FAA ISSUES FINAL RULE ON TYPE CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR CHANGED PRODUCTS
Today, FAA announced that it was revising its regulations relating to the certification of changes to type-certificated products. The FAA previously amended these regulations on June 7, 2000 to enhance safety by applying the latest airworthiness standards for the certification of significant design changes of aircraft, aircraft engines, and propellers.
Currently, 49 CFR 21.101(a) requires an applicant to show that the “changed product” meets applicable airworthiness standards. Effective February 4, 2013, such applicants are required to show compliance only for the “change and areas affected by the change.” A similar amendment is being made to 49 CFR 21.97.
FAA is accepting comments on the final rule on or before January 3, 2013. Please contact our office for additional information or for assistance with the preparation or submission of comments.