Issue Paper
Section 04: Certification Process Mechanics
Definition
A formal FAA document used during a certification project to identify, discuss, and resolve specific certification issues between the FAA and the applicant. Issue Papers document the FAA's position on matters such as special conditions, equivalent safety findings, means of compliance, and interpretive questions related to the certification basis. Each Issue Paper includes the issue description, FAA position, applicant response, and the agreed resolution. Issue Papers are the primary mechanism for formal regulatory dialogue in FAA certification projects.
Where This Shows Up
Issue Papers serve a similar function to EASA's Certification Review Items (CRIs). They create a documented record of the regulatory discussion and resolution for each significant certification issue. The number and complexity of Issue Papers on a certification project is a good indicator of the project's technical and regulatory challenges.
Primary Sources
FAA procedures for the development, processing, and resolution of Issue Papers.
Related Terms
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