Compliance Finding (Finding of Compliance)
Section 04: Certification Process Mechanics
Definition
The formal determination by the certifying authority (or an authorized delegate such as a DER, ODA unit member, or DOA compliance verification engineer) that the applicant's type design meets a specific airworthiness requirement. A compliance finding is the outcome of the authority's evaluation of the applicant's compliance data (reports, test results, analyses). Each regulation in the certification basis requires a positive compliance finding before the certificate can be issued. The aggregate of all compliance findings constitutes the authority's basis for issuing the design approval.
Where This Shows Up
Compliance findings may be made at various levels: individual regulatory paragraphs, subsections, or entire sections. The sign-off process involves the authorized individual reviewing the compliance data, determining that it adequately demonstrates compliance, and recording the finding (typically by signing the compliance checklist or an equivalent tracking system).
Primary Sources
FAA basis for making findings of compliance during type certification.
FAA procedures for making and recording compliance findings.
Related Terms
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