FAR 21.6 — Manufacturing New Aircraft
FAR 21.6 explains who may manufacture new aircraft, engines, and propellers under a type certificate, plus exceptions for pre-2004 builds and imports.
FAR 21.6 controls who is legally allowed to manufacture a new aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller based on an existing type certificate (TC). As a pilot student, you don't need to build airplanes — but you do need to understand why the aircraft you fly is legally certificated, because airworthiness traces back to this rule.
Under 21.6(a), a manufacturer must:
- Hold the type certificate, or have a licensing agreement from the TC holder to build that product; and
- Meet the requirements of Subpart F (production under TC only) or Subpart G (production certificate).
There are limited exceptions:
- One-aircraft grandfather clause — a person may build one new aircraft without (a) if they can show the FAA that manufacture began before August 5, 2004.
- Imported aircraft brought in under §§ 21.183(c), 21.184(b), or 21.185(c).
- Imported new engines or propellers brought in under § 21.500.
Operationally, this rule is why every standard-category aircraft you fly has a clear chain back to a TC holder — the foundation of its airworthiness certificate.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?