A supplemental type certificate (STC) is a civil aviation authority-approved major modification or repair to an existing type certified aircraft, engine or propeller. As it adds to the existing type certificate, it is deemed "supplemental". In the United States issuance of such certificates is under the purview of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The determination of whether a proposed change in design, power, thrust, or weight to an existing type certified aircraft, engine, or propeller is acceptable under a STC is proposed by the design holder, and subjected to the approval of the FAA. If the FAA finds that the proposed changes are too substantial, a new type certificate will be required under 14 CFR 21.19. In this case, a substantially complete investigation of compliance with the applicable regulations will be required.[1][2]
Advantages[edit]
Some civil aviation authorities also issue Limited or LSTCs that are only applicable to a single aircraft or small number of specific serial numbers.[3]
Regulation[edit]
The United States regulations for STCs are found at 14 CFR 21.111.[4]
The European Union regulations for STCs are found Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 of 3 August 2012 as amended, Part-21, Subpart E[5] et seq.
In 2010 at the US/Europe International Aviation Safety Conference, Eurocopter discussed concerns about potential risks with, and incompatibilities in, STCs. In response the Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) highlighted the success that the Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) industry had experienced in implementing Continued Operational Safety (COS) programs for the prediction and proactive addressing of hazards.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ "Part 21 Certification Procedures for Products and Articles". Code of Federal Regulations. Federal Aviation Administration. 16 October 2009.
- ^ "Advisory Circular AC 21.101-1 Establishing the Certification Basis of Changed Aeronautical Products" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration. 11 March 2016.
- ^ "Staff Instruction (SI) 521-005 Issue 01 : Supplemental Type Certificates" (PDF). Transport Canada. 16 March 2012.
- ^ "United States 14 CFR 21.111".
- ^ Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 of 3 August 2012 as amended, Part-21, Subpart E
- ^ 2010 US/Europe International Aviation Safety Conference, Aircraft Certification Information Session 3 (Summary of Major Discussion Points, produced by the Federal Aviation Administration). Archived 2012-10-21 at the Wayback Machine