21
$\begingroup$

I want to know what exactly is "Type Certificate" and "Certificate of Airworthiness" means for an aircraft.

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
47
$\begingroup$

A Type Certificate is a certificate that the FAA gives the manufacturer of an aircraft, certifying the design of the aircraft. So for instance, Cessna Aircraft Company of Wichita, KS holds a Type Certificate for the Cessna 172. Notice that the certificate specifies what components make a Cessna 172, what its limitations and performance specifications are, and so on. When Cessna makes a 172, that aircraft has to conform to this specification. Moreover, only aircraft that meet this specification are certified as a 172. Which is why, if you make a major modification to a certified aircraft, it requires an STC-- a "Supplemental Type Certificate," to confirm that with the new equipment, the aircraft design is still airworthy and the limitations are accurate. But there is only one Type Certificate for an unmodified Cessna, and it is issued to Cessna, Inc.

On the other hand, an Airworthiness Certificate is issued for each aircraft individually and certifies that this here particular airplane is airworthy. They can be revoked if the airplane undergoes, for instance, an accidental major airframe modification (or indeed, an uncertified major alteration of any kind or if for some reason the FAA has reason to believe the aircraft is no longer airworthy). Each aircraft has its own Airworthiness Certificate that is displayed in the passenger compartment, and thus there are as many Airworthiness Certificates for Cessna 172's as there are airworthy 172s.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
4
  • 10
    $\begingroup$ If I could upvote twice I'd do it for your accidental major airframe modification! $\endgroup$
    – Pavel
    Commented Jan 21, 2020 at 7:25
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Or even revoked without modification, if something new is discovered about the existing components (e.g. failure modes) $\endgroup$
    – user_1818839
    Commented Jan 21, 2020 at 12:04
  • $\begingroup$ @Pavel the only way to improve it would be a phrase with an appropriate acronym such as CRUMP, MUNG, CAUFU ... $\endgroup$
    – nigel222
    Commented Jan 21, 2020 at 14:21
  • $\begingroup$ accidental major airframe modification? Such as a Rapid, Unscheduled airframe modification? $\endgroup$
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jan 21, 2020 at 23:11

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .