FAR 23.2010 — Means of Compliance
FAR 23.2010 explains how Part 23 applicants must use a means of compliance, including consensus standards, accepted by the FAA Administrator.
FAR 23.2010 sets the ground rules for how an aircraft manufacturer (the applicant) demonstrates that a small airplane meets the airworthiness standards in Part 23. Instead of prescribing exact design rules, Part 23 is performance-based — so applicants need an FAA-accepted method to prove their airplane meets the safety objectives.
The regulation requires:
- The applicant must comply with Part 23 using a means of compliance (MOC) that has been accepted by the Administrator.
- That MOC may include consensus standards (industry-developed standards, such as those from ASTM).
- When requesting acceptance of a means of compliance, the applicant must submit it to the FAA in a form and manner acceptable to the Administrator.
Why it matters operationally: as a pilot, you fly aircraft certificated under Part 23. Knowing that the certification basis relies on FAA-accepted means of compliance — often consensus standards — helps explain why modern small airplanes are certified faster and why you may see references to ASTM standards in type certification documents.
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?