FAR 21.181 — Airworthiness Certificate Duration

§ 21.181 Duration. (a) Unless sooner surrendered, suspended, revoked, or a termination date is otherwise established by the FAA, airworthiness certificates are effective as long as the aircraft is registered in the United States and as follows: (1) Standard airworthiness certificates and special airworthiness certificates issued for aircraft certificated in the primary, restricted, or limited category are effective as long as the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations are performed in accordance with parts 43 and 91 of this chapter. (2) A special flight permit is effective for the period of time specified in the permit. (3) A special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category is effective as long as all of the following conditions are met. (i) Except as specified in paragraph (a)(3)(iv) of this section, the aircraft meets the eligibility criteria for the issuance of an airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category specified in § 21.190(b). (ii) The aircraft conforms to its original or properly altered configuration. (iii) The aircraft has no unsafe condition and is not likely to develop an unsafe condition. (iv) For aircraft originally certificated prior to July 24, 2026, the aircraft meets all of the following conditions: (A) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water or 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water. (B) A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (V) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level. (C) A maximum never-exceed speed (V) of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider. (D) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (V) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity. (E) A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot. (F) A single, reciprocating engine, if powered. (G) A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider. (H) A fixed or feathering propeller system if a powered glider. (I) A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin. (J) Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider. (K) Fixed or retractable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water. (L) Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider. (4) The duration of an experimental airworthiness certificate issued for research and development, showing compliance with regulations, crew training, or market survey is effective for 3 years from the date of issue or renewal unless the FAA prescribes a shorter period. (5) The duration of an experimental airworthiness certificate issued for exhibition, air-racing, operating amateur-built aircraft, operating primary kit-built aircraft, operating light-sport aircraft, operating light-sport category kit-built aircraft, and operating former light-sport category aircraft, and operating former military aircraft is unlimited, unless the FAA establishes a specific period for good cause. (b) The owner, operator, or bailee of the aircraft must, upon request, make it available for inspection by the FAA. (c) Upon suspension, revocation, or termination by order of the FAA of an airworthiness certificate, the owner, operator, or bailee of an aircraft must, upon request, surrender the certificate to the FAA. [Amdt. 21-21, 33 FR 6858, May 7, 1968, as amended by Amdt. 21-49, 44 FR 46781, Aug. 9, 1979; Amdt. 21-70, 57 FR 41368, Sept. 9, 1992; Amdt. 21-85, 69 FR 44861, July 27, 2004; Amdt. 21-109, 90 FR 35205, July 24, 2025; Amdt. No. 21-109, 90 FR 35206, July 24, 2025]