FAR 21.13 — Type Certificate Eligibility

FAR 21.13 sets the eligibility rule for applying for a type certificate under Part 21. The rule is short and broad: any interested person may apply for a type certificate.

A type certificate (TC) is the FAA's approval of the design of an aircraft, engine, or propeller. It certifies that the design meets applicable airworthiness standards. Without a type certificate, a manufacturer cannot produce standard-category aircraft for sale and operation in the National Airspace System.

Key takeaways for student pilots:

• Who may apply: any interested person — this includes individuals, companies, and other entities, not just established manufacturers.
• What it covers: the eligibility to apply; actual issuance of the TC depends on meeting the design and airworthiness requirements found elsewhere in Part 21.
• Why it matters: the type certificate is the foundation of the airworthiness chain (type cert → production cert → airworthiness cert) that makes the airplane you fly legal to operate.