Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) – What No One is Talking About.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Why is it necessary to obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate?
Making alterations and repairs on airplanes, engines, avionics systems, and other parts is a fundamental means of keeping aircraft updated and operational, thereby keeping the service company optimized and at the forefront within the aeronautical environment to become more competitive.
Certain resources can help companies that provide aeronautical services and aeronautical equipment manufacturers go through a certification process smoothly.
However, the regulations and requirements related to making these changes can be complicated and confusing.
In this post, we will talk about how to obtain a Supplementary Type Certificate.
What is a Supplemental Type Certificate and when is it required?
A civil aviation authority, such as ANAC, DGAC, DINAC, etc. or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or FAA, issues an STC to an applicant who alters an aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance from its original design.
Civil aviation authorities require an STC for major alterations to an aircraft’s Type Design as long as the modification is not significant enough to require a new Type Certificate.
It is important to clarify that any individual or legal entity can request the issuance of an STC from the Aeronautical Authority when making major alterations to the aircraft, as long as they are not the manufacturer.
In this case, the manufacturer can request the amendment of a previously issued Type Certificate.
When is it considered a 'major alteration'?
Some examples of major alterations are:
• When the alteration involves significant changes in the weight and balance of the aircraft.
• When the alteration modifies the performance and/or flight qualities of the aircraft.
• When it requires the incorporation of modifications to the Flight Manual supplement.
• When there are structural modifications to the aircraft that could cause weakening of the structure, which require reinforcements.
• Incorporation of equipment that involves structural alteration or may interfere with the normal functioning of the original equipment of the aircraft.
• When the incorporation of equipment requires the modification of the Flight Manual due to the alteration in the operation of the aircraft.
• Changes in avionics that involve alteration of other original equipment or that may interfere with their normal functioning.
Example: How does the STC process for ANAC (National Civil Aviation Administration) work in Argentina?
An applicant for STC submits a certification plan to ANAC that details the proposed alteration to a product with type certification and how that alteration will comply with ANAC’s applicable regulations and guidance material.
ANAC reviews the certification plan and assigns a STC project number.
At CertAer, regular meetings are held between our certification specialists and ANAC specialists to achieve a smooth process and thus fulfill all the requirements of the authority and obtain the STC quickly and correctly.
An applicant for STC submits a certification plan to ANAC that details the proposed alteration to a product with type certification and how that alteration will comply with ANAC’s applicable regulations and guidance material.
ANAC reviews the certification plan and assigns a STC project number.
At CertAer, regular meetings are held between our certification specialists and ANAC specialists to achieve a smooth process and thus fulfill all the requirements of the authority and obtain the STC quickly and correctly.
Next, the applicant develops the required engineering design, analysis, and airworthiness data, as well as ground and flight test plans.
After reviewing and accepting the proposed modification, coordination with ANAC is carried out for modification and/or installation authorization of the prototype and authorization for tests.
The applicant will complete the modification of the product prototype and carry out necessary tests. The modification and prototype testing are generally witnessed by an ANAC inspector.
After a successful installation and testing, ANAC will issue the Supplemental Type Certificate (ST
What are the biggest challenges for the STC process?
Some of the most common challenges in the STC process include access to an aircraft for installation and prototype testing, access to aircraft technical data, the challenge of proper design and completion of associated technical documentation, and management with the corresponding civil aviation authority.
Having a previously developed plan for presentation to the Aeronautical Authority will make the difference between a smooth process and a complicated one.
To achieve this, it is important to know very well what is being requested, how, and when.
One of the most important requirements of Aeronautical Authorities is that there must be a project manager who is a Registered Aeronautical Engineer, qualified to be the Technical Responsible (RT) who requests the STC.
An external certification consultant will have the engineering, regulatory, and management experience to complete the entire process in obtaining the STC.
Not only should they be an aeronautics expert, but they should also have an in-depth knowledge of the regulations of each Aeronautical Authority in each country. Additionally, they must be qualified to be the Technical Responsible in front of the Aeronautical Authority.STC
The bureaucratic process for obtaining a STC is usually well delineated by each Authority, but going through it from start to finish implies a significant knowledge of the procedures associated with each of the stages so that a Supplemental Type Certificate does not become a headache.
That is why at CertAer, we specialize in Aeronautical Certification so that obtaining a STC is a smooth, stress-free experience for our client
