Sooner or later, everyone who buys aircraft parts hears the question “does it come with an 8130-3?” This guide explains what the form is, what it proves, who can issue it, and what to check before a part goes on an aircraft.

What Is FAA Form 8130-3?

FAA Form 8130-3, the Authorized Release Certificate (also called the Airworthiness Approval Tag), is the FAA’s standard document for releasing an aircraft part, appliance or engine. It identifies the item by part number, serial number and quantity, states its status (for example new, overhauled or repaired), and carries the signature of a person authorized to release it. FAA Order 8130.21 sets out how the form is completed and used.

Who Can Issue an 8130-3?

Production approval holders and FAA designees can issue one for new parts, certifying that the part conforms to approved design data and is in a condition for safe operation.
FAA-certificated repair stations (14 CFR Part 145) and other authorized maintenance organizations can issue one when they overhaul, repair, inspect or modify a part, as a maintenance release.

A distributor cannot create an 8130-3. A distributor passes along the release issued by the manufacturer or repair station, and can arrange for a part to be inspected or overhauled by a repair station when a new release is needed.

The Two Sides of the Form

The form has two certification areas. The left side (Block 13) is used for new items: it certifies conformity to design data. The right side (Block 14) is used for maintenance: it certifies that the work described in Block 11 was performed under the applicable regulations and that the item is approved for return to service. Check which side is signed and that it matches the status of the part you are buying.

What to Check on an 8130-3

The part number and serial number match the data plate on the part exactly, including dash numbers.
The quantity matches what you received.
Status/Work (Block 11) matches what you paid for: new, overhauled, repaired, inspected/tested or modified.
Remarks (Block 12) are read in full. They can list airworthiness directives, service bulletins, life-limit data or the work performed.
The correct side is signed and shows the name, approval or certificate number, and date.
The copy you receive meets your own quality system’s requirements.

Does Every Part Need an 8130-3?

No. The FAA describes several ways to show that a replacement part is eligible for installation in Advisory Circular AC 20-62, Eligibility, Quality, and Identification of Aeronautical Replacement Parts. Standard parts such as AN, MS and NAS hardware are normally supplied with a certificate of conformity rather than an 8130-3, and tools, ground support equipment and shop supplies are not released with one at all.

Many operators, repair stations and foreign aviation authorities do require an 8130-3 for rotable components and for parts exported from the United States. If you need one, ask for it before you order, not after the part arrives.

8130-3, EASA Form 1 and Dual Release

EASA Form 1 is the European equivalent of the 8130-3, and Transport Canada uses the TCCA Form One. Repair stations approved by both the FAA and EASA can issue a dual release: an 8130-3 that also meets EASA requirements under the U.S.–EU aviation safety agreement. If your aircraft is registered outside the United States, tell us which authority you work with and we will confirm which release document comes with the part.

How Aviation Parts Executive Handles Release Documents

Aviation Parts Executive is an ASA-100 accredited distributor (FAA AC 00-56), and our quality system is built around traceability. When a part comes with an 8130-3 or another release document, we say so on the quote and can send a copy before you order. For condition codes and exchange pricing, see Outright, Exchange or Overhaul: How Aircraft Part Pricing Works.

Search by part number in our aircraft parts catalog, or call, text or WhatsApp +1 (954) 493-5088.

FAA Form 8130-3 Explained: What It Certifies and When You Need One