FAR 21.225 — Provisional Airworthiness Certificates
FAR 21.225 explains how to get a Class I or II provisional airworthiness certificate for aircraft modified under a provisionally amended type certificate.
In Plain English
FAR 21.225 lets an applicant get a Class I or Class II provisional airworthiness certificate for an aircraft that has been modified under a provisionally amended type certificate. This pathway exists so manufacturers can put modified aircraft into limited service while the full type certificate amendment is still being finalized.
To qualify, the applicant must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements of § 21.213 and comply with this section.
- Receive an FAA finding that no feature, characteristic, or condition of the modified aircraft makes it unsafe when operated within the limits of §§ 21.85(g), 91.317, and 121.207.
- Show the modification was performed under a quality system adequate to ensure conformity to the provisionally amended type certificate.
- Submit a statement declaring the aircraft is in safe operating condition under the applicable limitations.
- Have the aircraft flown at least five hours by the manufacturer.
- Supply the aircraft with a provisional aircraft flight manual (or equivalent document) and placards showing the operating limitations.
This matters operationally because provisional certificates allow real-world use under tight FAA-imposed limitations before a final amended type certificate is issued.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.225§ 21.225 Provisional airworthiness certificates corresponding with provisional amendments to type certificates.
(a) An applicant is entitled to a Class I or a Class II provisional airworthiness certificate, for an aircraft, for which a provisional amendment to the type certificate has been issued, if—
(1) He meets the eligibility requirements of § 21.213 and he complies with this section; and
(2) The FAA finds that there is no feature, characteristic, or condition of the aircraft, as modified in accordance with the provisionally amended type certificate, that would make the aircraft unsafe when operated in accordance with the applicable limitations established in §§ 21.85(g), 91.317, and 121.207 of this chapter.
(b) The applicant must show that the modification was made under a quality system adequate to ensure that the modification conforms to the provisionally amended type certificate.
(c) The applicant must submit a statement that the aircraft has been found by him to be in a safe operating condition under the applicable limitations.
(d) The aircraft must be flown at least five hours by the manufacturer.
(e) The aircraft must be supplied with a provisional aircraft flight manual or other document and appropriate placards containing the limitations required by §§ 21.85(g), 91.317, and 121.207 of this chapter.
[Doc. No. 5085, 29 FR 14571, Oct. 24, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 21-12, 31 FR 13389, Oct. 15, 1966; Amdt. 21-66, 54 FR 34329, Aug. 18, 1989; Amdt. 21-92, 74 FR 53390, Oct. 16, 2009]
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What must an applicant demonstrate to receive a provisional airworthiness certificate for an aircraft modified under a provisionally amended type certificate?
Per FAR 21.225, the applicant must meet § 21.213 eligibility, the FAA must find no unsafe feature when operated within §§ 21.85(g), 91.317, and 121.207 limits, and the modification must be done under an adequate quality system.
Q2How many flight hours must the manufacturer log on the aircraft before a provisional airworthiness certificate is issued under § 21.225?
FAR 21.225(d) requires the aircraft to be flown at least five hours by the manufacturer prior to issuance.
Q3What documentation and markings must accompany an aircraft issued a provisional airworthiness certificate under FAR 21.225?
FAR 21.225(e) requires a provisional aircraft flight manual (or other document) and appropriate placards stating the limitations of §§ 21.85(g), 91.317, and 121.207.
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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