Part 21 — Certification Procedures for Products and Parts

Section 13: Jurisdiction Mapping Sets

Definition

The regulatory framework that governs the certification of aircraft, engines, propellers, and articles (parts and appliances), including procedures for type certificates, supplemental type certificates, production approvals, airworthiness certificates, and export airworthiness approvals. Part 21 is the foundational regulation that defines how a product progresses from design approval to production and operational service.

Where This Shows Up

Part 21 exists in each major jurisdiction with substantially similar structure but important procedural and terminological differences. It defines the certification basis, the means of compliance, the application process, the design approval process, and the production approval process. Understanding the Part 21 equivalences across jurisdictions is essential for applicants seeking concurrent or validated certification in multiple jurisdictions. Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements (BASAs) and their Technical Implementation Procedures (TIPs) define how approvals are accepted between jurisdictions.

Primary Sources

14 CFR Part 21FAA

Certification Procedures for Products and Articles — the FAA regulation governing all aspects of product certification.

EASA Part 21 (Regulation (EU) No 748/2012)EASA

Certification of aircraft and related products, parts, and appliances, and of design and production organisations — the EASA implementing rule for certification.

TCCA CAR Part V (Airworthiness Manual Chapter 521)TCCA

Certification procedures for aeronautical products — the TCCA regulatory basis for product certification.

Across Jurisdictions

FAA (United States)14 CFR Part 21

14 CFR Part 21

Organized into Subparts A through Q covering type certificates, production approvals, airworthiness certificates, TSOs, PMAs, export, and import. Applications are made to the FAA Aircraft Certification Service through the responsible Aircraft Certification Office (ACO).

EASA (Europe)Part 21 (Regulation (EU) 748/2012, Annex I)

Regulation (EU) No 748/2012

Organized into Section A (Technical Requirements) and Section B (Procedures for Competent Authorities), with Subparts B through Q mirroring the FAA structure. Applications for major changes and type certificates are made to EASA directly; minor changes may be approved by the DOA.

EASA Part 21 integrates the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) and Production Organisation Approval (POA) frameworks, giving approved organisations defined privileges for self-certification of certain design and production activities.

TCCA (Canada)CAR Part V / Airworthiness Manual Chapter 521

CAR Part V, AWM Chapter 521

Covers type certificate, supplemental type certificate, and approval procedures. Applications are processed through TCCA regional offices. TCCA has adopted many FAA and EASA standards by reference under bilateral agreements.

TCCA's smaller fleet and certification volume means applicants often interact more directly with authority engineers. TCCA relies heavily on bilateral agreements with FAA and EASA for validation of foreign approvals.

Related Terms

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