FAA Certification
Type Certificates (TC) & Supplemental Type Certificates (STC)
Whether you are pursuing a Type Certificate (TC), seeking a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), or amending an existing approval, successfully navigating the FAA certification process is mission-critical to your project. After all, a single misstep can cost valuable time, drain resources, and even derail your program.
That’s why our team of seasoned Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) and Airworthiness Representatives (DARs)—each with decades of proven experience—has helped countless clients secure TCs and STCs with confidence. Furthermore, because we know the process inside and out, we have earned the trust of the FAA and industry leaders.
Our engineering staff strengthens every engagement, ensuring your project benefits from a full spectrum of technical expertise. Our comprehensive team of certification specialists doesn’t just guide you through the process—we streamline it, minimize risk, and keep your goals on track. Ultimately, what feels complex and daunting to most is simply another day at the office for us—and another certified success for you.
The Certification Process
In this phase your vision transforms from a simple “napkin drawing” into a tangible, certifiable reality. Abstract ideas evolve into organized engineering concepts supported by detailed analyses, proven methodologies, and validated testing. Step by step, we turn creativity into a concept that is technically accurate and aligned with the regulations.
This planning step sets the foundation for everything that follows. It is key to your project’s success. It is where we pull ahead of our competitors. Our team takes a comprehensive and detailed look at the certification requirements as they apply specifically to your program. We evaluate your project in its entirety, considering unique technical challenges, potential regulatory hurdles, and business objectives that shape your goals. From that comes a detailed, customized plan that breaks complex requirements into manageable actions.
Once we have an agreed plan with the FAA, the project moves into rapid execution. Key milestones are identified and targeted through parallel paths to maximize efficiency, control the schedule, and maintain momentum. Through detailed analyses, inspections, and ground, lab, & flight tests, our engineers and DERS will demonstrate regulatory compliance to the FAA. We maintain close communication with the FAA throughout this phase, addressing questions, resolving issues quickly, and keeping the process on track. Our proactive engagement avoids costly surprises and keeps your project moving forward as planned.
Your vision comes alive. Designs evolve into certified aircraft. Plans become action.
As the analyses and tests are completed, the processed data are collected and summarized in certification reports and approved by our DERs. These reports are the technical backbone of your certification effort, and the launch point for projects you may want to do in the future. Ensuring they are clear, concise, and complete is important for your long-term success.
Service documents are also written and approved. Flight Manuals. Maintenance Manuals. The documents critical to your customers’ understanding and using your products. Each document is meticulously prepared with your company branding for a seamless customer experience.
This phase concludes with your FAA Approval.
With your design approval—TC or STC—in hand, our partnership with you will continue. We guide you as you establish long-term compliance with the FAA’s requirements for Design Approval Holders in a manner customized to your operation; protecting your certification investment.