gsGroundScholar
Sign in
Type Certificate Privileges

FAR 21.45 — Type Certificate Privileges

FAR 21.45 explains the privileges of a type certificate holder, including obtaining airworthiness certificates, production certificates, and replacement part approvals.

In Plain English

FAR 21.45 lists what the holder (or licensee) of a type certificate for an aviation product is allowed to do. A type certificate is the FAA's approval that a particular design (an aircraft, engine, or propeller) meets airworthiness standards — and this section spells out the practical benefits of holding one.

The holder of a type certificate may:

  • Obtain airworthiness certificates for aircraft, provided they comply with §§ 21.173 through 21.189.
  • Get installation approval for aircraft engines or propellers on certificated aircraft.
  • Apply for a production certificate for the type-certificated product, after meeting the requirements of subpart G of Part 21.
  • Obtain approval of replacement parts for that product.

Why it matters: Although student pilots don't apply for type certificates, understanding this rule helps you trace the certification chain — from design approval, to production, to the airworthiness certificate that lets you legally fly the aircraft. It's foundational knowledge for airworthiness questions on your oral exam.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.45
§ 21.45 Privileges. The holder or licensee of a type certificate for a product may— (a) In the case of aircraft, upon compliance with §§ 21.173 through 21.189, obtain airworthiness certificates; (b) In the case of aircraft engines or propellers, obtain approval for installation on certificated aircraft; (c) In the case of any product, upon compliance with subpart G of this part, obtain a production certificate for the type certificated product; (d) Obtain approval of replacement parts for that product. [Doc. No. 5085, 29 FR 14564, Oct. 24, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 21-92, 74 FR 53386, Oct. 16, 2009]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What privileges does the holder of a type certificate have under the regulations?
Per FAR 21.45, the holder may obtain airworthiness certificates for aircraft, get installation approval for engines or propellers on certificated aircraft, obtain a production certificate, and approve replacement parts for the product.
Q2If a company holds a type certificate for an aircraft, what must they comply with to obtain an airworthiness certificate?
Under FAR 21.45(a), the type certificate holder must comply with §§ 21.173 through 21.189 in order to obtain airworthiness certificates for the aircraft.
Q3Can a type certificate holder produce replacement parts for their certificated product?
Yes. FAR 21.45(d) allows the holder or licensee of a type certificate to obtain approval of replacement parts for that product.
Practice this with our AI examiner

Examiner Reed adapts to your responses and probes deeper on weak spots — full ACS coverage, not a script.

Studying for a checkride?
All Checkride Prep
Every FAA pilot rating
FAR Library
All 741 sections in plain English
Related Sections in Part 21
§ 21.1
Certification Procedures
§ 21.101
Type Certificate Changes
§ 21.11
Type Certificate Applicability
§ 21.111
STC Applicability
§ 21.113
Supplemental Type Certificate
§ 21.115
Supplemental Type Certificates
§ 21.117
Supplemental Type Certificates
§ 21.119
STC Privileges
Master the FARs
Stop reading regs. Start drilling them.

Every cite verified against the live FAR/AIM. Adaptive questions surface your weak areas. Mock checkrides predict your DPE pass rate.

5 questions/day free • No credit card
FAR 21.45 — Type Certificate Holder Privileges