Other FAA Documents (Part Two)

Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB)

A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is an information tool that the FAA uses to alert, educate, and make recommendations to the aviation community. SAIBs contain non-regulatory information and guidance that does not meet the criteria for an AD. [Figure 2-13]

Aircraft Specifications

Specifications were originated during implementation of the Air Commerce Act of 1926. Specifications are FAA recordkeeping documents issued for both type-certificated and non-type-certificated products that have been found eligible for U.S. airworthiness certification. Although they are no longer issued, specifications remain in effect and will be further amended. Specifications covering type-certificated products may be converted to a TCDS at the option of the TC holder. However, to do so requires the TC holder to provide an equipment list. A specification is not part of a TC. Specifications are subdivided into five major groups as follows:

1. Group I—Type Certificate Aircraft, Engines, and Propellers. Covering standard, restricted, and limited types issued for domestic, foreign, and military surplus products.
2. Group II—Aircraft, Engine, and Propeller Approvals. Covering domestic, foreign, and military surplus products constructed or modified between October 1, 1927, and August 22, 1938. All have met minimum airworthiness requirements without formal type certification. Such products are eligible for standard airworthiness certification as though they are type-certificated products.
3. Group III—Aircraft, Engine, and Propeller Approvals. Covering domestic products manufactured prior to October 1, 1927, foreign products manufactured prior to June 20, 1931, and certain military surplus engines and propellers. All have met minimum airworthiness requirements of the Air Commerce Act of 1926 and implementing Air Commerce Regulations without formal type certification. Such products are eligible for standard airworthiness certification as though they are type-certificated products.
4. Group IV—Engine Ratings. Covering unapproved engines rated for maximum power and speed only, their use being limited to specific aircraft with maximum gross weights less than 1,000 pounds. Such engines are not eligible for independent airworthiness certification. These ratings are no longer issued.
5. Group V—Engine Approvals. Covering military surplus engines meeting CAR 13 design requirements without formal type certification. Such engines are eligible for airworthiness certification as though they are type-certificated engines.

Cessna; 182T; Locked Rudder Trim Wheel; A4A 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)

When an aircraft is designed and that design is formally approved for manufacturing, the manufacturer is issued a Type Certificate (TC). The TC is issued by the FAA to signify the airworthiness of an aircraft design and may not be changed except by formal authorization of the FAA. This formal authorization supplements the original TC and is called the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). Therefore, the STC issued by the FAA approves a product (aircraft, engine, or propeller) modification. [Figure 2-14] 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 2-15 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.

TCDSs and specifications set forth essential factors and other conditions that are necessary for U.S. airworthiness certification. Aircraft, engines, and propellers that conform to a U.S. TC are eligible for U.S. airworthiness certification when found to be in a condition for safe operation and ownership requisites are fulfilled. [Figure 2-16]

TCDSs were originated and first published in January 1958. Title 14 of the CFR part 21, section 21.41 indicates they are part of the TC. As such, a TCDS is evidence the product has been type certificated. Generally, TCDSs are compiled from details supplied by the TC holder; however, the FAA may request and incorporate additional details when conditions warrant. [Figure 2-17]

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 is only issued if the aircraft and its engines, propellers, and appliances are found to be airworthy and meet the requirements of an FAA-approved TC. The FAA issues a TC 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 that the airworthiness requirements were met under for the specified product, such as engine make and model, fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, maximum weight, minimum crew, and so forth. TCDSs are issued and revised as necessary to accommodate new models or other major changes in the certified product. TCDSs are categorized by TC holder and product type.

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