Quick answer
FAA Form 8130-3, the Authorized Release Certificate, Airworthiness Approval Tag, is the FAA’s release document for aircraft parts. It is used to approve new articles from production approval holders and to approve articles for return to service after maintenance by authorized organizations. It supports traceability, but it is not a shipping document and does not by itself make a part eligible for a particular aircraft.
Two different uses of the same form
For new parts, the 8130-3 is issued under 14 CFR part 21, for example as an airworthiness approval for articles from a production approval holder or as an export airworthiness approval. FAA Order 8130.21J governs completion of the form for these part 21 uses.
For maintained parts, a repair station or other authorized person can use the 8130-3 to approve an article for return to service after maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alteration. That use is described in FAA Advisory Circular 43-9D. Check block 14a to see which kind of release the form represents.
What the 8130-3 does not do
AC 43-9D states that an 8130-3 issued for return to service is not a delivery or shipping document and does not constitute approval to install the article on a particular aircraft. Installation eligibility remains the installer’s determination.
A part without evidence that it was produced under part 21 would not be eligible for an 8130-3 under part 21. A missing or incomplete form is a reason to pause, not something to fix with a substitute certificate.
EASA Form 1 and dual release
EASA Form 1 is the authorized release certificate in the EASA system. Under the US–EU safety agreement, a facility that holds both an FAA part 145 certificate and an EASA Part-145 approval, located in the United States or an EU member state, can issue a dual release on a single 8130-3, making the article eligible for both US- and EU-registered aircraft.
Organizations without both approvals issue the FAA and EASA releases separately. If parts are destined for an aircraft outside the United States, confirm with the operator which release statement its authority accepts before ordering.
Checklist for reviewing an 8130-3
Before accepting a part, compare the certificate against the physical article and the purchase order.
- Part number, description, serial number, and quantity match the article and the quote
- The status or work block describes the condition you ordered, such as new, overhauled, or repaired
- The correct release box is checked and the remarks support any foreign-authority requirement
- The issuing organization, approval number, signature, and date are complete and legible
- Any discrepancy is quarantined and escalated through your quality process
Frequently asked questions
What is an FAA 8130-3 tag?
It is the FAA Authorized Release Certificate, Airworthiness Approval Tag, used to release new parts from production approval holders and to approve maintained parts for return to service.
Is an 8130-3 the same as EASA Form 1?
They serve the same purpose in different systems. A facility holding both FAA part 145 and EASA Part-145 approvals can issue a dual release on one 8130-3; otherwise the releases are issued separately.
Does an 8130-3 mean a part can be installed on my aircraft?
No. AC 43-9D states the return-to-service form does not constitute approval to install. The installer determines eligibility for a specific aircraft.
Authoritative sources
This guide provides general procurement information and is not legal, customs, engineering, or airworthiness advice.
FAA Form 8130-3: Authorized Release Certificate, Airworthiness Approval Tag FAA Order 8130.21J: Completion of FAA Form 8130-3 under Part 21 FAA AC 43-9D: Maintenance Records and FAA Form 8130-3 Return to Service