Plain English Meaning

The FAA has officially approved the aircraft's design as safe to fly. Every aircraft of that make and model is built to that approved design.

Full Definition

Issued an FAA type certificate, meaning the aircraft design has been formally approved by the FAA as meeting the airworthiness standards for its category. A type-certificated aircraft is one whose make and model have passed FAA design certification.

Context Anchor

Seen in aircraft checkouts, transition training, aircraft eligibility, and discussions of what qualifications or operating rules apply to a particular aircraft.

Derivation

From 'type' (the specific make and model design) and '' (granted an official certificate). The FAA issues a Type Certificate to the design itself, not to an individual aircraft. Each aircraft built to that approved design then receives its own .