Systems Engineering for Aerospace

7.12 Type Certification

Obtaining a Type Certificate (TC) is a milestone in the lengthy process that culminates in a Standard Airworthiness Certificate.

There are three significant factors related to the TC:

1. 1. The submittal of an application for a TC is the official act that commits the FAA to begin action on the design approval program.
2. 2. The date of application establishes the FAR certification basis.
3. 3. The TC is the official document that certifies FAA approval of the design of an aircraft, an aircraft engine, or aircraft propeller.

Anyone may apply for a TC—even foreign citizens and dreamers who make sketches on kitchen tables. But whoever the applicant is, he or she must show to the FAA that the product meets the applicable design standards ...