49 USC 44704 - Type certificates, production certificates, airworthiness certificates, and design and production organization certificates

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section	Source (U.S. Code)	Source (Statutes at Large)
44704(a)(1)	49 App.:1423(a)(2) (1st–4th sentences).	Aug. 23, 1958, Puspan. L. 85–726, §§ 503(h), 603(a)(1) (related to regulations for appliances), (2), (span) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates), (c) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates), 72 Stat. 774, 776.
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).	Oct. 15, 1966, Puspan. L. 89–670, § 6(c)(1), 80 Stat. 938; Jan. 12, 1983, Puspan. L. 97–449, § 7(span), 96 Stat. 2444.
44704(a)(2)	49 App.:1423(a)(1) (related to regulations for appliances), (2) (5th, last sentences).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44704(span)	49 App.:1423(span) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44704(c)(1)	49 App.:1423(c) (related to basis for issuing, and contents of, certificates).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).
44704(c)(2)	49 App.:1403(h).
	49 App.:1655(c)(1).

In subsections (a)–(c)(1), the word “Administrator” in section 603 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85–726, 72 Stat. 776) is retained on authority of 49:106(g).

In subsection (a)(1), the text of 49 App.:1423(a)(2) (1st sentence 1st–16th words) and the words “in regulations” are omitted as surplus. The words “properly designed and manufactured, performs properly” are substituted for “of proper design, material, specification, construction, and performance for safe operation” to eliminate unnecessary words. The word “rules” is omitted as being synonymous with “regulations”. The words “under section 44701(a) of this title” and “for a type certificate” are added for clarity. The words “including flight tests and tests of raw materials or any part or appurtenance of such aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance” are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (a)(2)(A), the words “issuance of” are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (a)(2)(B), the words “the duration thereof and such other” are omitted as surplus. The words “conditions, and limitations” are omitted as being included in “terms”.

In subsection (a)(2)(C), the words “issued for aircraft, aircraft engines, or propellers” and “all of” are omitted as surplus. The word “specification” is substituted for “determination” for clarity.

In subsection (span), the word “satisfactorily” is omitted as surplus. The words “shall inspect, and may require testing of, a duplicate to ensure that it conforms to the requirements of the certificate” are substituted for “shall make such inspection and may require such tests of any aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance manufactured under a production certificate as may be necessary to assure manufacture of each unit in conformity with the type certificate or any amendment or modification thereof” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “the duration thereof and such other . . . conditions, and limitations” are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c)(1), the words “may apply to” are substituted for “may file with . . . an application” to eliminate unnecessary words. The words “in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation” are omitted because of 49:322(a). The words “the duration of such certificate, the type of service for which the aircraft may be used, and such other . . . conditions, and limitations” are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c)(2), the words “having a property interest” are substituted for “who are holders of property interests” to eliminate unnecessary words.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (g)(1)(A), is the date of enactment of Puspan. L. 116–260, which was approved Dec. 27, 2020.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(6). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 343(a), added par. (6).

Subsec. (f). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 1101(k), substituted “subsection (d)(3)” for “subsection (a)(6)” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g)(1)(C)(ii). Puspan. L. 118–63, § 306(c), substituted “calendar year 2028” for “calendar year 2025”.

2020—Subsec. (a)(6). Puspan. L. 116–260, § 110(span), struck out par. (6) which related to type certification resolution process.

Subsec. (d)(3). Puspan. L. 116–260, § 120, added par. (3).

Subsec. (e). Puspan. L. 116–260, § 105(a), added subsec. (e) and struck out former subsec. (e) which related to design and production organization certificates.

Subsec. (f). Puspan. L. 116–260, § 105(span), added subsec. (f).

Subsec. (g). Puspan. L. 116–260, § 110(a), added subsec. (g).

2018—Puspan. L. 115–254, § 214(span), substituted “airworthiness certificates,” for “airworthiness certificates,,” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(6). Puspan. L. 115–254, § 214(a), added par. (6).

2012—Puspan. L. 112–95, § 303(c)(1), substituted “, and design and production organization certificates” for “and design organization certificates” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(5). Puspan. L. 112–95, § 302, added par. (5).

Subsec. (e). Puspan. L. 112–95, § 303(a), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) related to design organization certificates.

2005—Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Puspan. L. 109–59, § 4405(1)–(3), (5), (6), inserted par. headings, realigned margins, and substituted “Except as provided in paragraph (4), if” for “If” in par. (3).

Subsec. (a)(4). Puspan. L. 109–59, § 4405(4), added par. (4).

2003—Puspan. L. 108–176, § 227(e)(1), added section catchline and struck out former section catchline which read as follows: “Type certificates, production certificates, and airworthiness certificates”.

Subsec. (a)(3). Puspan. L. 108–176, § 811, added par. (3).

Subsec. (e). Puspan. L. 108–176, § 227(span)(2), added subsec. (e).

1996—Subsecs. (span) to (d). Puspan. L. 104–264 added subsec. (span) and redesignated former subsecs. (span) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Amendment by Puspan. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Puspan. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Puspan. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Puspan. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.

Use of Advanced Tools and High-Risk Flight Testing in Certifying Aerospace Products

Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 311, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1074, provided that:

“(a)Assessment.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall complete an assessment of the use of advanced tools during the testing, analysis, and verification stages of aerospace certification projects to reduce the risks associated with high-risk flight profiles and performing limit testing.

“(span)Considerations.—In carrying out the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider—

“(1) instances in which high-risk flight profiles and limit testing have occurred in the certification process and the applicability of the data produced by such testing for use in other aspects of flight testing;

“(2) the safety of pilots during such testing;

“(3) the value and accuracy of data collected using the advanced tools described in subsection (a);

“(4) the ability to produce more extensive data sets using such advanced tools;

“(5) any aspects of such testing for which the use of such advanced tools would not be valuable or applicable;

“(6) the cost of using such advanced tools; and

“(7) the best practices of other international civil aviation authorities that permit the use of advanced tools during aerospace certification projects.

“(c)Consultation.—In carrying out the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with—

“(1) aircraft manufacturers, including manufacturers that have designed and certified aircraft under—

“(A) part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

“(B) part 25 of such title; or

“(C) part 27 of such title;

“(2) aircraft manufacturers that have designed and certified, or are in the process of certifying, aircraft with a novel design under part 21.17(span) of such title;

“(3) associations representing aircraft manufacturers;

“(4) researchers and academics in related fields; and

“(5) pilots who are experts in flight testing.

“(d)Congressional Report.—Not later than 60 days after the completion of the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a).

“(e)Required Updates.—

“(1)In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take necessary actions based on the results of the assessment under subsection (a), including, as appropriate—

“(A) amending part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

“(B) modifying any associated advisory circulars, guidance, or policy of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration].

“(2)Requirements.—In taking actions under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider—

“(A) developing validation criteria and procedures whereby data produced in high-fidelity engineering laboratories and facilities may be allowed (in conjunction with, or in lieu of) data produced on a flying test article to support an applicant’s showing of compliance required under section 21.35(a)(1) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

“(B) developing criteria and procedures whereby an Organization Designation Authorization (as defined in section 44736(c)(5) of title 49, United States Code) may recommend that certain data produced during an applicant’s flight test program may be accepted by the FAA as final compliance data in accordance with section 21.35(span) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at the sole discretion of the FAA; and

“(C) working with other international civil aviation authorities representing States of Design to—

“(i) identify their best practices relative to high risk-flight testing; and

“(ii) adopt such practices into the flight-testing requirements of the FAA to the maximum extent practicable.”

Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification Modernization

Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 312, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1076, provided that: “Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking for the item titled ‘Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification Modernization’, published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120–AL42).”

Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Aviation Rulemaking Committee

Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 349, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1109, provided that:

“(a)In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review, and develop findings and recommendations regarding, instructions for continued airworthiness (as described in section 21.50 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), and provide to the Administrator a report on such findings and recommendations and for other related purposes as determined by the Administrator.

“(span)Composition.—The aviation rulemaking committee established pursuant to subsection (a) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, including representatives of—

“(1) holders of type certificates (as described in subpart B of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);

“(2) holders of production certificates (as described in subpart G of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);

“(3) holders of parts manufacturer approvals (as described in subpart K of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);

“(4) holders of technical standard order authorizations (as described in subpart O of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);

“(5) operators under parts 121, 125, or 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

“(6) holders of repair station certificates (as described in section 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that are not also type certificate holders as included under paragraph (1), production certificate holders as included under paragraph (2), or aircraft operators as included under paragraph (5) (or associated with any such entities);

“(7) the certified bargaining representative of aviation safety inspectors and engineers for the Administration;

“(8) general aviation operators;

“(9) mechanics certificated under part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;

“(10) holders of supplemental type certificates (as described in subpart E of part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);

“(11) designated engineering representatives employed by repair stations described in paragraph (6); and

“(12) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of instructions for continued airworthiness policies and regulations.

“(c)Considerations.—The aviation rulemaking committee established pursuant to subsection (a) shall consider—

“(1) existing standards, regulations, certifications, assessments, and guidance related to instructions for continued airworthiness and the clarity of such standards, regulations, certifications, assessments, and guidance to all parties;

“(2) the sufficiency of safety data used in preparing instructions for continued airworthiness;

“(3) the sufficiency of maintenance data used in preparing instructions for continued airworthiness;

“(4) the protection of proprietary information and intellectual property in instructions for continued airworthiness;

“(5) the availability of instructions for continued airworthiness, as needed, for maintenance activities;

“(6) the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and existing regulations with other Federal regulations, guidance, and policies;

“(7) international collaboration, where appropriate and consistent with the interests of safety in air commerce and national security, with other civil aviation authorities, international aviation and standards organizations, and any other appropriate entities; and

“(8) any other matter the Administrator determines appropriate.

“(d)Duties.—The Administrator shall—

“(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], submit to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a copy of the aviation rulemaking committee report under subsection (a); and

“(2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of the report under paragraph (1), initiate a rulemaking activity or make such policy and guidance updates necessary to address any consensus recommendations reached by the aviation rulemaking committee established pursuant to subsection (a), as determined appropriate by the Administrator.”

Wildfire Suppression

Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 360, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1120, provided that:

“(a)In General.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], to ensure that sufficient firefighting resources are available to suppress wildfires and protect public safety and property, and notwithstanding any other provision of law or agency regulation, the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue a rule under which—

“(1) an operation described in section 21.25(span)(7) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall allow for the transport of firefighters to and from the site of a wildfire to perform ground wildfire suppression and designate the firefighters conducting such an operation as essential crewmembers on board a covered aircraft operated on a mission to suppress wildfire;

“(2) the aircraft maintenance, inspections, and pilot training requirements under part 135 of such title 14 may apply to such an operation, if determined by the Administrator to be necessary to maintain the safety of firefighters carrying out wildfire suppression missions; and

“(3) the noise standards described in part 36 of such title 14 shall not apply to such an operation.

“(span)Surplus Military Aircraft.—In issuing a rule under subsection (a), the Administrator may not enable any aircraft of a type that has been—

“(1) manufactured in accordance with the requirements of, and accepted for use by, the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code); and

“(2) later modified to be used for wildfire suppression operations.

“(c)Conforming Amendments to FAA Documents.—In issuing a rule under subsection (a), the Administrator shall revise the order of the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] titled ‘Restricted Category Type Certification’, issued on February 27, 2006 (FAA Order 8110.56), as well as any corresponding policy or guidance material, to reflect the requirements of this section.

“(d)Savings Provision.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to take action otherwise authorized by law to protect aviation safety or passenger safety.

“(e)Definitions.—In this section:

“(1)Covered aircraft.—The term ‘covered aircraft’ means an aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category under section 21.25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, used for transporting firefighters to and from the site of a wildfire in order to perform ground wildfire suppression for the purpose of extinguishing a wildfire on behalf of, or pursuant to a contract with, a Federal, State, or local government agency.

“(2)Firefighters.—The term ‘firefighters’ means a trained fire suppression professional the transport of whom is necessary to accomplish a wildfire suppression operation.”

Required Submission of Outline of System Changes at the Beginning of the Certification Process

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 105(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2319, provided that:

“(1)In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall initiate a process to revise procedures to require an applicant for an amendment to a type certificate for a transport category aircraft to disclose to the Administrator, in a single document submitted at the beginning of the process for amending such certificate, all new systems and intended changes to existing systems then known to such applicant. The Administrator shall finalize the revision of such procedures not later than 18 months after initiating such process.

“(2)Application.—Compliance with the procedures revised pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not preclude an applicant from making additional changes to aircraft systems as the design and application process proceeds.

“(3)Savings provision.—Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit the obligations of an applicant for an amended type certificate for a transport category airplane under section 44704(e) of title 49, United States Code, as amended in this title.”

[For definitions of “Administrator” and “type certificate” as used in section 105(c) of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Integrated Project Teams

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 108, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2326, as amended by Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 306(span), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, provided that:

“(a)In General.—Upon receipt of an application for a type certificate for a transport category airplane, the Administrator shall convene an interdisciplinary integrated project team responsible for coordinating review and providing advice and recommendations, as appropriate, to the Administrator on such application.

“(span)Membership.—In convening an interdisciplinary integrated project team under subsection (a), the Administrator shall appoint employees of the Administration or other Federal agencies, such as the Air Force, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (with the concurrence of the head of such other Federal agency), with specialized expertise and experience in the fields of engineering, systems design, human factors, and pilot training, including, at a minimum—

“(1) not less than 1 designee of the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety whose duty station is in the Administration’s headquarters;

“(2) representatives of the Aircraft Certification Service of the Administration;

“(3) representatives of the Flight Standards Service of the Administration;

“(4) experts in the fields of human factors, aerodynamics, flight controls, software, and systems design; and

“(5) any other subject matter expert whom the Administrator determines appropriate.

“(c)Availability.—In order to carry out its duties with respect to the areas specified in subsection (d), a project team shall be available to the Administrator, upon request, at any time during the certification process.

“(d)Duties.—A project team shall advise the Administrator and make written recommendations to the Administrator, to be retained in the certification project file, including recommendations for any plans, analyses, assessments, and reports required to support and document the certification project, in the following areas associated with a new technology or novel design:

“(1) Initial review of design proposals proposed by the applicant and the establishment of the certification basis.

“(2) Identification of new technology, novel design, or safety critical design features or systems that are potentially catastrophic, either alone or in combination with another failure.

“(3) Determination of compliance findings, system safety assessments, and safety critical functions the Administration should retain in terms of new technology, novel design, or safety critical design features or systems.

“(4) Evaluation of the Administration’s expertise or experience necessary to support the project.

“(5) Review and evaluation of an applicant’s request for exceptions or exemptions from compliance with airworthiness standards codified in title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application for the change.

“(6) Conduct of design reviews, procedure evaluations, and training evaluations.

“(7) Review of the applicant’s final design documentation and other data to evaluate compliance with all relevant Administration regulations.

“(e)Documentation of FAA Response.—The Administrator shall provide a written response to each recommendation of each project team and shall retain such response in the certification project file.

“(f)Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section [Dec. 27, 2020], and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report on the establishment of each integrated project team in accordance with this section during such fiscal year, including the role and composition of each such project team.”

[For definitions of terms used in section 108 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Employment Restrictions: Disqualification Based on Prior Employment

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 111(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2330, provided that: “An employee of the [Federal Aviation] Administration with supervisory responsibility may not direct, conduct, or otherwise participate in oversight of a holder of a certificate issued under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code, that previously employed such employee in the preceding 1-year period.”

System Safety Assessments and Other Requirements

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 115, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2333, provided that:

“(a)In General.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall issue such regulations as are necessary to amend part 25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and any associated advisory circular, guidance, or policy of the Administration, in accordance with this section.

“(span)System Safety Assessments and Other Requirements.—In developing regulations under subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

“(1) require an applicant for an amended type certificate for a transport airplane to—

“(A) perform a system safety assessment with respect to each proposed design change that the Administrator determines is significant, with such assessment considering the airplane-level effects of individual errors, malfunctions, or failures and realistic pilot response times to such errors, malfunctions, or failures;

“(B) update such assessment to account for each subsequent proposed design change that the Administrator determines is significant;

“(C) provide appropriate employees of the Administration with the data and assumptions underlying each assessment and amended assessment; and

“(D) provide for document traceability and clarity of explanations for changes to aircraft type designs and system safety assessment certification documents; and

“(2) work with other civil aviation authorities representing states of design to ensure such regulations remain harmonized internationally.

“(c)Guidance.—Guidance or an advisory circular issued under subsection (a) shall, at minimum—

“(1) emphasize the importance of clear documentation of the technical details and failure modes and effects of a design change described in subsection (span)(1); and

“(2) ensure appropriate review of any change that results in a functional hazard assessment classification of major or greater, as such term is defined in FAA Advisory Circular 25.1309-1A (or any successor or replacement document).

“(d)FAA Review.—Appropriate employees of the Aircraft Certification Service and the Flight Standards Service of the Administration shall review each system safety assessment required under subsection (span)(1)(A), updated assessment required under subsection (span)(1)(B), and supporting data and assumptions required under subsection (span)(1)(C), to ensure that each such assessment sufficiently addresses the considerations listed in subsection (span)(1)(A).”

[For definitions of terms used in section 115 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Flight Crew Alerting

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 116, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2334, as amended by Puspan. L. 117–328, div. O, title V, § 501(span), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5231, provided that:

“(a)In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall implement National Transportation Safety Board recommendations A–19–11 and A–19–12 (as contained in the safety recommendation report adopted on September 9, 2019).

“(span)Prohibition.—Beginning on December 27, 2022, the Administrator may not issue a type certificate for a transport category aircraft unless, in the case of a transport category aircraft other than a transport airplane, the type certificate applicant provides a means acceptable to the Administrator to assist the flight crew in prioritizing corrective actions and responding to systems failures (including by cockpit or flight manual procedures).

“(c)Existing Airplane Designs.—It is the sense of Congress that the FAA shall ensure that any system safety assessment with respect to the Boeing 737-7, 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10 airplanes, as described in National Transportation Safety Board recommendation A-19-10, is conducted in accordance with such recommendation.”

[For definitions of terms used in section 116 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Changed Product Rule

Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 344, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1101, provided that:

“(a)In General.—Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise section 21.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to achieve the following objectives:

“(1) For any significant design change, as determined by the Administrator, to require that the exception related to impracticality under subsection (span)(3) of such section from the requirement to comply with the latest amendments of the applicable airworthiness standards in effect on the date of application for the change be approved only after providing public notice and opportunity to comment on such exception.

“(2) To ensure appropriate documentation of any exception or exemption from airworthiness requirements in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application for the change.

“(span)Congressional Briefing.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] a briefing on the implementation by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] of the recommendations of the Changed Product Rule International Authorities Working Group, established for purposes of carrying out the requirements of section 117 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act [Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I] (49 U.S.C. 44704 note), including recommendations on harmonized changes and reforms regarding the impractical exception.

“(c)Final Rule.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule based on the notice of proposed rulemaking issued under subsection (a).

“(d)Annual Report.—Beginning in 2025 and annually thereafter through 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual report detailing the number of all significant design change exceptions approved and denied under paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 21.101(span) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.”

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 117, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2335, as amended by Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 306(f), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1072, provided that:

“(a)Review and Reevaluation of Amended Type Certificates.—

“(1)International leadership.—The Administrator shall exercise leadership in the creation of international policies and standards relating to the issuance of amended type certificates within the Certification Management Team.

“(2)Reevaluation of amended type certificates.—In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator shall—

“(A) encourage Certification Management Team members to examine and address any relevant covered recommendations (as defined in section 121(c) [134 Stat. 2344]) relating to the issuance of amended type certificates;

“(B) reevaluate existing assumptions and practices inherent in the amended type certificate process and assess whether such assumptions and practices are valid; and

“(C) ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that Federal regulations relating to the issuance of amended type certificates are harmonized with the regulations of other international states of design.

“(span)Amended Type Certificate Report and Rulemaking.—

“(1)Briefings.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Administrator shall brief the congressional committees of jurisdiction on the work and status of the development of such recommendations by the Certification Management Team.

“(2)Initiation of action.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title, the Administrator shall take action to revise and improve the process of issuing amended type certificates in accordance with this section. Such action shall include, at minimum—

“(A) initiation of a rulemaking proceeding; and

“(B) development or revision of guidance and training materials.

“(3)Contents.—In taking actions required under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall do the following:

“(A) Ensure that proposed changes to an aircraft are evaluated from an integrated whole aircraft system perspective that examines the integration of proposed changes with existing systems and associated impacts.

“(B) Define key terms used for the changed product process under sections 21.19 and 21.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

“(C) Consider—

“(i) the findings and work of the Certification Management Team and other similar international harmonization efforts;

“(ii) any relevant covered recommendations (as defined in section 121(c) [134 Stat. 2344]); and

“(iii) whether a fixed time beyond which a type certificate may not be amended would improve aviation safety.

“(D) Establish the extent to which the following design characteristics should preclude the issuance of an amended type certificate:

“(i) A new or revised flight control system.

“(ii) Any substantial changes to aerodynamic stability resulting from a physical change that may require a new or modified software system or control law in order to produce positive and acceptable stability and handling qualities.

“(iii) A flight control system or augmented software to maintain aerodynamic stability in any portion of the flight envelope that was not required for a previously certified derivative.

“(iv) A change in structural components (other than a stretch or shrink of the fuselage) that results in a change in structural load paths or the magnitude of structural loads attributed to flight maneuvers or cabin pressurization.

“(v) A novel or unusual system, component, or other feature whose failure would present a hazardous or catastrophic risk.

“(E) Develop objective criteria for helping to determine what constitutes a substantial change and a significant change.

“(F) Implement mandatory aircraft-level reviews throughout the certification process to validate the certification basis and assumptions.

“(G) Require maintenance of relevant records of agreements between the FAA and an applicant that affect certification documentation and deliverables.

“(H) Ensure appropriate documentation of any exception or exemption from airworthiness requirements codified in title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application for the change.

“(4)Guidance materials.—The Administrator shall consider the following when developing orders and regulatory guidance, including advisory circulars, where appropriate:

“(A) Early FAA involvement and feedback paths in the aircraft certification process to ensure the FAA is aware of changes to design assumptions and product design impacting a changed product assessment.

“(B) Presentation to the FAA of new technology, novel design, or safety critical features or systems, initially and throughout the certification process, when development and certification prompt design or compliance method revision.

“(C) Examples of key terms used for the changed product process under sections 21.19 and 21.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

“(D) Type certificate data sheet improvements to accurately state which regulations and amendment level the aircraft complies to and when compliance is limited to a subset of the aircraft.

“(E) Policies to guide applicants on proper visibility, clarity, and consistency of key design and compliance information that is submitted for certification, particularly with new design features.

“(F) The creation, validation, and implementation of analytical tools appropriate for the analysis of complex system for the FAA and applicants.

“(G) Early coordination processes with the FAA for the functional hazard assessments validation and preliminary system safety assessments review.

“(5)Training materials.—The Administrator shall—

“(A) develop training materials for establishing the certification basis for changed aeronautical products pursuant to section 21.101 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, applications for a new type certificate pursuant to section 21.19 of such title, and the regulatory guidance developed as a result of the rulemaking conducted pursuant to paragraph (2); and

“(B) procedures for disseminating such materials to implementing personnel of the FAA, designees, and applicants.

“(6)Certification management team defined.—In this section, the term ‘Certification Management Team’ means the team framework under which the FAA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation, and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil, manage the technical, policy, certification, manufacturing, export, and continued airworthiness issues common among the 4 authorities.

“(7)Deadline.—The Administrator shall finalize the actions initiated under paragraph (2) not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this title.

“(c)International Leadership.—The Administrator shall exercise leadership within the ICAO and among other civil aviation regulators representing states of aircraft design to advocate for the adoption of an amended changed product rule on a global basis, consistent with ICAO standards.”

[For definitions of terms used in section 117 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Expert Safety Review

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 119(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2339, provided that:

“(1)In general.—Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall initiate an expert safety review of assumptions relied upon by the Administration and manufacturers of transport category aircraft in the design and certification of such aircraft.

“(2)Contents.—The expert safety review required under paragraph (1) shall include—

“(A) a review of Administration regulations, guidance, and directives related to pilot response assumptions relied upon by the FAA and manufacturers of transport category aircraft in the design and certification of such aircraft, and human factors and human system integration, particularly those related to pilot and aircraft interfaces;

“(B) a focused review of the assumptions relied on regarding the time for pilot responses to non-normal conditions in designing such aircraft’s systems and instrumentation, including responses to safety-significant failure conditions and failure scenarios that trigger multiple, and possibly conflicting, warnings and alerts;

“(C) a review of human factors assumptions with applicable operational data, human factors research and the input of human factors experts and FAA operational data, and as appropriate, recommendations for modifications to existing assumptions;

“(D) a review of revisions made to the airman certification standards for certificates over the last 4 years, including any possible effects on pilot competency in basic manual flying skills;

“(E) consideration of the global nature of the aviation marketplace, varying levels of pilot competency, and differences in pilot training programs worldwide;

“(F) a process for aviation stakeholders, including pilots, airlines, inspectors, engineers, test pilots, human factors experts, and other aviation safety experts, to provide and discuss any observations, feedback, and best practices;

“(G) a review of processes currently in place to ensure that when carrying out the certification of a new aircraft type, or an amended type, the cumulative effects that new technologies, and the interaction between new technologies and unchanged systems for an amended type certificate, may have on pilot interactions with aircraft systems are properly assessed through system safety assessments or otherwise; and

“(H) a review of processes currently in place to account for any necessary adjustments to system safety assessments, pilot procedures and training requirements, or design requirements when there are changes to the assumptions relied upon by the Administration and manufacturers of transport category aircraft in the design and certification of such aircraft.

“(3)Report and recommendations.—Not later than 30 days after the conclusion of the expert safety review pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction a report on the results of the review, including any recommendations for actions or best practices to ensure the FAA and the manufacturers of transport category aircraft have accounted for pilot response assumptions to be relied upon in the design and certification of transport category aircraft and tools or methods identified to better integrate human factors throughout the process for such certification.

“(4)International engagement.—The Administrator shall notify other international regulators that certify transport category aircraft type designs of the expert panel report and encourage them to review the report and evaluate their regulations and processes in light of the recommendations included in the report.

“(5)Termination.—The expert safety review shall end upon submission of the report required pursuant to paragraph (3).

“(6)Regulations.—The Administrator shall issue or update such regulations as are necessary to implement the recommendations of the expert safety review that the Administrator determines are necessary to improve aviation safety.”

[For definitions of terms used in section 119(c) of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Human Factors Research

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 126, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2347, provided that:

“(a)Human Factors.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator, in consultation with aircraft manufacturers, operators, and pilots, and in coordination with the head of such other Federal agency that the Administrator determines appropriate, shall develop research requirements to address the integration of human factors in the design and certification of aircraft that are intended for use in air transportation.

“(span)Requirements.—In developing such research requirements, the Administrator shall—

“(1) establish goals for research in areas of study relevant to advancing technology, improving design engineering and certification practices, and facilitating better understanding of human factors concepts in the context of the growing development and reliance on automated or complex flight deck systems in aircraft operations, including the development of tools to validate pilot recognition and response assumptions and diagnostic tools to improve the clarity of failure indications presented to pilots;

“(2) take into consideration and leverage any existing or planned research that is conducted by, or conducted in partnership with, the FAA; and

“(3) focus on—

“(A) preventing a recurrence of the types of accidents that have involved transport category airplanes designed and manufactured in the United States; and

“(B) increasingly complex aircraft systems and designs.

“(c)Implementation.—In implementing the research requirements developed under this section, the Administrator shall work with appropriate organizations and authorities with expertise including, to the maximum extent practicable, the Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance and the Center of Excellence developed or expanded pursuant to section 127 [set out as a note under section 44513 of this title].

“(d)Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2023, out of funds made available under section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, to carry out this section.”

[For definitions of terms used in section 126 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Pilot Operational Evaluations

Puspan. L. 116–260, div. V, title I, § 128, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2349, provided that:

“(a)Pilot Operational Evaluations.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title [Dec. 27, 2020], the Administrator shall revise existing policies for manufacturers of transport airplanes to ensure that pilot operational evaluations for airplane types that are submitted for certification utilize pilots from air carriers that are expected to operate such airplanes.

“(span)Requirement.—Such manufacturer shall ensure, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, that the air carrier and foreign air carrier pilots used for such evaluations include pilots of varying levels of experience.”

[For definitions of terms used in section 128 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 137 of div. V of Puspan. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 40101 of this title.]

Securing Aircraft Avionics Systems

Puspan. L. 115–254, div. B, title V, § 506, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3354, as amended by Puspan. L. 118–63, title III, § 394, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1145, provided that:

“(a)In General.—The Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall revise, as appropriate, existing Federal Aviation Administration regulations regarding airworthiness certification—

“(1) to address cybersecurity for avionics systems, including software components;

“(2) to require that aircraft avionics systems used for flight guidance or aircraft control be secured against unauthorized access via passenger in-flight entertainment systems through such means as the Administrator determines appropriate to protect the avionics systems from unauthorized external and internal access; and

“(3) to establish a process and timeline by which software-based systems and equipment, including aircraft flight critical systems of aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, can be regularly screened to attempt to determine whether the software-based systems and equipment have been compromised by unauthorized external or internal access.

“(span)Consideration.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider the recommendations of the Aircraft Systems Information Security Protection Working Group under section 2111 of the FAA Extension Safety and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–190; 130 Stat. 615 [625]) [49 U.S.C. 44903 note].”

Small Airplane Revitalization

Puspan. L. 113–53, Nov. 27, 2013, 127 Stat. 584, provided that:

“SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013’.

“SEC. 2. FINDINGS.“Congress makes the following findings:

“(1) A healthy small aircraft industry is integral to economic growth and to maintaining an effective transportation infrastructure for communities and countries around the world.

“(2) Small airplanes comprise nearly 90 percent of general aviation aircraft certified by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“(3) General aviation provides for the cultivation of a workforce of engineers, manufacturing and maintenance professionals, and pilots who secure the economic success and defense of the United States.

“(4) General aviation contributes to well-paying jobs in the manufacturing and technology sectors in the United States and products produced by those sectors are exported in great numbers.

“(5) Technology developed and proven in general aviation aids in the success and safety of all sectors of aviation and scientific competence.

“(6) The average small airplane in the United States is now 40 years old and the regulatory barriers to bringing new designs to the market are resulting in a lack of innovation and investment in small airplane design.

“(7) Since 2003, the United States lost 10,000 active private pilots per year on average, partially due to a lack of cost-effective, new small airplanes.

“(8) General aviation safety can be improved by modernizing and revamping the regulations relating to small airplanes to clear the path for technology adoption and cost-effective means to retrofit the existing fleet with new safety technologies.

“SEC. 3. SAFETY AND REGULATORY IMPROVEMENTS FOR GENERAL AVIATION.

“(a)In General.—Not later than December 15, 2015, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall issue a final rule—

“(1) to advance the safety and continued development of small airplanes by reorganizing the certification requirements for such airplanes under part 23 to streamline the approval of safety advancements; and

“(2) that meets the objectives described in subsection (span).

“(span)Objectives Described.—The objectives described in this subsection are based on the recommendations of the Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee:

“(1) The establishment of a regulatory regime for small airplanes that will improve safety and reduce the regulatory cost burden for the Federal Aviation Administration and the aviation industry.

“(2) The establishment of broad, outcome-driven safety objectives that will spur innovation and technology adoption.

“(3) The replacement of current, prescriptive requirements under part 23 with performance-based regulations.

“(4) The use of consensus standards accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration to clarify how the safety objectives of part 23 may be met using specific designs and technologies.

“(c)Consensus-Based Standards.—In prescribing regulations under this section, the Administrator shall use consensus standards, as described in section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1996 [1995] (15 U.S.C. 272 note), to the extent practicable while continuing traditional methods for meeting part 23.

“(d)Safety Cooperation.—The Administrator shall lead the effort to improve general aviation safety by working with leading aviation regulators to assist them in adopting a complementary regulatory approach for small airplanes.

“(e)Definitions.—In this section:

“(1)Consensus standards.—

“(A)In general.—The term ‘consensus standards’ means standards developed by an organization described in subparagraph (B) that may include provisions requiring that owners of relevant intellectual property have agreed to make that intellectual property available on a nondiscriminatory, royalty-free, or reasonable royalty basis to all interested persons.

“(B)Organizations described.—An organization described in this subparagraph is a domestic or international organization that—

“(i) plans, develops, establishes, or coordinates, through a process based on consensus and using agreed-upon procedures, voluntary standards; and

“(ii) operates in a transparent manner, considers a balanced set of interests with respect to such standards, and provides for due process and an appeals process with respect to such standards.

“(2)Part 23.—The term ‘part 23’ means part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.

“(3)Part 23 reorganization aviation rulemaking committee.—The term ‘Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee’ means the aviation rulemaking committee established by the Federal Aviation Administration in August 2011 to consider the reorganization of the regulations under part 23.

“(4)Small airplane.—The term ‘small airplane’ means an airplane which is certified to part 23 standards.”

Applicability

Puspan. L. 112–95, title III, § 303(span), Fespan. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 57, provided that: “Before January 1, 2013, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may continue to issue certificates under section 44704(e) of title 49, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [Fespan. 14, 2012].”

Aircraft Certification Process Review and Reform

Puspan. L. 112–95, title III, § 312, Fespan. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 66, provided that:

“(a)In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in consultation with representatives of the aviation industry, shall conduct an assessment of the certification and approval process under section 44704 of title 49, United States Code.

“(span)Contents.—In conducting the assessment, the Administrator shall consider—

“(1) the expected number of applications for product certifications and approvals the Administrator will receive under section 44704 of such title in the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods following the date of enactment of this Act [Fespan. 14, 2012];

“(2) process reforms and improvements necessary to allow the Administrator to review and approve the applications in a fair and timely fashion;

“(3) the status of recommendations made in previous reports on the Administration’s certification process;

“(4) methods for enhancing the effective use of delegation systems, including organizational designation authorization;

“(5) methods for training the Administration’s field office employees in the safety management system and auditing; and

“(6) the status of updating airworthiness requirements, including implementing recommendations in the Administration’s report entitled ‘Part 23—Small Airplane Certification Process Study’ (OK–09–3468, dated July 2009).

“(c)Recommendations.—In conducting the assessment, the Administrator shall make recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce costs through streamlining and reengineering the certification process under section 44704 of such title to ensure that the Administrator can conduct certifications and approvals under such section in a manner that supports and enables the development of new products and technologies and the global competitiveness of the United States aviation industry.

“(d)Report to Congress.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Fespan. 14, 2012], the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the assessment, together with an explanation of how the Administrator will implement recommendations made under subsection (c) and measure the effectiveness of the recommendations.

“(e)Implementation of Recommendations.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Fespan. 14, 2012], the Administrator shall begin to implement the recommendations made under subsection (c).”

Historical Aircraft Documents

Puspan. L. 112–95, title VIII, § 816, Fespan. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 126, provided that:

“(a)Preservation of Documents.—

“(1)In general.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall take such actions as the Administrator determines necessary to preserve original aircraft type certificate engineering and technical data in the possession of the Federal Aviation Administration related to—

“(A) approved aircraft type certificate numbers ATC 1 through ATC 713; and

“(B) Group-2 approved aircraft type certificate numbers 2–1 through 2–544.

“(2)Revision of order.—Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Fespan. 14, 2012], the Administrator shall revise FAA Order 1350.15C, Item Number 8110. Such revision shall prohibit the destruction of the historical aircraft documents identified in paragraph (1).

“(3)Consultation.—The Administrator may carry out paragraph (1) in consultation with the Archivist of the United States and the Administrator of General Services.

“(span)Availability of Documents.—

“(1)Freedom of information act requests.—The Administrator shall make the documents to be preserved under subsection (a)(1) available to a person—

“(A) upon receipt of a request made by the person pursuant to section 552 of title 5, United States Code; and

“(B) subject to a prohibition on use of the documents for commercial purposes.

“(2)Trade secrets, commercial, and financial information.—Section 552(span)(4) of such title shall not apply to requests for documents to be made available pursuant to paragraph (1).

“(c)Holder of Type Certificate.—

“(1)Rights of holder.—Nothing in this section shall affect the rights of a holder or owner of a type certificate identified in subsection (a)(1), nor require the holder or owner to provide, surrender, or preserve any original or duplicate engineering or technical data to or for the Federal Aviation Administration, a person, or the public.

“(2)Liability.—There shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action of any nature shall arise against, a holder of a type certificate, its authorized representative, its agents, or its employees, or any firm, person, corporation, or insurer related to the type certificate data and documents identified in subsection (a)(1).

“(3)Airworthiness.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the holder of a type certificate identified in subsection (a)(1) shall only be responsible for Federal Aviation Administration regulation requirements related to type certificate data and documents identified in subsection (a)(1) for aircraft having a standard airworthiness certificate issued prior to the date the documents are released to a person by the Federal Aviation Administration under subsection (span)(1).”

Plan for Development and Oversight of System for Certification of Design Organizations

Puspan. L. 108–176, title II, § 227(span)(1), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2531, provided that, not later than 4 years after Dec. 12, 2003, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration was to transmit to Congress a plan for the development and oversight of a certification system of design organizations to ensure compliance with the requirements and minimum standards of section 44701(a) of this title.