FAR 21.135 — Production Certificate Organization
FAR 21.135 requires production certificate applicants to document their organization, name an accountable manager, and meet SMS requirements under Part 5.
FAR 21.135 sets the organizational requirements for anyone applying for or holding a production certificate (PC) under Part 21, Subpart G. The goal is to make sure manufacturers have a clear structure for building aircraft and parts that consistently meet their approved design.
Each applicant or holder must give the FAA a document that:
- Describes how the organization will ensure compliance with Subpart G;
- Describes assigned responsibilities, delegated authorities, and how the quality function relates to management and other parts of the company; and
- Identifies an accountable manager.
The accountable manager is the person responsible for, and with authority over, all production operations under Part 21. They must confirm the procedures in the quality manual required by § 21.138 are in place, ensure the company meets the applicable airworthiness rules in subchapter C, and serve as the primary point of contact with the FAA.
In addition, most PC holders must comply with Part 5 (Safety Management Systems). The only exception is a PC based solely on a supplemental type certificate (STC) or on licensed rights to an STC.
Why it matters: even though student pilots don't apply for PCs, this rule is part of why the airplanes you fly are built consistently to their type design.