What is the role of the administrator under 14 CFR part 21?

The administrator's role under 14 CFR part 21 primarily involves issuing Technical Standard Orders (TSOs). TSOs are issued as a means of establishing minimum performance standards for certain critical components and equipment used in civil aviation. By fulfilling this role, the administrator ensures that aircraft and their components meet safety and performance criteria before they are certified for use. This process is essential for maintaining safety in aviation operations and ensures that the products used by aircraft manufacturers and operators comply with established regulations.

The other options, while pertinent to aviation, do not accurately represent the specific responsibilities outlined under this part of the regulation. Issuing pilot licenses relates more to the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerning pilot certification, while managing flight operations and regulating air traffic control are broader responsibilities that don’t fall specifically under the purview of part 21.