When can a dealer registration certificate be considered equivalent to an owner's certificate?

The dealer registration certificate can be considered equivalent to an owner's certificate specifically for flight testing requirements. This equivalency is important because when conducting flight tests, the focus is on ensuring that the aircraft is safe and compliant with regulatory standards. A dealer's certificate indicates that the dealer is authorized to operate aircraft and handle related activities, which includes the authority to participate in flight testing.

During flight testing, the principal concern is the aircraft's operational capabilities and safety, and the dealer registration ensures that the individual or organization conducting the test adheres to the requirements set forth by regulatory bodies. This allows for a more flexible approach in testing aircraft under controlled circumstances, where the dealer acts on behalf of the owner in evaluating the aircraft's performance.

The other scenarios, such as selling parts, conducting routine inspections, or during an accident investigation, generally require an owner's certificate to maintain accountability, ownership responsibility, and compliance with safety regulations. Therefore, the context of flight testing allows for this exception with dealers, highlighting the importance of their role in the process.