FAR 21.83 — Class II Provisional Type Certificates
FAR 21.83 sets the requirements for issue and amendment of Class II provisional type certificates for transport-category aircraft. Key rules explained.
FAR 21.83 lays out what a manufacturer must do to receive — or amend — a Class II provisional type certificate, which applies to transport-category aircraft still going through full type certification. It's a temporary approval that lets the airplane be flown under the limits in §§ 91.317 and 121.207 while the formal type certificate is being finalized.
To qualify, the applicant must:
- Manufacture the aircraft in the U.S., or in a country with a U.S. import/export agreement.
- Have a pending application for a transport-category type certificate for this aircraft.
- Already hold a U.S. type certificate for at least one other transport-category aircraft.
- Have an active FAA (or foreign authority) flight test program underway.
- Certify the aircraft is designed, built, and flown to substantially meet airworthiness and flight-characteristic requirements, and can be operated safely.
- Submit a flight test report covering all required maneuvers.
- Prepare a provisional aircraft flight manual with weight, speed, maneuver, loading, and control limitations.
- Establish an inspection and maintenance program.
- Show a prototype has flown at least 100 hours (less may be accepted for amendments).
Why it matters: provisional certificates let manufacturers conduct certain operations — like crew training, demos, and market surveys — before full certification, without compromising safety.
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?