Production Certificate Inspections

FAR 21.140 — Production Certificate Inspections

FAR 21.140 requires production certificate applicants and holders to allow FAA inspections of their quality system, facilities, data, products, and tests.

In Plain English

FAR 21.140 covers what an applicant for, or holder of, a production certificate must allow the FAA to inspect and observe in order to verify compliance with the production rules in Subchapter C.

Under this section, the certificate holder must let the FAA:

Inspect its quality system
Inspect its facilities
Inspect its technical data
Inspect any manufactured products or articles
Witness any tests the FAA deems necessary to confirm compliance

Importantly, this inspection authority extends beyond the manufacturer's own shop — it also applies to supplier facilities, where many parts and subassemblies are actually built.

Why it matters operationally: Production certificates are how the FAA ensures that aircraft and parts coming off the line consistently match their approved design. By keeping inspection access open at every level of the supply chain, the FAA can catch quality issues before unsafe products reach pilots and operators.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 21.140

§ 21.140 Inspections and tests. Each applicant for or holder of a production certificate must allow the FAA to inspect its quality system, facilities, technical data, and any manufactured products or articles and witness any tests, including any inspections or tests at a supplier facility, necessary to determine compliance with this subchapter.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1If you held a production certificate, what would the FAA be allowed to inspect at your facility?

Per FAR 21.140, the FAA may inspect the quality system, facilities, technical data, and any manufactured products or articles to determine compliance with Subchapter C.

Q2Does the FAA's inspection authority under a production certificate extend to suppliers?

Yes. FAR 21.140 specifically states the FAA may conduct inspections or witness tests at a supplier facility, not just at the certificate holder's own facility.

Q3Beyond physical inspections, what else must a production certificate holder permit the FAA to do?

Under FAR 21.140, the holder must allow the FAA to witness any tests necessary to determine compliance with the subchapter, including tests performed at suppliers.

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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