8130-3 Tags and CM Project Number

Late in 2025, the FAA issued a significant revision to Order 8130.21 (the instructions for completing 81303 tags). After it was released, ASA pointed out that one of the changes was requirement to list the CM project number on the 8130-3.

The problem with this requirement is that the CM project number is not published on an available database (like DRS.FAA.GOV); nor is it readily available for most projects. For most aircraft parts the CM project number is also different from the production approval number. When a manufacturer has multiple production sites, each site may have a different CM project number. ASA members and their DARs have complained that they are unable to reliably find the CM Project Number for most aircraft parts.

ASA has been in discussions with the FAA about this issue. The FAA recognized the difficulties in finding the CM project number, and yesterday FAA signed a deviation memo that removes this “CM Project Number” requirement as it applies to 8130-3 tags signed at a distributor or other non-PAH location.

The deviation memo is identified as AIR-600-DM46.

The deviation memo is not yet publicly available, but is expected to be made available soon on the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS): https://drs.faa.gov.