FAR 21.171 — Airworthiness Certificates
FAR 21.171 sets the scope for airworthiness certificate procedures under Part 21, Subpart H. Quick guide for pilot students prepping for checkrides.
In Plain English
FAR 21.171 is a short "applicability" section that simply tells you what the rest of Subpart H covers. It states that this subpart prescribes the procedural requirements for the issue of airworthiness certificates.
In plain English: when an aircraft manufacturer or owner needs to obtain an airworthiness certificate from the FAA, the rules and procedures they must follow are found in this subpart of Part 21. Section 21.171 itself doesn't impose any specific duty — it just sets the scope.
Why it matters operationally:
- An airworthiness certificate is one of the required documents that must be on board your aircraft before flight.
- Knowing where the issuance procedures live (Part 21, Subpart H) helps you understand how the certificate in your aircraft was originally obtained and what category it was issued under.
- On a checkrole, examiners may trace required documents back to their regulatory origin — Part 21 is where airworthiness certification begins.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.171§ 21.171 Applicability.
This subpart prescribes procedural requirements for the issue of airworthiness certificates.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What does FAR 21.171 cover?
Per FAR 21.171, this subpart prescribes the procedural requirements for the issue of airworthiness certificates — it's the applicability statement for Part 21, Subpart H.
Q2Where in the regulations would you look to find the procedures for issuing an airworthiness certificate?
FAR 21.171 points you to Subpart H of Part 21, which prescribes the procedural requirements for issuing airworthiness certificates.
Q3Does FAR 21.171 itself tell you the requirements you must meet to get an airworthiness certificate?
No. FAR 21.171 is only an applicability section stating that the subpart prescribes procedural requirements; the specific requirements are found in the other sections of Subpart H.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 21