FAR 21.139 — Manufacturing Facility Location
FAR 21.139 covers production certificate rules for manufacturing facility locations, FAA approval for moves, and required notifications of facility changes.
In Plain English
FAR 21.139 governs where holders of a production certificate (PC) can build aircraft, engines, propellers, or parts, and what happens when those facilities change. While this rule mostly affects manufacturers rather than pilots directly, understanding it helps you appreciate how the FAA ensures the aircraft you fly was built under controlled, inspected conditions.
The regulation establishes three key requirements:
- Foreign facilities allowed: An applicant may obtain a production certificate for manufacturing facilities located outside the United States, but only if the FAA determines there's no undue burden in administering Title 49 U.S.C. and the applicable airworthiness rules.
- Prior approval to relocate: The PC holder must get FAA approval before changing the location of any manufacturing facility.
- Immediate written notice: Any change to a facility that may affect inspection, conformity, or airworthiness of the product must be reported to the FAA immediately, in writing.
Operationally, this rule keeps the FAA in the loop on where and how certificated products are built, protecting the airworthiness chain that supports every flight you make.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.139§ 21.139 Location of or change to manufacturing facilities.
(a) An applicant may obtain a production certificate for manufacturing facilities located outside of the United States if the FAA finds no undue burden in administering the applicable requirements of Title 49 U.S.C. and this subchapter.
(b) The production certificate holder must obtain FAA approval before making any changes to the location of any of its manufacturing facilities.
(c) The production certificate holder must immediately notify the FAA, in writing, of any change to the manufacturing facilities that may affect the inspection, conformity, or airworthiness of its product or article.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Can a manufacturer hold a U.S. production certificate for a factory located in another country?
Yes. Under FAR 21.139(a), an applicant may obtain a production certificate for facilities outside the United States, provided the FAA finds no undue burden in administering the applicable requirements of Title 49 U.S.C. and the subchapter.
Q2What must a production certificate holder do before relocating a manufacturing facility?
Per FAR 21.139(b), the production certificate holder must obtain FAA approval before making any changes to the location of any of its manufacturing facilities.
Q3If a change at a manufacturing facility could affect product airworthiness, what is the holder's obligation?
Under FAR 21.139(c), the production certificate holder must immediately notify the FAA in writing of any facility change that may affect the inspection, conformity, or airworthiness of its product or article.
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Related Sections in Part 21