Authorized Release Certificate

Section 05: Delegation & Roles

Definition

A document issued by an authorized person or organization that certifies a part, component, or appliance has been manufactured, inspected, and/or tested in accordance with approved design data and is in a condition for safe operation or installation. The specific form depends on the jurisdiction: FAA Form 8130-3 (Authorized Release Certificate / Airworthiness Approval Tag), EASA Form 1 (Authorized Release Certificate), or TCCA equivalent documentation. The authorized release certificate attests to conformity with design data and condition for safe operation, but it is not an approval of the design itself.

Where This Shows Up

Authorized release certificates are essential to the parts traceability chain. They provide the receiving organization — whether an operator, maintenance shop, or another manufacturer — with assurance that the part meets its design specification. The distinction between an authorized release (attestation of conformity and condition) and an engineering approval (determination that the design meets airworthiness requirements) is critical: they serve different functions in the certification system.

Primary Sources

FAA Order 8130.21 — Procedures for Completion and Use of FAA Form 8130-3FAA

FAA guidance on the proper completion, use, and acceptance of the Authorized Release Certificate / Airworthiness Approval Tag.

Part 21.A.163 — EASA Form 1EASA

EASA regulation governing the issuance of authorized release certificates by approved production and maintenance organisations.

Artifacts Produced

FAA Form 8130-3FAA

The FAA's Authorized Release Certificate / Airworthiness Approval Tag, used to document the airworthiness status of parts and appliances.

EASA Form 1EASA

EASA's Authorized Release Certificate issued by POA or Part 145 approved maintenance organisations.

Across Jurisdictions

FAA (United States)— FAA Form 8130-3

Used for both domestic release and export airworthiness approval. May be issued by PAH quality representatives, DAR-F, or FAA inspectors.

EASA (Europe)— EASA Form 1

Issued by POA holders (for new production) or Part 145 organisations (for maintenance release). Serves as the authorized release certificate within the EASA system.

EASA Form 1 is issued by the organisation, not by an individually designated representative.

TCCA (Canada)

TCCA accepts authorized release certificates from approved organisations. Canadian domestic release documentation follows TCCA-specific procedures, and TCCA participates in bilateral agreements recognizing FAA and EASA release documents.

Related Terms

Engineering ApprovalConformity Statement / Conformity InspectionProduction Organisation Approval (POA)Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR)

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