Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)

Definition

A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is an FAA-issued approval that allows for changes or modifications to be made to a previously certified aircraft or aircraft component. It signifies that the modification complies with safety regulations and airworthiness standards, enabling the aircraft to operate legally with those changes. STCs are crucial in maintaining regulatory compliance while allowing innovation and improvements in aviation technology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. STCs can be issued for a wide range of modifications, including alterations to avionics, engines, interiors, and structural changes.
2. Obtaining an STC involves a rigorous evaluation process by the FAA, ensuring that all modifications meet safety and performance standards.
3. Many companies specialize in obtaining STCs for their products, enabling aircraft owners to enhance their planes without needing a full type certificate.
4. STCs can also lead to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs by allowing for modern upgrades and technologies in older aircraft.
5. The holder of an STC has the right to market the modification and may also impose limitations on who can use the design change.

Review Questions

• How does a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) impact the ability of aircraft owners to modify their planes?
  • A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) significantly impacts aircraft owners by providing a legal framework within which they can make modifications while ensuring compliance with FAA regulations. With an STC, owners can enhance their aircraft's performance or update its systems without compromising airworthiness. This process enables innovation and technological advancements in aviation while maintaining safety standards.
• Discuss the process an organization must follow to obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for modifying an aircraft.
  • To obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), an organization must first submit a detailed application to the FAA that outlines the proposed modifications and their intended effects. This is followed by rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that the modifications comply with all applicable safety regulations and airworthiness standards. Once the FAA reviews and approves the submission through their certification processes, they issue the STC, allowing the organization to implement the changes legally.
• Evaluate the implications of Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) on regulatory frameworks within the aerospace industry and how they contribute to environmental policies.
  • Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) have significant implications on regulatory frameworks in aerospace as they facilitate innovations that improve efficiency and reduce emissions. By enabling modifications such as upgrading engines or installing new technology, STCs help older aircraft meet modern environmental standards. This process aligns with broader environmental policies aimed at reducing aviation's carbon footprint while still allowing for flexibility in aircraft design and operation.

Related terms

Type Certificate (TC): A Type Certificate (TC) is an FAA certification that establishes that an aircraft design meets the necessary safety and performance standards, allowing it to be produced and sold.

Airworthiness Directive (AD): An Airworthiness Directive (AD) is a legally enforceable regulation issued by the FAA to address safety issues in aircraft designs, requiring operators to comply with specific actions.

Modification: A modification refers to any alteration made to an aircraft's structure, systems, or components that may affect its performance, safety, or operational characteristics.