Which part of the FAA regulations prescribes the requirements for issuing mechanic certificates and associated ratings and the general operating rules for the holders of these certificates and ratings?

• A. 14 CFR Part 43
• B. 14 CFR Part 91
• C. 14 CFR Part 21
• D. 14 CFR Part 65

Answer: (D)

This question is about where the rules for certifying mechanics and assigning their ratings, along with the basic rules governing those who hold them, are found. That authority sits in the portion of the regulations that covers Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crew. It lays out who can become a mechanic, what ratings they can hold (such as mechanic with airframe or powerplant ratings, or both), how to obtain those certificates, and the privileges and limitations that come with them, plus the general operating rules that apply to holders of these certificates and ratings.

This is distinct from other parts: maintenance procedures and responsibilities are detailed in the section on maintenance (not certification), general operating rules for flight operations span broader aviation activities (not specifically the certification of mechanics), and certification of aircraft and parts is addressed in the section on product and airworthiness certification rather than on the individuals who hold mechanic certificates. So the correct reference is the part that governs airmen other than flight crew, i.e., the section that prescribes mechanic certificates, ratings, and the associated general rules.