U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Application for U.S. Airworthiness Date: AC No: 21-12D Certificate Initiated By: AIR-632 This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and information needed to prepare and submit an application for a U.S. airworthiness certificate by either using the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) online application tool for airworthiness certification, or FAA Form 8130-6, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, paper form.
If you have suggestions for improving this AC, you may use the Advisory Circular Feedback Form at the end of this AC.
Daniel J. Elgas Director, Policy and Standards Division Aircraft Certification Service
AC 21–12D Table of Contents P aragraph Page
CHAPTER 1. General Information1-1
CHAPTER 2. Airworthiness Certification Process2-1
CHAPTER 3. Section I, Aircraft Description3-1
CHAPTER 4. Section II, Certification Requested4-1
CHAPTER 5. Section III, Owner’s Certification, Item A, Registered Owner5-1
CHAPTER 6. Section III, Owner’s Certification, Item B, Aircraft Certification Basis6-1
CHAPTER 7. Section III, Item C, Aircraft Maintenance Records7-1
CHAPTER 8. Section III, Item D, Certification8-1
CHAPTER 9. Section IV, Inspection Agency Verification9-1
CHAPTER 10. Section VI, Production Flight
Testing10-1
CHAPTER 11. Section VII, Special Flight Permit Purposes Other Than Production
Flight Test11-1
CHAPTER 12. AWC Project Documentation12-1
APPENDIX A. Related MaterialA-1
APPENDIX B. AcronymsB-1
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AC 21–12D Number Page Figures
Figure 1. Application Consent Statement12-2
Figure A-1. Sample FAA Form 8130-6 (Front)A-3
Figure A-2. Sample FAA Form 8130-6 (Back)A-4
Tables
Table 1. Sections to complete on Form 8130-62-2
Table 2. Standard Airworthiness References4-2
Table 3. Primary Category References4-3
Table 4. Restricted Category Operations4-4
Table 5. Restricted Category References4-5
Table 6. Experimental Purpose References4-6
Table 7. Special Flight Permit References4-7
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AC 21–12D CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Purpose. This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and information needed to apply for an application to obtain an original or recurrent airworthiness certificate, or to amend a current certificate. This application is not required for the issuance of a replacement airworthiness certificate. For replacement airworthiness certificates, contact your local FAA office of guidance.
1.2 Applicability.
1.2.1 The guidance provided in this AC is for any registered owner of a U.S.-registered aircraft (or the agent of the owner) who is applying for an airworthiness certificate (refer to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.173). The instructions in this AC denote actions that the applicants should take.
1.2.2 This is a guidance document. Its content is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied upon by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with the guidance document is voluntary only. Nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.
1.2.3 The FAA will consider other means of demonstrating compliance that an applicant may elect to present. Terms such as “should,” “may,” and “must” are used only in the sense of ensuring the applicability of this particular method of compliance when the acceptable method of compliance in this document is used. If the FAA becomes aware of circumstances in which following this AC would not result in compliance with the applicable regulations, the FAA may require additional substantiation or design changes as a basis for finding compliance.
1.2.4 This material does not change or create any additional regulatory requirements or authorize changes in or permit deviations from existing regulatory requirements.
1.3 Effective Date. This AC is effective January 30, 2026 with the following exceptions:
• Title 14 CFR 21.191(j), Operating former military aircraft, is effective July 24, 2026.
• Effective July 24, 2026, to be eligible for a light-sport category aircraft special airworthiness certificate under 14 CFR 21.190, Issue of a special airworthiness certificate for a light-sport category aircraft, an aircraft must meet the requirements under 14 CFR 22.100, Eligibility.
1.4 Explanation of Changes.This revision:
• Updates this AC to the latest format.
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AC 21-12D
• Adds guidance on the use of the Aviation Safety Knowledge Management Environment-Airworthiness Certification (AWC) online tool and instructions to complete the FAA Form 8130-6.
• Incorporates the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification final rule (90 FR 35034, July 24, 2025).
• Adds Certified Foreign Inspection Agency information to the application, if applicable.
• Adds verification requirement for applicability under 14 CFR 21.183(d), if applicable.
• Removes the requirement for an Inspection Agency Verification signature on the application for an aircraft under 14 CFR 21.183(d).
• Provides guidelines for electronic signatures when using AWC.
• Addresses administrative inaccuracies.
1.5 Cancellation.
This AC cancels AC 21-12C, Application for U.S. Airworthiness Certificate, FAA Form 8130-6, dated September 7, 2012.
1.6 Related Material.See appendix A for related 14 CFR Parts, FAA publications, and FAA forms.
1.6.2 See appendix B for a list of applicable acronyms used in this AC.
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AC 21-12D CHAPTER 2. AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATION PROCESS
2.1 Where You Can Access AWC or FAA Form 8130-6. Information concerning application for an airworthiness certificate, using either AWC or FAA Form 8130-6, is located on the FAA Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft website or by contacting your local FAA office. You should use the latest form version. The FAA will not accept superseded form versions. The FAA encourages applicants to use the preferred AWC method to submit an application.
2.2 How to Enter Information in AWC or on FAA Form 8130-6. Before starting, you may want to familiarize yourself with this AC, the AWC Applicant Registration Guide and Application Process Overview, hereafter referred to as “AWC User Guide,” and FAA Form 8130-6, both located on the FAA Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft website. First time AWC users should register for an AWC account. You should contact your local FAA office if you have questions related to completing the application.
2.2.2 All entries must be completed in the English language.
2.2.3 Do not make entries in areas identified for FAA use only.
2.2.4 A comprehensive knowledge center of regulatory and guidance material, which may be useful when applying for an airworthiness certificate, may be found at the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS). It contains information such as Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDSs), among other useful information.
2.3 Who Can Complete and Submit the Application. The registered owner, or authorized agent of the registered owner, may complete and submit an application. An authorized agent is someone designated by the registered owner to act on their behalf. For someone to act as an authorized agent, the FAA will accept a notarized letter of authorization signed by the registered owner. This notarized letter should be included with the application or uploaded in AWC.
2.4 The FAA Advises Using AWC. The AWC online tool enhances the processing of an airworthiness application by eliminating the need to mail or physical deliver, track, and process the paper application, FAA Form 8130-6. When an applicant uses AWC, a series of questions and data fields relative to the type of airworthiness certificate requested guide the applicant through the process. Once completed, the resulting AWC document will be in the format of FAA Form 8130-6. Once submitted, AWC will securely transmit the completed application and related documents to the selected FAA office for processing.
Note 1: AWC provides the means of creating, submitting, and reviewing the status of an application. To make corrections to an AWC submitted application, contact your local FAA office for assistance. The completed, signed certificates are NOT available to 2-1
AC 21-12D the applicant within AWC. Certificates are obtained from the respective FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI), designee, or Organization Designation Authorization (ODA).
Note 2: Before proceeding with the application, check the “Announcements” section on the AWC dashboard for additional information.How To Complete and Submit an Application Using AWC.
In conjunction with the AWC User Guide and this AC, proceed through AWC providing the applicable information. Each section of the application is explained in this AC.
2.6 Sections to Complete on FAA Form 8130-6.
FAA Form 8130-6 contains eight sections. Sections V and VIII are reserved for FAA or designee use only. The registered owner or authorized agent of the registered owner completes the other sections (see Table 1, Sections to complete on Form 8130-6) and then submits the application to the FAA.
Table 1. Sections to complete on Form 8130-6 Application For… NOTE:
“R” means required “*” means not applicable Complete Sections
I II III IV VI VII Standard Airworthiness Certificate R R R * * * For Standard Airworthiness Certificate if any of the below apply:
R * * Used aircraft and surplus U.S. military aircraft (refer to 14 CFR
21.183(d), Used aircraft and surplus aircraft of the U.S. Armed Forces); or One manufactured, new aircraft based on a type certificate (TC) if you meet the following two conditions:
• If you are either the TC holder nor have a licensing agreement from the TC holder, and
• Evidence can be shown that the manufacture of the aircraft began before August 5, 2004 (refer to 14 CFR 21.183(h), New aircraft manufactured under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.6(b)).
* * Special airworthiness certificates except for special flight permits R R R * * * Special flight permits for the purpose of production flight testing, except if you are a light-sport category aircraft manufacturer * R * * R * Light-sport category aircraft manufacturers R R * * * * Special flight permits for purposes other than production flight testing * R * * * R Amendment to current valid airworthiness certificate R R R * * * 2-2
AC 21–12D CHAPTER 3. SECTION I, AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION Enter general information about the aircraft in this section of the application. Your information should include, as applicable, data from the aircraft identification (ID) plate, aircraft registration, TCDS, Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), aircraft specification sheet, or aircraft listing.
Hereafter in this AC, “aircraft registration” refers to the aircraft’s current registration or most recent renewal.
3.1 Registration Mark. Enter information about the aircraft’s nationality and registration marks. For U.S.-registered aircraft, enter the U.S. nationality designator letter “N” followed by the registration marks as shown on the aircraft registration certificate (refer to 14 CFR 45, subpart C, Nationality and Registration Marks).
Note: In AWC enter at least the first three characters of the aircraft registration mark.
The system will display a list of N-Numbers starting with the characters entered. Locate and select your registration N-Number. The following aircraft and engine, if applicable, information is auto-populated: Aircraft Manufacturer or Builder’s Name, Aircraft Model Designation, Year of Manufacture, Aircraft Serial No., Engine Manufacturer or Builder’s Name, Engine Model Designation and Number of Engines. If the registration number auto-populates and any of the aircraft and engine data is missing or incorrect, use the edit button next to data field to make corrections. If AWC does not recognize the registration number, contact your local FAA office for assistance.
3.2 Aircraft Manufacturer or Builder’s Name. Enter the name of the manufacturer or builder. The following paragraphs provide additional guidance (refer to 14 CFR 45.13(a)(1)).
3.2.1 For standard and special airworthiness (primary, limited, provisional, and restricted categories) certificates, the manufacturer’s or builder’s name as it appears on the aircraft’s ID plate, or supplemental data plate if applicable, should be used to complete the data field.
3.2.2 For special airworthiness certificates in the light-sport category, the builder’s name, as identified on the aircraft’s ID plate and on FAA Form 8130-15, Manufacturer’s Statement of Compliance for a Light-Sport Category Aircraft/Kit, should be used to complete the data field.
3.2.3 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of operating amateur-built aircraft and operating primary kit-built aircraft, the builder’s name is the person who fabricated (applicable to amateur-built aircraft) or assembled the aircraft.
When two or more persons are involved in building the aircraft, enter only the person’s name that is listed first on the aircraft’s ID plate.
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AC 21–12D
3.2.4 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of operating former light-sport category aircraft (§ 21.191(l)), the builder’s name is the manufacturer identified on the aircraft’s ID plate and on FAA Form 8130-15.
3.2.5 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of research and development, exhibition, air racing, crew training, market survey, showing compliance with regulations, and operating former military aircraft, each applicant for an airworthiness certificate must show that the aircraft is identified as prescribed in § 45.11. The builder’s name may be found on the aircraft’s ID plate. For other aircraft, enter “N/A.”
3.3 Aircraft Model Designation.Information about the aircraft model designation should be entered in this data field. Entering trade names is not acceptable. Refer to the additional information provided below.
3.3.1 For standard and special airworthiness (primary, limited, provisional, or restricted category) certificates, the aircraft’s model designation on the aircraft’s ID plate should be used to complete the data field. For surplus U.S. military aircraft, both the civil model designation and the military model designation should be used. For example, “B200C (C-12F)” has both the civil and military model designations. However, if a U.S. military aircraft receives a TC, the military model designation becomes the civil one and should be used to complete the data field (refer to 14 CFR 21.27, Issue of type certificate: surplus aircraft of the Armed Forces). For U.S. military aircraft typecertificated under the restricted category, you should use only the military designation (refer to 14 CFR 21.25(a)(2)).
3.3.2 For special airworthiness certificates in the light-sport category, the aircraft’s model designation can be found on the aircraft’s FAA Form 8130-15. Use the manufacturer’s designation as identified on the aircraft’s ID plate and on FAA Form 8130-15 to complete this data field.
3.3.3 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of operating amateur-built or operating primary kit-built aircraft, the aircraft model’s designation can be an arbitrary designation. The designation can be given by the builder. If the aircraft was purchased as a kit, the model designation may be assigned by the kit manufacturer.
To complete this data field, enter the builder’s designation or, if a manufacturer’s kit, the assigned kit designation. The model designation should match the aircraft’s ID plate.
3.3.4 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of operating lightsport category kit-built aircraft (§ 21.191(k)), the aircraft’s model designation is identified on the aircraft’s ID plate and on FAA Form 8130-15. Manufacturers producing light-sport category aircraft kits for assembly provide a statement of compliance as evidence that the design and fabrication meet applicable consensus standards.
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AC 21–12D
3.3.5 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of research and development, exhibition, air racing, crew training, market survey, and to show compliance with regulations or a special flight permit, the aircraft’s model designation is found on the aircraft’s ID plate.
3.4 Year of Manufacture (Yr. Mfr.).
In this data field, enter the year the aircraft was manufactured using a four-digit format (for example, “2025”). In general, the date of manufacture is the date an aircraft receives its original airworthiness certificate. However, there may be other circumstances that modify this date. Where an earlier date is required by an applicable regulation, the earlier date would control. It is only when there is no defined date required that the FAA suggests that something that is easily determined and recorded be used, such as the date the original airworthiness certificate is issued. Where two or more regulations apply, each with their own date of manufacture, the FAA recommends using the earliest date required as compliance for all of the regulations under which a date of manufacture is specified. For aircraft eligible for special airworthiness certificates in the light-sport category or experimental light-sport category kit-built aircraft, the year of manufacture is found on the aircraft’s FAA Form 8130-15.
3.5 Aircraft Serial No. (Number).
3.5.1 For standard or special airworthiness certificates (primary, limited, provisional, and restricted categories), enter the manufacturer’s or builder’s serial number as it appears on the aircraft’s ID plate. For U.S. military aircraft, use the manufacturer’s civil serial number. The military serial number should be placed in parentheses following the civil serial number. If no civil serial number exists, enter the military serial number.
3.5.2 For special airworthiness certificates in the light-sport category, the aircraft serial number is identified on the aircraft’s ID plate and on FAA Form 8130-15. The ID plate and the serial numbers must match.
3.5.3 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purpose of operating amateurbuilt aircraft, the serial number is given by the builder who fabricated and assembled the aircraft. To complete this data field, enter the designated serial number.
3.5.4 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of operating former light-sport category aircraft, the serial number is assigned by the manufacturer as identified on the aircraft’s ID plate and on FAA Form 8130-15. Use the serial number as identified on FAA Form 8130-15 to complete this data field.
3.5.5 For special airworthiness certificates for the experimental purposes of research and development, exhibition, air racing, crew training, market survey, and to show compliance with regulations or a special flight permit, the serial number is found on the aircraft’s ID plate. For the experimental purpose of operating former military aircraft use the manufacturer’s civil serial number. for aircraft with a military serial number, the 3-3
AC 21–12D serial number should be placed in parentheses following the civil serial number. If no civil serial number exists, enter the military serial number.
3.6 Engine Manufacturer or Builder’s Name.
Enter the aircraft engine manufacturer or builder’s name, if applicable. The engine information in this and other data fields on FAA Form 8130-6 refers to engines used for aircraft propulsion (refer to 14 CFR 1.1, General definitions).
3.6.1 For type-certificated engines, enter the manufacturer's or builder’s name from the engine ID plate, regardless of conformity to type design. If the ID plate is missing, use the marketplace name or any markings on the engine. Abbreviations may be used (for example, “P&W” or “G.E.”).
3.6.2 For non-type-certificated aircraft engines, enter the manufacturer or builder’s name as it is known in the marketplace or if marked on the engine to complete this data field (for example, Rotax). Abbreviations may be used.
3.6.3 When no aircraft engines are installed, as in the case of a glider or balloon, enter “N/A” to complete this data field.
3.7 Engine Model Designation. Enter the engine model’s designation.
3.7.1 For type-certificated engines, enter the model designation located on the engine ID plate whether or not the engine conforms to type design. If a type-certificated aircraft engine no longer has an ID plate, find and use the engine manufacturer’s model designation, part number, or serial number markings. Examples include “O-320-A1B,” “PT6A- 20A,” or “CFM56-3C1” (refer to 14 CFR 45.13(a)(2)).
3.7.2 For non-type-certificated engines, find and use the engine manufacturer’s model designation, part number, or serial number markings.
3.7.3 When no engines are installed, as in the case of a glider or balloon, enter “N/A.”
3.8 Number of Engines.
Enter the number (using digits) of aircraft engines installed on the aircraft, if applicable.
For example, an entry of “1” means that one aircraft engine is installed. For aircraft with no engines, enter “0.”
3.9 Propeller Manufacturer or Builder’s Name.
3.9.1 For type-certificated propellers, enter the name of the manufacturer or builder’s name as shown by propeller ID markings and whether the propeller conforms to type design. If a type-certificated propeller no longer has an ID plate, enter the manufacturer or builder’s name as it is known in the marketplace to complete this data field.
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AC 21–12D
3.9.2 F or non- type-certificated propellers, enter the manufacturer’s name as it is known in the marketplace to complete this data field.
3.9.3 Enter “N/A” if no propellers are installed.
3.10 Propeller Model Designation.
3.10.1 For type-certificated propellers, the manufacturer is required to mark the propeller with the model designation. Use this information to complete the data field whether or not the propeller conforms to type design. If a type-certificated propeller no longer has an ID plate, enter the model designation as it is known in the marketplace or use the propeller diameter and pitch when a model designation is not known.
3.10.2 For non-type-certificated propellers, enter the model designation as it is known in the marketplace or use the propeller diameter and pitch.
3.10.3 Enter “N/A” when no propellers are installed.
3.11 Aircraft Is Import.
Mark this box if a new or used type-certificated aircraft is received from the regulatory jurisdiction of a foreign civil aviation authority (CAA) and the following conditions are met:
3.11.1 New Aircraft.
3.11.1.1 The aircraft was manufactured in a foreign country with which the U.S.
has a bilateral agreement.
3.11.1.2 The aircraft has been issued a U.S. type certificate in accordance with the bilateral agreement between the State of Manufacture and the U.S.
Bilateral agreements can be found at the FAA International Aircraft Certification website. The State of Design certifies applicable aircraft noise, fuel venting, exhaust emissions, and fuel efficiency requirements of the State of Design and any other requirements the FAA may prescribe.
Manuals, placards, listings, and instrument markings required by applicable airworthiness and noise requirements, where applicable, are presented in the English language (refer to 14 CFR 21.29, Issue of type certificate: import products).
3.11.1.3 The State of Manufacture certifies the aircraft conforms to its type design and is in condition for safe operation (refer to 14 CFR 21.183(c)).
Note 1: An export certificate of airworthiness (“C of A”), or equivalent, is mandatory for the import of new standard classification aircraft, new primary category aircraft, and new restricted category aircraft per §§ 21.183(c), 21.184(b), and 21.185(c) respectively, and should 3-5