FAR 21.37 — Flight Test Pilot
FAR 21.37 requires applicants for an aircraft type certificate to furnish a properly certificated pilot to conduct the required flight tests.
FAR 21.37 is a short but important rule in the type certification process. When a manufacturer or other applicant seeks a type certificate for an aircraft in the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter, or transport category, they cannot just hand the FAA a finished airplane and ask for approval. They must also supply a qualified pilot to actually fly the certification test program.
Specifically, the applicant must provide:
- A person holding an appropriate pilot certificate
- Who will perform the flight tests required by Part 21
Why it matters operationally: certification flight testing involves stalls, performance demonstrations, flutter checks, and other maneuvers at the edges of the envelope. The FAA puts the burden on the applicant — not the government — to furnish a pilot qualified to fly the airplane safely during these tests. The FAA test pilot then evaluates the aircraft alongside or after the applicant's pilot. This rule ensures accountability sits with the company seeking approval of the design.