Who issues the type certificate of an aircraft?

The type certificate of an aircraft is issued by the national CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). This process is vital as it certifies that an aircraft model meets specific safety and design standards set forth by the aviation regulatory body in a given country. The type certificate indicates that the aircraft design is approved for flight operations and complies with regulatory requirements.

National CAAs are the authoritative bodies responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation within their respective jurisdictions. They evaluate aircraft designs through a comprehensive review process, ensuring that the aircraft meets all safety, performance, and quality requirements before it can be manufactured and operated.

While organizations like JAR-145, which pertains to maintenance organizations, and JAR-21, which covers airworthiness and environmental certification, play important roles in the broader regulatory framework, they do not issue type certificates themselves. The FAR, or Federal Aviation Regulations, refers to the regulations within the United States but does not issue type certificates directly; rather, it outlines the rules that the FAA, the national CAA in the USA, follows to issue such certifications. Therefore, the national CAA’s role in issuing type certificates is key, making it the correct answer to the question.