXPERIMENTAL.
Purpose - The purpose for issuing the certificate, in this case, OPERATING AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT.
Item B.
Manufacturer does not apply in this case.
Item C.
Flight does not apply in this case.
Item D.
Indicates the N number, builder, serial number, and model of the aircraft when certificated.
Item E.
Indicates the date when the final inspection was completed and is considered in condition for safe operation and issuance of the certificate. Also shows when the Operating Limitations were issued, if they expire, and the signature of the FAA representative, and his or her office identification.
If you are interested in purchasing an aircraft classed as other than Standard, it is suggested that you contact the local FAA MIDO or FSDO for an explanation of airworthiness requirements and the limitations of such a certificate.
An additional source for advice in such matters is the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, (414) 426-4800.
In summary, the FAA initially determines that your aircraft is in condition for safe operation and conforms to type design, then issues an Airworthiness Certificate.
AC 21-12, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, and AC 20-27, Certification and Operation of Amateur-Built Aircraft, provide
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