FAR 21.122 — Manufacturing Facility Changes
FAR 21.122 explains rules for type certificate holders on manufacturing facility locations, foreign sites, and FAA notification of changes affecting airworthiness.
FAR 21.122 governs where a type certificate (TC) holder can manufacture aircraft products and what they must do when those facilities change. While this rule applies to manufacturers rather than pilots directly, understanding it helps you appreciate how the FAA maintains oversight of the airworthiness chain that produces the aircraft you fly.
Key requirements:
- Foreign facilities allowed: A TC holder may use manufacturing facilities located outside the United States, but only if the FAA determines there is no undue burden in administering U.S. aviation law and regulations at that location.
- Prior FAA approval for location changes: The TC holder must obtain FAA approval before changing the location of any manufacturing facility.
- Immediate written notification: The TC holder must immediately notify the FAA in writing of any facility change that could affect the inspection, conformity, or airworthiness of its product or article.
Operationally, this ensures the FAA can always inspect and verify that products being built conform to the approved type design — a foundation of the airworthiness system pilots rely on.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?