FAA Form 8130-3: Complete Guide to Airworthiness Approval Tag Requirements

Table of Contents#

1. What Is FAA Form 8130-3 (Airworthiness Approval Tag)?
2. Core Use Cases for FAA Form 8130-3
3. Mandatory Eligibility Requirements to Issue Form 8130-3
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Correctly Completing FAA Form 8130-3
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing 8130-3
6. Digital vs. Paper 8130-3: 2024 FAA Updates
7. FAQs About FAA Form 8130-3 Requirements

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What Is FAA Form 8130-3 (Airworthiness Approval Tag)?#

FAA Form 8130-3 is the official federal document that certifies a product (aircraft part, component, or full airframe) conforms to approved type design specifications and meets all applicable airworthiness standards under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Recognized by all ICAO member states, the tag confirms a product is safe for installation and operation on type-certificated aircraft at the time of issuance.

Unlike general maintenance sign-offs, the 8130-3 creates a permanent, traceable record of a product’s airworthiness status that follows it through its entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to removal from service.

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Core Use Cases for FAA Form 8130-3#

The form is required for the following scenarios:

1. Newly manufactured parts produced under Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) or Production Certificate (PC) for installation on type-certificated aircraft
2. Repaired or overhauled parts returned to service after work completed at a 14 CFR Part 145 repair station
3. Used parts removed from an aircraft being returned to commercial or general aviation service
4. Aircraft parts imported into the U.S. from foreign manufacturers
5. Full aircraft recertification after major modifications, airframe damage repair, or import/export
6. Parts exported to countries that accept FAA certification as a valid airworthiness standard

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Mandatory Eligibility Requirements to Issue Form 8130-3#

Only authorized individuals and entities may legally sign and issue a valid 8130-3, and the product being certified must meet strict safety criteria.

Issuer Eligibility#

You may only issue Form 8130-3 if you hold one of the following credentials:

• FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR-T for type certification, DAR-F for field certification)
• FAA Manufacturing Inspection Representative (MIR)
• Holder of a 14 CFR Part 21 Production Certificate, for parts you directly manufacture
• Holder of a 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Station Certificate, for work performed under your station’s rated capabilities
• FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI)
• Note: A&P mechanics without additional authorization may only sign 8130-3 forms for work they perform personally for installation on non-commercial general aviation aircraft, per 14 CFR Part 43.10.

Product Eligibility#

The product being certified must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Conforms to approved type design data (Type Certificate (TC), Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), or PMA data)
2. Has all applicable Airworthiness Directives (ADs) complied with, with full documentation of compliance
3. Has no unaddressed defects that would impact safe operation
4. For repaired/overhauled parts: All work completed per approved OEM or FAA maintenance data, with all defects corrected
5. Full, gap-free traceability of all materials, previous work, and ownership history is available

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Step-by-Step Guide to Correctly Completing FAA Form 8130-3#

Every field on the 8130-3 must be filled out accurately to avoid rejection. Below is a breakdown of mandatory fields:

1. Block 1: Product Identification Enter the full part number (including revision number), serial number, product description, quantity, and applicable make/model of aircraft the part is designed for. Use only industry-standard abbreviations, and define any non-standard abbreviations in the notes section.
2. Block 2: Work Performed Specify the type of work completed (manufactured, repaired, overhauled, modified, inspected) and cite the exact design or maintenance data used (e.g., STC #SA12345SW, OEM Maintenance Manual Chapter 5-10-00, Revision 4).
3. Block 3: Approval Basis List the regulatory basis for the approval (e.g., 14 CFR 21.305 for manufactured parts, 14 CFR 43.10 for repaired parts) and specify the product’s condition (new, used, rebuilt, modified).
4. Block 4: Issuer Information Enter your full legal name, certification number (DAR number, 145 repair station number, A&P certificate number), contact information, signature, and date of issue. Electronic signatures are accepted per 2022 FAA guidance.
5. Block 5: Limitations List all operating restrictions for the product, including applicable aircraft models, operation type restrictions (e.g., not for commercial passenger service), or time before next required inspection. If no limitations apply, write NONE in this block.
6. Block 6: Recipient Information Enter the full name and address of the party receiving the product to maintain traceability records.

Note: Each 8130-3 form has a unique identification number. Duplicates may only be issued if the original is lost, and must be clearly marked DUPLICATE with the original form number referenced.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing 8130-3#

Even small errors can invalidate your form and lead to penalties:

1. Inaccurate product identification: Mismatched serial numbers, missing part revision numbers, or vague product descriptions lead to automatic rejection during aircraft inspections.
2. Missing approval data references: Failing to cite the exact TC, STC, or maintenance manual used for the certification renders the form invalid.
3. Unauthorized issuance: Signing a 8130-3 without the required credentials can result in fines of up to $37,000 per violation, per 2023 FAA civil penalty guidelines.
4. Illegible handwritten forms: Smudged text, unapproved corrections without initials, or unreadable signatures are rejected by the FAA and most commercial operators. If you make an error, fill out a new form entirely, or initial and date the correction clearly.
5. Failing to retain records: Issuers are required to keep copies of 8130-3 forms for a minimum of 3 years after the product is removed from service, or 5 years for full aircraft certifications.

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Digital vs. Paper 8130-3: 2024 FAA Updates#

In 2021, the FAA launched the Digital Airworthiness Approval Tag (DAAT) program, a fully digital alternative to paper 8130-3 forms. As of 2024:

• Digital 8130-3 forms are legally identical to paper forms, accepted by all U.S. operators and 90% of international civil aviation authorities
• Benefits include 70% faster processing times, no risk of lost forms, and automated traceability through the FAA’s digital records system
• To use the DAAT program, issuers must have a valid FAA myCAA account and meet digital signature security requirements outlined in FAA Order 8130.21

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FAQs About FAA Form 8130-3 Requirements#

Q: Do I need an 8130-3 for every part I install on my aircraft?#

A: No. 8130-3 is only required for critical airworthiness parts installed on type-certificated aircraft used for commercial service. Non-critical parts for experimental aircraft do not require an 8130-3.

Q: How long is a Form 8130-3 valid?#

A: The form itself does not expire, but the airworthiness status of the product is subject to future ADs, damage, or wear. The tag only verifies airworthiness at the time of issuance.

Q: Can I use a foreign equivalent of 8130-3 for parts imported to the U.S.?#

A: Only if the foreign civil aviation authority has a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with the FAA, and the form meets all terms of that agreement.

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References#

1. FAA Order 8130.21, Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products, 2022 Revision
2. 14 CFR Part 21, Certification Procedures for Products and Parts
3. 14 CFR Part 145, Repair Stations
4. FAA Digital Airworthiness Approval Tag (DAAT) Program Guidance, 2024 Update
5. FAA Civil Penalty Schedule for Aviation Violations, Fiscal Year 2023
6. ICAO Airworthiness Manual, 11th Edition, 2021