Aviation is one of the most regulated industries in the world, and for good reason. Safety in the skies begins long before an aircraft takes flight—it starts on the drawing board, in the design process, and on the production line. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulation of Part 21 plays a critical role in ensuring that every aircraft and component meets the rigorous standards of airworthiness required for safe operation.
This regulation is the foundation of initial airworthiness, governing the design, production, and certification of aircraft, engines, propellers, parts and appliances. In this blog, we’ll dive into EASA Part 21, exploring its scope, the certification processes it defines, and its impact on manufacturers and development organizations.
What is EASA Part 21?
EASA Part 21 is the regulatory framework that outlines how aircraft and their components are designed, produced, and certified for airworthiness. It also provides clear guidelines for organizations involved in these processes, ensuring that every step meets stringent safety and quality standards. This regulation not only covers the production of aircraft but also extends to modifications, repairs, and continued airworthiness throughout an aircraft’s lifecycle.
The regulation is divided into several subparts, including rules for:
- Design Organisation Approvals (DOA): Certifying organizations responsible for the design of aircraft or components.
- Production Organisation Approvals (POA): Governing the production processes and quality assurance systems of manufacturers.
- Type Certificates: Establishing the baseline airworthiness requirements for a new type of aircraft or component.
By covering everything from initial design to production and modification, Part 21 ensures that safety is embedded at every stage.
The certification process: ensuring airworthiness
One of the key aspects of EASA Part 21 is its structured certification process, which includes the issuance of Type Certificates, Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), and Airworthiness Approvals. These certificates demonstrate that products, parts and appliances and any repairs or modifications to these meet all applicable airworthiness and environmental requirements.
- Type Certification
Before an aircraft, engine or propeller can be built and operated, it must undergo the Type Certification process. This involves rigorous testing, evaluation, and approval to ensure the design meets EASA’s airworthiness standards. The process requires collaboration between the manufacturer and EASA, with detailed documentation, prototype testing, and inspections. - Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs)
STCs are required when major modifications are made to an existing aircraft design, such as upgrading avionics or modifying cabin layouts. These ensure that the changes do not compromise the aircraft’s airworthiness or operational safety. - Production Organization Approval (POA)
Manufacturers must obtain a POA, which certifies that their production facilities, processes, and quality control systems meet EASA’s standards. This approval is essential for ensuring that every aircraft and component produced adheres to the certified design and meets safety requirements.
Why use ePARTS instead of EASA summaries?
While EASA provides access to summaries and static documents, relying solely on them can leave aviation professionals with outdated or incomplete information. Tools like ePARTS bridge this gap by offering an advanced, real-time solution for accessing and managing aviation regulations.
ePARTS provides several key advantages over EASA Easy Access Rules:
- Real-Time Updates: Unlike summaries, which may be delayed, ePARTS ensures that every regulatory change is instantly integrated into its platform, reducing the risk of relying on outdated information.
- Enhanced Searchability: ePARTS allows users to quickly find specific clauses, sections, or keywords without scrolling through long PDFs.
- Tracking changes. With one mouse click, ePARTS allows users to see what has changes in a new amendment or a range of amendments.
- Customization and Tools: The ability to bookmark, annotate, and personalize views makes ePARTS an indispensable tool for inspectors, auditors, and manufacturers.
- Integrated Workflows: ePARTS streamlines compliance processes, saving time and reducing errors.
For more details on these advantages, read our in-depth blog, “The Advantages of ePARTS Over EASA Summaries.”
How ePARTS simplifies Part 21 compliance
Navigating the complexities of EASA Part 21 can be challenging, but tools like ePARTS make it easier. By offering real-time updates, searchable databases, and tools for managing certification workflows, ePARTS empowers manufacturers and development organizations to stay compliant while focusing on innovation and efficiency.
Ready to streamline your compliance processes? Explore the ePARTS shop today and discover how our platform can help you navigate EASA Part 21 with confidence.
Conclusion
EASA Part 21 is more than just a regulation—it’s a blueprint for safety, innovation, and operational excellence in aviation. By defining the processes for design, production, and certification, it ensures that every aircraft and component meets the highest standards of airworthiness.
For manufacturers and organizations involved in product development, Part 21 is both a challenge and an opportunity. While compliance demands rigor and precision, it also lays the groundwork for creating safe, reliable, and innovative aviation solutions. With the right tools and a commitment to excellence, navigating Part 21 can become a streamlined part of the journey toward building the future of flight.