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Production Certificate Duration

FAR 21.143 — Production Certificate Duration

FAR 21.143 explains how long a production certificate stays valid and the conditions under which it can end. Quick reference for pilot students.

In Plain English

FAR 21.143 sets the rules for how long an FAA-issued production certificate remains valid. In short, a production certificate has no fixed expiration date — it stays in effect indefinitely unless one of the following happens:

  • The certificate is surrendered by the holder
  • The certificate is suspended by the FAA
  • The certificate is revoked by the FAA
  • The FAA establishes a termination date for the certificate

Why this matters: A production certificate authorizes a manufacturer to mass-produce a type-certificated aircraft, engine, or propeller. Because the certificate is open-ended, manufacturers can plan long-term production without periodic renewal, but they must continue to meet FAA quality and compliance standards or risk suspension or revocation. As a pilot, knowing this helps you understand the regulatory chain behind the airworthiness of the aircraft you fly.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.143
§ 21.143 Duration. A production certificate is effective until surrendered, suspended, revoked, or the FAA otherwise establishes a termination date.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1How long is a production certificate valid?
Per FAR 21.143, a production certificate is effective until it is surrendered, suspended, revoked, or until the FAA otherwise establishes a termination date — there is no set expiration.
Q2Under what conditions does a production certificate end?
FAR 21.143 lists four ways: voluntary surrender by the holder, FAA suspension, FAA revocation, or the FAA establishing a termination date for the certificate.
Q3Does a production certificate need to be renewed periodically?
No. FAR 21.143 makes the certificate effective indefinitely unless one of the listed termination events occurs, so there is no scheduled renewal requirement.
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Related Sections in Part 21
§ 21.1
Certification Procedures
§ 21.101
Type Certificate Changes
§ 21.11
Type Certificate Applicability
§ 21.111
STC Applicability
§ 21.113
Supplemental Type Certificate
§ 21.115
Supplemental Type Certificates
§ 21.117
Supplemental Type Certificates
§ 21.119
STC Privileges
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FAR 21.143 — Duration of a Production Certificate