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Chapter 12. Publications, Forms, & Records Aviation Maintenance Alerts (AC 43-16) This is a monthly electronic publication of the FAA that provides information concerning malfunction or defects observed by technicians throughout the aviation industry. The data is supplied to the FAA on FAA Form 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report, which may be submitted to the FAA either electronically via the Internet, or by downloading a paper copy and completing it manually. After review, the FAA may print and format the inspection information into the AC. The professional maintenance technician will make full use of the information and will review it regularly when conducting an inspection. The monthly material is separated as necessary into airplanes, helicopters, powerplants, propeller, and accessory categories and then presented alphabetically in the category. Below is a sample Alert from the January 2005 issue. Notice the reference to the ATA code after the title. Refer to “Non-FAA Documents" presented later in this chapter for an explanation of these codes. Cessna; 182T; Locked Rudder Trim Wheel; ATA 2721 A transit customer required help as his rudder trim was stuck in the full-right position. The attending mechanics found the trim indicator pin had jumped free of its positioning track and locked the trim wheel. After adjustment, the system was cycled to full extremes several times. The submitter notes they could replicate the “jammed" trim condition with extreme R/H trim. This aircraft was the second 182 observed by these mechanics having this particular problem. Part total time: 31.9 hours. Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) A supplemental type certificate (STC) is a document issued by the FAA approving a product (aircraft, engine, or propeller) modification. [Figure 12-12] The STC defines the product design change, states how the modification affects the existing type design, and lists serial number effectivity. It also identifies the certification basis listing specific regulatory compliance for the design change. Information contained in the certification basis is helpful for those applicants proposing subsequent product modifications and evaluating certification basis compatibility with other STC modifications. Refer to Figure 12-13 for a listing of how TCs and STCs are numbered.
Possession of the STC document does not constitute rights to the design data or installation of the modification. The STC and its supporting data (drawings, instructions, specifications, and so forth) are the property of the STC holder. You must contact the STC holder to obtain rights for the use of the STC. Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) The TCDS is a formal description of the aircraft, engine, or propeller. It lists limitations and information required for type certification including airspeed limits, weight limits, thrust limitations, and so forth. Type certificate data sheets and specifications set forth essential factors and other conditions which are necessary for U.S. airworthiness certification. Aircraft, engines, and propellers which conform to a U.S. type certificate (TC) are eligible for U.S. airworthiness certification when found to be in a condition for safe operation and ownership requisites are fulfilled. [Figure 12-14]
Type certificate data sheets were originated and first published in January 1958. 14 CFR part 21, §21.41 indicates they are part of the type certificate. As such, a type certificate data sheet is evidence the product has been type certificated. Generally, type certificate data sheets are compiled from details supplied by the type certificate holder; however, the FAA may request and incorporate additional details when conditions warrant. [Figure 12-15]
Under federal law, no civil aircraft registered in the United States can operate without a valid airworthiness certificate. This certificate must be approved and issued by the FAA; and it will only be issued if the aircraft and its engines, propellers, and appliances are found to be airworthy and meet the requirements of an FAA-approved type certificate. The FAA issues a type certificate when a new aircraft, engine, propeller, and so forth, is found to meet safety standards set forth by the FAA. The TCDS lists the specifications, conditions, and limitations under which airworthiness requirements were met for the specified product, such as engine make and model, fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, maximum weight, minimum crew, and so forth. TCDS’s are issued and revised as necessary to accommodate new models or other major changes in the certified product. TCDS’s are categorized by TCD holder and product type. |
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