Rotorcraft with up to 7,000 lbs MTOW and 9 or fewer passengers are certified in which FAR part?

The correct answer is rooted in the regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Part 27 specifically pertains to the airworthiness standards for normal category rotorcraft. This part governs the design, construction, and performance requirements for rotorcraft with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 7,000 lbs or less and typically accommodates 9 or fewer passengers.

Part 27 deals with the essential safety standards necessary for rotorcraft, ensuring that they are fit for flight and safe for their designated operations. This includes criteria related to structural integrity, powerplant reliability, and performance capabilities.

In contrast, other parts like 21 relate to certification procedures for products, while Part 29 addresses the airworthiness standards for transport category rotorcraft, which are typically larger and can carry more passengers. Part 41 deals with the rules regarding the registration and airworthiness of aircraft, irrelevant to the specific criteria of weight and capacity addressed by Part 27.