Release Paperwork — FAA 8130-3, EASA Form 1, TCCA Form One
Section 13: Jurisdiction Mapping Sets
Definition
The authorized release certificate that accompanies an aircraft part, component, or appliance to attest that the article has been manufactured, inspected, and/or tested in accordance with approved data and is in a condition for safe installation. The release certificate provides the traceability between the physical article and its approved design, and it is the primary document used by maintenance organizations to determine whether an article is eligible for installation on an aircraft.
Where This Shows Up
Release paperwork is the critical link in the aviation supply chain between manufacturing/repair and installation. Without a valid release certificate, an article cannot be legally installed on a type-certificated aircraft. Each jurisdiction has its own release certificate form, but bilateral agreements provide for mutual acceptance of release certificates between jurisdictions. The release certificate identifies the article (part number, serial number, description), the approval reference (TSO, PMA, TC holder part), the condition (new, overhauled, repaired, inspected, modified), and the production/maintenance organization that released it. Falsification of release certificates is a serious regulatory violation.
Primary Sources
Procedures for Completion and Use of the Authorized Release Certificate, FAA Form 8130-3 — defines the form content, completion instructions, and authorized uses.
EASA regulatory basis for issuing EASA Form 1 as an authorized release certificate for production and maintenance.
TCCA requirements for issuance of the Authorized Release Certificate (TCCA Form One).
Artifacts Produced
The FAA authorized release certificate and airworthiness approval tag used to release new and maintained articles.
The EASA authorized release certificate for production and maintenance release of articles.
The TCCA authorized release certificate for production and maintenance release of articles.
Across Jurisdictions
FAA Order 8130.21J, 14 CFR Part 21
The FAA Form 8130-3 serves as both an authorized release certificate (for new production) and an airworthiness approval tag (for maintenance release). It is issued by FAA-approved production approval holders (PAH), Part 145 repair stations, or authorized individuals (IA, DAR). The form has been revised multiple times; the current format includes blocks for article identification, approval references, production/maintenance details, and the certifying statement. Dual release (for export) is achieved by completing both Block 14a (FAA) and the applicable export airworthiness blocks.
EASA Part 21 Appendix I, Part 145 Appendix II
EASA Form 1 is issued by DOA/POA-approved organisations (for production release) and Part 145 approved maintenance organisations (for maintenance release). The form structure includes blocks for the approving organisation, article identification, release type (production or maintenance), and the authorised signature. EASA Form 1 is mutually recognized with FAA Form 8130-3 under the EU-US BASA Technical Implementation Procedures for articles within the scope of the agreement.
EASA Form 1 distinguishes between production release and maintenance release more explicitly than the 8130-3 format. The form is available in the national language of the issuing country plus English.
CAR 561, AWM Chapter 561
The TCCA Form One (24-0078) serves the same purpose as the FAA 8130-3 and EASA Form 1. It is issued by TCCA-approved production and maintenance organizations. TCCA Form One is accepted by FAA and EASA under the respective bilateral agreements for articles within the scope of those agreements.
The TCCA Form One format closely follows international conventions but includes TCCA-specific blocks and references. Acceptance of foreign release certificates (FAA 8130-3, EASA Form 1) by TCCA is governed by the applicable bilateral agreements.
Related Terms
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