Understanding the FAA Aircraft Certification Process
I.D. # C0821 Duration 2 Days
The task of certifying an aircraft or part can be overwhelming given the lengthy process and the many steps that are required. Understanding the process can greatly enhance the outcome and reduce unnecessary delays or frustrations. This course will provide an overview of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) organizational structure, its policies, guidelines and requirements leading to Type and Supplemental Type airworthiness approvals. It will also cover the rule-making process and rules applicable to aircraft parts and products. The course will define the roles and responsibilities of the Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO), Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), and the Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG). Type and Supplemental Type Certification (TC and STC) processes, and Change Product Rule for alterations and modifications to previously type certified aircraft will be discussed. FAA rule-making process will be examined including review of FAA Orders, Notices, Advisory Circulars and other guidance material.
Learning Objectives
By attending this seminar, you will be able to:
  • Manage certification programs more efficiently, schedule the required milestones accordingly, and identify problems and address them promptly
  • Describe the principles of Type Certification and Supplemental Type Certification requirements and process
  • Converse intelligently and enter negotiations with others involved in FAA certification programs
  • Describe the FAA system, FAA orders, Advisory Circulars, FAA rule making process
  • Define what exemptions and special conditions are and how to obtain them
  • Identify the difference between airworthiness standard and operational rules
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for engineering and certification managers, design engineers, airworthiness and certification engineers, quality assurance inspectors and engineers, program managers, consultants, Federal Aviation Administration designated engineering and airworthiness representatives (DER and DAR) and other technical administrative personnel involved in FAA certification activities. The course will help newcomers to aircraft certification as well as experienced attendees better understand the certification process and be able to present and negotiate certification matters with the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Certification Office.
Seminar Content
DAY ONE
  • FAA History, Organization and Hierarchy
    • FAA certification "lingo"
    • FAA system organizational chart and hierarchy
    • How regulations are developed
  • FAA Roles and Responsibilities
    • Aircraft Certification Office
    • Manufacturing Inspection District Office
    • Flight Standard District Office
    • Aircraft Evaluation Group
  • Issue Papers - What They Are and How They Are Used
    • Exemptions
    • Special conditions
    • Equivalent level of safety
  • Certification Basis
  • Change Product Rule
DAY TWO
  • Type Certificate Data Sheet - The "Birth Certificate" of an Airplane
  • Documents and How to Develop Them
    • Airplane Flight Manual Supplements
    • Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
    • Type Inspection Authorization
    • Request For Conformity
    • Certification Plan
    • Conformity Plans
  • FAA Advisory Materials
  • Support Documents
    • Parts Manufacturing Authorization
    • Technical Standard Order
    • Field approvals
    • FAA Form 337 approvals
    • 8110-3 approvals
  • Type and Supplemental Type Certification Process
    • Certification Plans and FAA coordination
    • Data generation and approvals
    • Conformity inspections
    • Testing
    • Approvals
Instructor(s): Ken Farsi

Mr. Farsi is currently the VP of Engineering and ODA Administrator for Dassault Aircraft Services in Wilmington, DE, where his responsibilities include oversight of engineering groups and practices at all Dassault Aircraft Services locations. He has over 27 years experience in aircraft certification and operations and has worked for aircraft manufacturers, airlines and modification centers conducting certification work on small and large transport category aircraft. He is an FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) with Interior Arrangement and Compliance Inspection, as well as Aircraft Loading Document approval authority on Part 23 and 25 aircraft.

Mr. Farsi has taught aircraft certification and Federal Aviation Regulations as an Adjunct Instructor at Northrop-Rice Aviation Institute of Technology in Los Angeles, and Aircraft Systems at San Mateo Community College in San Mateo, California. He has participated in and managed FAA certification programs for major U.S., European, Chinese, and Australian airlines as a consultant. He is a life time member of Tau Alpha Pi, the honor society for Engineering Technologies.

Along with a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Technology from Northrop University, Mr. Farsi has participated in graduate studies in Aerospace and Aviation Operations and Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds FAA Airframe and Powerplant as well as Private Pilot Certificates.

Fees: $1285 SAE Members*: $1025 - $1155
* The appropriate SAE Member discount will be applied through the Registration process.  Discounts vary according to level of membership: Elite Member 20%; Premium Member 15%; Classic Member 10%
CEU 1.3