Standard Airworthiness Certification of New Aircraft

This final rule amends FAA regulations for issuing airworthiness certificates to certain new aircraft manufactured in the United States. These changes are necessary because under the current regulations, certain new aircraft are eligible for a standard airworthiness certificate without meeting the requirements of a type certificate (TC) and without having been manufactured under an FAA production approval. These changes are intended to ensure that new aircraft manufactured in the United States and issued a standard airworthiness certificate are type certificated and manufactured under an FAA production approval. This final rule also incorporates requirements contained in laws recently passed by Congress. These changes ensure that any person who manufactures or alters an aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller based on a TC or supplemental type certificate (STC) either holds the certificate or has permission from the certificate holder. This amendment also includes language that allows a person to manufacture one new aircraft based on a TC without holding the TC or having a licensing agreement from the TC holder, provided manufacture of the aircraft began before August 5, 2004.