Conducting tests and inspections

This regulation establishes the FAA's authority to inspect and test certificate holders (airlines and commercial operators) at any time and place to verify compliance with regulations, certificates, and operations specifications.

Certificate holders must keep their Air Carrier or Operating Certificate, operations specifications, and a current listing of all required records at their principal base of operations, available for FAA review. They must also allow FAA inspectors to conduct any tests or inspections needed to verify compliance.

Employees responsible for maintaining records must make them accessible to the FAA upon request. For intrastate carriers, this extends to financial books and records.

Failure to provide requested certificates, specifications, or records can result in suspension of all or part of the operator's certificate and operations specifications. The FAA can use these inspections to determine whether an operator remains eligible to hold its certificate. This regulation essentially gives the FAA broad oversight authority to ensure commercial operators maintain compliance with all applicable requirements.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*