This part establishes procedures for obtaining a safety element approval and renewing and transferring an existing safety element approval. Safety element approvals issued under this part may be used to support the application review for one or more vehicle operator license requests under other parts of this chapter.

Safety element. For purposes of this part, a safety element is any one of the items or persons (personnel) listed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of the definition of “safety element approval” in this section.

Safety element approval. For purposes of this part, a safety element approval is an FAA document containing the FAA determination that one or more of the safety elements listed in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this definition, when used or employed within a defined envelope, parameter, or situation, will not jeopardize public health and safety or safety of property. A safety element approval may be issued independent of a license, and does not confer any authority to conduct activities for which a license is required under 14 CFR chapter III. A safety element approval does not relieve its holder of the duty to comply with all applicable requirements of law or regulation that may apply to the holder's activities.

(1) Launch vehicle, reentry vehicle, safety system, process, service, or any identified component thereof; or

(2) Qualified and trained personnel, performing a process or function related to licensed activities or vehicles.

This part applies to an applicant that wants to obtain a safety element approval for any of the safety elements defined under this part and to persons granted a safety element approval under this part. Any person eligible under this part may apply to become the holder of a safety element approval.

(a) There is no citizenship requirement to obtain a safety element approval.

(b) You may be eligible for a safety element approval if you are—

(1) A designer, manufacturer, or operator of a launch or reentry vehicle or component thereof;

(2) The designer or developer of a safety system or process; or

(3) Personnel who perform safety-critical functions in conducting a licensed launch or reentry.

(c) A safety element approval applicant must have sufficient knowledge and expertise to show that the design and operation of the safety element for which safety element approval is sought qualify for a safety element approval.

(d) Only the safety elements defined under this part are eligible for a safety element approval.