With well over 200+ years of collective aviation experience working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as the industry, we offer numerous services to 14 CFR Part 121 Air Carriers, from initial manual preparations to all 5 phases of Air Carrier Certifications.

14 CFR Part 121 certification is a very intense and delicate process requiring multiple Subject Matter Experts (SME) to develop the required manuals and work closely with a team of FAA-assigned inspectors to address all the Data Collection Tool (DCT) requirements.

Here is an overview of the certification process for Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 air carriers:

Phase 1: Pre-application. This phase begins when an applicant submits a request to CEPO, either through the Safety Assurance Systems External Portal using region C4 and Office 410 or directly, for a formal application meeting. During this phase, the CEPO team briefs the CHDO on the certification process. 

Phase 2: Formal Application. A formal application meeting is tentatively scheduled after the FAA submits the formal application. Phase 2 ends when the applicant completes the formal application meeting, the certification project team (CPT) accepts the formal application package, and all Phase 2 Gate requirements are met.

Phase 3: Design Assessment. The FAA evaluates the design of your operating systems to ensure their compliance with regulations and safety standards, including the obligation to provide service at the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest. This Phase determines if your operational system design and Safety Risk Management process meet regulatory requirements. Phase 3 ends when all programs have been accepted or approved and all Phase 3 Gate requirements have been met.

Phase 4: Performance Assessment. The FAA observes and monitors many types of applicant activities to confirm that your operating systems are performing as intended and producing the desired results. This phase requires an aircraft operation to assess the applicant’s system design. Proving tests begin only after all Phase 4 Gate requirements are met. Phase 4 ends after the successful completion of the proving tests and all design and performance issues are addressed per the applicant’s SMS.

Phase 5: Administrative functions. The FAA issues an Air Carrier or Operating Certificate and Operations Specifications when the applicant has completed all requirements, phases, and gates of the certification process.