What type of certificate is issued for products such as aircraft and engines?

Type Certificate Data Sheets are essential documents issued by the FAA that provide detailed specifications and operating limitations for aircraft and engines. They are critical for establishing the design and safety of the products before they are deemed airworthy. Each type certificate corresponds to a specific design, indicating that the product has met the necessary standards set by the FAA regarding safety, performance, and reliability.

These data sheets encompass vital information about the aircraft's components, configurations, and environmental conditions under which it can safely operate. Thus, they serve as the foundation for ensuring ongoing airworthiness and compliance with regulatory requirements.

In contrast, airworthiness certificates are issued to individual aircraft to confirm that they are in a condition for safe operation but do not provide the design details found in type certificate data sheets. Special flight permits are temporary allowances that may be issued under specific conditions for an aircraft that does not meet airworthiness standards, often used for scenarios such as maintenance flights. Maintenance records are essential for tracking an aircraft's service and repairs but do not pertain to the certification of the aircraft's design itself.