scope:

Purpose of This Order.

This order-

a. Clarifies airworthiness certification requirements for conducting flight testing under § 21.191(a) or (b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), to research and develop (R&D) conceptual design changes and/or to show compliance with airworthiness regulations for approval of a design change.

b. Focuses on three areas:

(1) Early communication with the applicant regarding R&D and/or show compliance requirements,

(2) Early Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determination of whether flight testing to show compliance with airworthiness regulations and issuance of a special airworthiness certificate is required, and

(3) The aviation safety inspector (ASI)'s or designee's role in reinstating the standard or restricted airworthiness certificate.