Design / Production Approvals
For aircraft manufacturers, modifiers, and parts producers, navigating FAA approval requirements can be one of the most complex stages of bringing a design or product into service. ACES helps simplify that process with engineering, testing, certification planning, documentation, and DER expertise supporting Type Certificates (TC), Supplemental Type Certificates (STC), Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorizations, and Parts Manufacturer Approvals (PMA). Whether developing a new product, modifying an existing aircraft, or pursuing approval for replacement components, the ACES team works alongside customers to establish a clear certification path, demonstrate regulatory compliance, and move each project efficiently toward FAA approval.
A Type Certificate (TC) is FAA approval of the design of an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or other applicable product and confirms that the design complies with the applicable airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emissions requirements.
Original FAA design approval follows a structured certification process that includes application, project planning, compliance demonstration, documentation, and FAA review. When approved, the process results in issuance of a Type Certificate, Supplemental Type Certificate, or an amendment to an existing approval under 14 CFR Part 21.
Up-front planning, effective project management, and clear certification documentation are critical throughout the process. ACES supports customers in organizing and managing these activities so compliance requirements can be identified early and addressed efficiently throughout the certification program.
Applicable CFRs
14 CFR Part 21
A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is issued when the FAA approves a major change or modification to an aeronautical product from its original type-certified design. The STC references the original Type Certificate while approving both the modification itself and its effect on the original design.
STC applicants and holders are responsible for maintaining the approved design and supporting continued airworthiness after certification. These responsibilities can include reporting failures, malfunctions, and defects; maintaining required certification data; providing Instructions for Continued Airworthiness; supporting Airworthiness Directives; and providing applicable flight manual supplements.
ACES can support STC programs with engineering, certification planning, testing, compliance documentation, and DER coordination, helping customers move aircraft modifications through the FAA approval process efficiently.
A Technical Standard Order (TSO) establishes a minimum performance standard for specified materials, parts, and appliances used on civil aircraft. A TSO authorization provides both design and production approval for an article that has demonstrated compliance with the applicable TSO requirements.
TSO authorization does not, by itself, approve an article for installation on an aircraft. It confirms that the article meets the applicable minimum performance standard and that the manufacturer is authorized to produce it. Separate FAA approval is still required to show that the article is suitable for installation on a particular aircraft or aircraft model.
Foreign manufacturers may also pursue an FAA letter of TSO design approval when operating under an applicable bilateral agreement between the United States and the exporting country. In those cases, the exporting Civil Aviation Authority provides oversight of both the design and production aspects of the article.
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) is a combined FAA design and production approval for modification and replacement articles. A PMA allows a manufacturer to produce and sell approved aircraft articles for installation on type-certificated products.
During the design approval phase, the applicant must demonstrate that the replacement or modification article complies with the applicable airworthiness standards of the aircraft, engine, or propeller on which it will be installed. Compliance may be established through testing, engineering analysis, computations, or by demonstrating identicality to an approved article design.
Production approval authorizes the manufacturer to produce and sell the FAA-approved article. A PMA is not transferable and remains valid until surrendered, withdrawn, or terminated. ACES can support PMA programs with engineering, compliance testing, certification documentation, and other technical services necessary to support both design and production approval activities.