FAR 21.123 — Production Under Type Certificate
FAR 21.123 sets the rules manufacturers must follow when producing aircraft under a type certificate—records, inspections, marking, and production certificates.
In Plain English
FAR 21.123 spells out what a manufacturer must do when building a product (aircraft, engine, or propeller) under an existing type certificate—before it has a full production certificate. While this rule is aimed at manufacturers (not pilots flying the aircraft), it's worth understanding because it explains how the airworthiness chain begins.
Under this section, each manufacturer must:
- Keep all design data specified in §§ 21.31 and 21.41 at the place of manufacture.
- Make each product available for FAA inspection.
- Maintain inspection and test records required by §§ 21.127, 21.128, and 21.129 for at least 5 years, and 10 years for critical components identified under § 45.15(c).
- Allow the FAA to inspect or test at the manufacturer's or any supplier's facility.
- Mark the product in accordance with Part 45, including any critical parts.
- Identify FAA-approved sub-assemblies, components, or replacement parts leaving the facility with the manufacturer's part number and name/trademark.
- Obtain a production certificate under Subpart G within 6 months of the type certificate's issuance, unless the FAA authorizes otherwise.
Why it matters: this rule ensures every aircraft you fly traces back to documented, FAA-overseen manufacturing—the foundation of airworthiness.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.123§ 21.123 Production under type certificate.
Each manufacturer of a product being manufactured under a type certificate must—
(a) Maintain at the place of manufacture all information and data specified in §§ 21.31 and 21.41;
(b) Make each product and article thereof available for inspection by the FAA;
(c) Maintain records of the completion of all inspections and tests required by §§ 21.127, 21.128, and 21.129 for at least 5 years for the products and articles thereof manufactured under the approval and at least 10 years for critical components identified under § 45.15(c) of this chapter;
(d) Allow the FAA to make any inspection or test, including any inspection or test at a supplier facility, necessary to determine compliance with this subchapter;
(e) Mark the product in accordance with part 45 of this chapter, including any critical parts;
(f) Identify any portion of that product (sub-assemblies, component parts, or replacement articles) that leave the manufacturer's facility as FAA approved with the manufacturer's part number and name, trademark, symbol, or other FAA-approved manufacturer's identification; and
(g) Except as otherwise authorized by the FAA, obtain a production certificate for that product in accordance with subpart G of this part within 6 months after the date of issuance of the type certificate.
[Doc. No. FAA-2006-25877, Amdt. 21-92, 74 FR 53387, Oct. 16, 2009]
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is required of a manufacturer producing an aircraft under a type certificate before they have a production certificate?
Per FAR 21.123, the manufacturer must keep all design data on site, make products available for FAA inspection, maintain test/inspection records, mark products per Part 45, and obtain a production certificate within 6 months of the type certificate's issuance unless otherwise authorized.
Q2How long must a manufacturer retain inspection and test records under FAR 21.123?
FAR 21.123(c) requires records of inspections and tests required by §§ 21.127, 21.128, and 21.129 to be kept at least 5 years for products and articles, and at least 10 years for critical components identified under § 45.15(c).
Q3Within what timeframe must a manufacturer obtain a production certificate after a type certificate is issued?
Under FAR 21.123(g), the manufacturer must obtain a production certificate in accordance with Subpart G within 6 months of the type certificate's issuance, unless otherwise authorized by the FAA.
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§21.15 Type Certificate Application
FAA application form, aircraft drawings, and engine data
§21.17 Certification Basis
Applicable airworthiness, noise, and emission rules
§21.20 Compliance Showing
How applicants show compliance to the FAA
§21.31 Type Design
Drawings, specifications, dimensions, and limitations
§21.41 Type Certificate
What the certificate includes once the design is approved
§21.47 Type Certificate Transferability
Transfer and licensing notices for FAA type certificates
Related Sections in Part 21