Type Design Approval Program
Engineering DER, Flight Test Pilot DER, Flight Analyst DER, and Manufacturing DAR shared responsibilities:
A. Type Certification
B. Amended Type Certification
C. Supplemental Type Certification
D. Parts Manufacturer Approval
1) Identicality
2) Test and Computation
Provide preparatory service prior to start of items A to D such as:
Setting Expectations.
Dos and Don’ts.
Up Front Planning.
Having the applicant and designees understand their responsibilities.
Having the applicant understand the FAA’s expectations.
Provide the applicant an understanding of Partnership for Safety Plan (PSP).
Provide the applicant an understanding of Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP).
Provide services to develop a PSP and/or PSCP
Upfront understanding of the Conformity Inspection Plan (CIP).
Provide an overview of the certification process. Discuss the FAR and policy requirements.
Understand regulatory requirements expected by the FAA.
Develop training and workshops as requested by the applicant.
Provide one-on-one consultation as requested by the applicant.
Undertake long-term commitment with the applicants.
Provide interface services between applicant and FAA.
Provide general consultation services to applicants.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Engineering DER or Consultant /Subject Matter Expert in a Type Design Approval Program:
Act as the Type Design Approval Program manager responsible for providing the following certification activities:
Represent the applicant, and participate in progressive Type Design Approval Program meetings with the FAA as the subject matter expert on Type Design Approval.
Analyze the technical requirements needed to accomplish the program/project to ascertain if proper delegation is available.
Develop Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP).
Develop the needs and requirements document (Certification Plan part of the PSCP) in defining FAR requirements.
Understand the applicant’s commitment to the project.
Provide guidance in the development of an effective applicant certification team.
Discuss with the FAA potential certification difficulties.
Define the program from the aspect of engineering design and concepts.
Obtain and provide the applicant with the proper technical literature, FARs, policies, ACs, etc..
Provide the applicant with proper/appropriate guidance in approaching the FAA.
Type Design configuration management (by CAD or traditional concept)
Type Design change management (minor/major/revision).
Provide guidance to applicant regarding the submission of technical data for Parts Manufacturer Approvals.
Provide guidance as to whether or not data to be submitted is to be accomplished by identicality or test and computation.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Flight Test Pilot & Flight Analyst DER in a Type Design Approval Program:
Act as the Type Design Approval Program manager responsible for providing the following certification activities.
Represent the applicant, and participate in progressive Type Design Approval Program meetings with the FAA as the subject matter expert on all aspects of Flight Testing.
Analyze the technical requirements needed to accomplish the program/project to ascertain if proper delegation is available.
Assist with the development of the Project Specific Plan (PSCP).
Develop the needs and requirements document (Certification Plan part of the PSCP) in defining Flight Test related FAR requirements and certification basis.
Understand the applicant’s commitment to the project.
Provide guidance in the development of an effective applicant certification team.
Discuss with the FAA potential certification difficulties.
Obtain and provide the applicant with the proper technical literature, FARs, policies, ACs, etc..
Develop Flight Test Plans and recommend their approval to the FAA.
Assist with the development of Type Inspection Authorization (TIA).
Develop Flight Risk Assessment/Alleviation/Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Develop/Review/Recommend FAA Approval of Airplane Flight Manual Supplements.
Determine compliance with Flight Test FARs, author Type Inspection Reports (TIRs), and approve Flight Test Results.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Manufacturing DAR in a Type Design Approval Program:
Act as the Type Design Approval program manager on issues that pertain to conformity inspection and airworthiness certification. Provide the following certification activities:
Represent the applicant, and participate in progressive Type Design Approval Program meetings with the FAA as the subject matter expert on aircraft configuration control, conformity inspection, and airworthiness certification.
Interface with the certification team that generates Request for Conformity (RFC) and Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) to ensure FAA expectations are addressed.
Establish process definition with the certification team on dissemination of RFCs and TIAs.
Conduct conformity inspection to RFCs and TIAs generated.
Interface with authorized DERs to disposition encountered unsatisfactory conditions. Follow through until all unsatisfactory conditions are resolved.
Coordinate with the FAA Project Manager, and the MIDO as required.
Manage the project’s total conformity inspection requirements by providing progressive conformity inspection update to the certification team.
Conduct airworthiness certification related to the TIA.
On projects conducted outside of the USA, interact with the CAA of the host country to address their BASA or BAA requirements as they relate to the project. Act as a conduit for the FAA, CAA and the applicant on issues that might arise during certification.
Complete and present to the FAA MIDO all conformity inspection documents.
Maintain position as certification focal on conformity inspection and airworthiness certification until the completion of the certification project.