What must an aircraft comply with before it is allowed to operate in commercial service?

An aircraft must comply with type certification requirements before it can operate in commercial service because type certification represents the official approval from a national aviation authority, such as the FAA in the United States. This certification confirms that the aircraft design meets established safety and performance standards essential for safe operation in the commercial air transportation environment.

The type certification process involves extensive testing and evaluation of the aircraft's design, systems, and performance to ensure that it meets all necessary regulations and is safe for passenger and cargo transport. This includes assessments of structural integrity, aerodynamics, propulsion, and various systems like avionics and safety features.

Only after an aircraft has successfully obtained type certification can it be used for commercial purposes, ensuring that the aircraft is built to the standards governing public safety in aviation operations. While safety regulations, insurance coverage standards, and operational control standards are also important aspects of aviation, type certification is the foundational requirement that must be met first to guarantee that an aircraft is fundamentally safe and airworthy for commercial service.