FAA Certification

Term from Aircraft Manufacturing industry explained for recruiters

FAA Certification refers to the approval process required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aircraft, parts, and related systems to ensure they are safe for use in aviation. Think of it like getting a seal of approval from the government that confirms something is safe to fly. This process is essential in the aviation industry, similar to how FDA approval works for medicines. When someone mentions FAA Certification on their resume, it typically means they have experience working with these approval processes, understanding the requirements, or helping products meet these safety standards.

Examples in Resumes

Led team through FAA Certification process for new aircraft components

Managed documentation and testing for FAA Type Certification of commercial aircraft

Successfully obtained FAA Certification approval for 5 major aviation systems

Typical job title: "Certification Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Certification Engineer Aviation Compliance Specialist Aircraft Certification Specialist FAA Compliance Engineer Regulatory Compliance Engineer Aviation Safety Engineer

Where to Find Certification Engineers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain your experience managing a full aircraft certification program?

Expected Answer: Senior candidates should be able to describe leading certification projects from start to finish, including timeline management, team coordination, and interaction with FAA officials.

Q: How do you handle challenging situations when dealing with FAA auditors?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show diplomatic problem-solving skills, deep understanding of regulations, and experience in finding compliant solutions to complex certification issues.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What documentation is typically required for FAA certification submissions?

Expected Answer: Candidate should mention test reports, compliance documents, drawings, and safety analysis, showing familiarity with the basic certification package requirements.

Q: How do you ensure compliance with FAA regulations during a project?

Expected Answer: Should describe methods for tracking requirements, conducting regular reviews, and maintaining documentation throughout the development process.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic purpose of FAA certification?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it's about ensuring aviation safety and compliance with federal regulations before aircraft or components can be used.

Q: What are the main types of FAA certifications?

Expected Answer: Should know basic categories like Type Certificates, Production Certificates, and Airworthiness Certificates.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of FAA regulations
  • Assisting with certification documentation
  • Supporting test activities
  • Understanding certification terminology

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Managing parts of certification projects
  • Writing certification plans
  • Coordinating with FAA representatives
  • Conducting compliance reviews

Senior (5+ years)

  • Leading full certification programs
  • Strategic planning for certification
  • Relationship management with FAA
  • Training and mentoring teams

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic FAA regulations
  • Lack of experience with certification documentation
  • Poor understanding of aviation safety principles
  • No experience with technical writing or documentation

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