Type Certificate & Supplemental Type Certificates
2025-02-05
What’s the Difference Between a Type Certificate & Supplemental Type Certificate?
A Type Certificate (TC) is granted for new aircraft designs, whereas a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) applies to major modifications of existing designs other than the TC holder. Supplemental Type Certificates are essential for major upgrades, like avionics enhancements, without re-certifying the entire aircraft. STC process allows entities other than the original manufacturer to change the existing aircraft design. It is governed under 14 CFR Part 21/EASA Part 21, Subpart E. The STC holder retains proprietary rights over the modification and is responsible for ensuring the continued airworthiness of the modified design. An amendment to a TC is issued to incorporate major design changes into the original type certificate by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). It is governed under 14 CFR Part 21/EASA Part 21, Subpart D. The original TC holder retains exclusive rights to the amended certificate.
HSB-Solutions is proficient for TC and STC project compliance demonstrations under old amendments or updated certification standards (CS, FAR, SC-VTOL).
What is a Certification Basis?
It's the set of identified airworthiness standards your aircraft design must meet for TC/STC approval. Airworthiness standards identify safety-related requirements for aviation products (aircraft, engines, and propellers). Certification plans outline how to demonstrate compliance, covering the applicable set of requirements defined in the Certification Basis. Our team at HSB-Solutions ensures a robust compliance strategy across civil (FAA/EASA/JCAB/other NAA) and military certification projects.
Achieving type certification is a multi-disciplinary effort involving Flight Performance, Flight Mechanics, Aeroelasticity, Systems Engineering, Avionics, and many other technical disciplines. At HSB-Solutions, we ensure compliance across a wide range of civil and military aviation standards, including MIL-HDBK-516, DEF-STAN 00-970, and NATO STANAG 4671. We also navigate international regulations under the FAA, EASA, Japan Civil Aviation Breau (JCAB), and other National Aviation Authorities (NAA) to achieve global certification seamlessly.
