As part of the national effort to improve aviation safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chartered the National Research Council to examine and recommend improvements in the aircraft certification process currently used by the FAA, manufacturers, and operators.

Among its responsibilities for aviation safety, the FAA issues thousands of certificates and approvals annually. These certificates and approvals, which FAA bases on its interpretation of federal standards, indicate that such things as new aircraft, the design and production of aircraft parts and equipment, and new air operators are safe for use in the national airspace system. FAA's interpretations may produce variation in its decisions and inefficiencies that adversely affect the industry. This report examined the: (1) extent of variation in FAA's interpretation of standards for certification and approval decisions; and (2) views of key stakeholders and experts on how well these processes work. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

Airworthiness: An Introduction to Aircraft Certification, Second Edition, offers a practical guide to the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The discussions include the concepts of flight safety and airworthiness; the ICAO and civil aviation authorities; airworthiness requirements; type certifications and the type-certification process; production of products, parts, and appliances; certifications of airworthiness; and rules for "spaceworthiness. The book will be a valuable resource for certification engineers engaged in professional training and practical work in regulatory agencies and aircraft engineering companies. - The only airworthiness guide available—a unique single reference covering the requirements of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation), FAA (the US Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) - Demystifies the relevant European and US regulations and helps anyone involved in the manufacture, flying and maintenance of aircraft to understand this complex yet essential topic