FAR 21.147 — Production Certificate Amendments
FAR 21.147 explains how a production certificate holder applies to amend the certificate, add a type/model, or include interface components.
In Plain English
FAR 21.147 governs how a holder of a production certificate (PC) modifies that certificate after it has been issued. It applies to manufacturers, not pilots, but it's useful background when studying airworthiness and how aircraft and parts are legally produced.
Key points:
- Any amendment must be applied for in the form and manner prescribed by the FAA.
- To add a type certificate or model to a PC, the applicant must meet the same core production-system requirements as a new PC — specifically §§ 21.135(c), 21.137, 21.138, and 21.150 (quality system, manufacturing facilities, and inspections).
- A PC holder may also amend its production limitation record to manufacture and install an interface component (a part that connects approved products), provided it:
- Owns or is licensed to use the design and installation data, and shares it with the FAA on request;
- Actually manufactures the interface component itself;
- Ensures both the product and interface component conform to their approved type designs;
- Delivers an assembled product in a condition for safe operation; and
- Meets any additional FAA conditions.
This rule matters because it preserves design conformity and safety oversight as production scope expands.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.147§ 21.147 Amendment of production certificates.
(a) A holder of a production certificate must apply for an amendment to a production certificate in a form and manner prescribed by the FAA.
(b) An applicant for an amendment to a production certificate to add a type certificate or model, or both, must comply with §§ 21.135(c), 21.137, 21.138, and 21.150.
(c) An applicant may apply to amend its production limitation record to allow the manufacture and installation of an interface component, provided—
(1) The applicant owns or has a license to use the design and installation data for the interface component and makes that data available to the FAA upon request;
(2) The applicant manufactures the interface component;
(3) The applicant's product conforms to its approved type design and the interface component conforms to its approved type design;
(4) The assembled product with the installed interface component is in a condition for safe operation; and
(5) The applicant complies with any other conditions and limitations the FAA considers necessary.
[Doc. No. FAA-2013-0933, Amdt. 21-98, 80 FR 59031, Oct. 1, 2015, as amended by Amdt. 21-98A, 80 FR 59031, Dec. 17, 2015; Amdt. 21-108, 89 FR 33108, Apr. 26, 2024]
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Under what regulation does a production certificate holder apply to amend their certificate, and how must the application be made?
Per FAR 21.147(a), the PC holder must apply to the FAA in the form and manner the FAA prescribes.
Q2If a manufacturer wants to add a new type certificate or model to an existing production certificate, what must they comply with?
FAR 21.147(b) requires the applicant to comply with §§ 21.135(c), 21.137, 21.138, and 21.150, covering the production quality system, facilities, inspections, and related requirements.
Q3What conditions must be met for a PC holder to amend its production limitation record to manufacture and install an interface component?
FAR 21.147(c) requires the applicant to own or license the design data, manufacture the component itself, ensure the product and interface component conform to their approved type designs, deliver an assembly in a condition for safe operation, and meet any other FAA-imposed conditions.
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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
What the certificate includes once the design is approved
§21.47 Type Certificate Transferability
Transfer and licensing notices for FAA type certificates
Related Sections in Part 21