FAR 21.605 — TSO Organization Requirements
FAR 21.605 explains the organizational documentation, accountable manager, and quality oversight required for TSO authorization applicants and holders.
In Plain English
FAR 21.605 sets the organizational requirements for any company applying for or holding a Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization. A TSO authorization lets a manufacturer produce certain articles (like avionics, instruments, or safety equipment) to an FAA-approved minimum performance standard.
The applicant or holder must give the FAA a document that:
- Describes how the organization ensures compliance with Subpart O (TSO authorizations).
- Describes assigned responsibilities, delegated authorities, and how the quality function relates to management and other parts of the organization.
- Identifies an accountable manager.
The accountable manager is the key figure. They:
- Have authority over all production operations under Part 21.
- Must confirm the procedures in the quality manual (required by § 21.608) are in place.
- Must ensure the organization meets the applicable regulations of Subchapter C, Aircraft.
- Serve as the primary FAA contact.
Why it matters: this rule ensures TSO articles installed on aircraft come from a manufacturer with clear accountability and a documented quality system — protecting safety down the line.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.605§ 21.605 Organization.
(a) Each applicant for or holder of a TSO authorization must provide the FAA with a document—
(1) Describing how its organization will ensure compliance with the provisions of this subpart;
(2) Describing assigned responsibilities, delegated authorities, and the functional relationship of those responsible for quality to management and other organizational components; and
(3) Identifying an accountable manager.
(b) The accountable manager specified in paragraph (a) of this section must be responsible within the applicant's or production approval holder's organization for, and have authority over, all production operations conducted under this part. The accountable manager must confirm that the procedures described in the quality manual required by § 21.608 are in place and that the production approval holder satisfies the requirements of the applicable regulations of subchapter C, Aircraft. The accountable manager must serve as the primary contact with the FAA.
[Doc. No. FAA-2013-0933, Amdt. 21-98, 80 FR 59032, Oct. 1, 2015]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What organizational documentation must a TSO authorization applicant provide to the FAA?
Per FAR 21.605(a), the applicant must provide a document describing how the organization will comply with Subpart O, defining responsibilities, delegated authorities, and quality's relationship to management, and identifying an accountable manager.
Q2What are the responsibilities of the accountable manager under a TSO authorization?
Under FAR 21.605(b), the accountable manager has authority over all production operations, confirms the quality manual procedures required by § 21.608 are in place, ensures compliance with Subchapter C, and serves as the primary FAA contact.
Q3Who serves as the primary point of contact with the FAA for a TSO production approval holder?
FAR 21.605(b) requires the accountable manager identified by the organization to serve as the primary contact with the FAA.
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Related Sections in Part 21