Aircraft certification—the standard your aircraft was manufactured to—can be complex and confusing. Many pilots and owners may not fully understand what certification entails or how it impacts aircraft ownership and operation.
This blog series will delve into the intricacies of aircraft certification and its significance, as it can have profound implications for both owners and pilots. Whether your aircraft is "Fully Certified," a "Light Sport Aircraft," a "UL Factory-Built Type Certified," or "Amateur-Built," its certification basis influences not only what you’re allowed to do with the aircraft but also the modifications you can make.
For example, general aviation aircraft such as Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft models are certified under the United States Federal Aviation Regulation 23 (FAR 23), with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) offering an equivalent, CS-23. In Australia, aircraft like the GippsAero GA8 are manufactured to FAR 23 standards, with CASA issuing the Type Certificate. Before FAR 23, certification was based on CAR 3 standards. Certification standards for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Factory-Built Ultralight (UL) aircraft vary depending on the country of manufacture or certification.
At its core, aircraft certification is a process designed to ensure an aircraft is safe to operate, as determined by the relevant authority. This process includes evaluation, testing, and inspection to confirm that the aircraft’s design, construction, and performance meet established safety standards. Certification applies both to new aircraft designs and to modifications of existing designs.
Here’s a quick overview of the main types of certification:
Type Certification (Type Certificate): This certifies an aircraft’s overall design, confirming it meets the safety and airworthiness standards set by authorities such as the FAA, EASA, or CASA.
Production Certification (Production Certificate): After obtaining a Type Certificate, manufacturers must secure a Production Certificate to ensure each aircraft produced adheres to the certified design and quality standards.
Airworthiness Certification (Certificate of Airworthiness): Every individual aircraft must receive an Airworthiness Certificate before it can legally operate. This certificate confirms the aircraft is safe and ready for flight.
Supplemental Type Certification (STC): Modifications that affect an aircraft’s original certified design require an STC. This applies to upgrades such as new avionics, engines, or structural changes that impact performance or safety.
Certification standards are rigorous, covering every aspect of an aircraft’s design and functionality—from aerodynamics to electronics and safety systems. These standards ensure both new aircraft models and individual aircraft are safe.
In Part 2, we’ll explore what aircraft certification means for you as an owner or owner-pilot.
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