STCs and the flight test requirementWhy dwell on the test flight aspect of the STC?
Knowing whether or not a flight test has been performed can reveal something of the timeline of the process of acquiring an STC. One would think that the June 25th contract announcement for the $3.6M USD sale of the AFIRS Edge and SaaS to Flair Airlines indicates that the full STC for the Edge is nearly in hand. At what point would Flair Airlines deem it safe to commit to purchasing? One would think, minimally, after a successful test flight.
If the test flight, which needed to be performed on a Boeing Max 8, was performed on one owned by Flair (and they have 17 of them in their fleet of 19), one would think that Flair personnel would have seen the outcome firsthand. The installed test unit could stay in place but be turned off again until the formality of receiving the full STC for the Edge occurs. Speculation, yes.
As described in an earlier post, Flair did perform a flight test on June 19th, looping three times above Calgary Airport where there is 5G coverage. (
FLE9333) One week later, the Flair contract is announced. Could this have been the flight test for the Edge?
While waiting, I find it doesn't hurt to learn a little more about the process.
It can be quite difficult to get suitable and adequate answers using instantaneous Google searches of the entire Internet, or from supposed knowledgeable people with instantaneous access to everything in their brains (insert sarcasm), so I thought I would pose some questions to the ChatGPT AI.
(Note: ChatGPT uses training data that was collected from the Internet in September, 2021.)
1) Are flight tests required for Transport Canada STCs?
ChatGPT: Yes, flight tests are typically required for Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs). An STC is a document issued by Transport Canada that approves a modification to an aircraft's type design. This modification can involve changes to the aircraft's structure, systems, or equipment.
Flight tests are an essential part of the STC process as they allow for the evaluation and validation of the modified aircraft's performance, handling characteristics, and compliance with applicable regulations and standards. These tests ensure that the aircraft's airworthiness and safety are not compromised by the proposed modification.
During the flight testing phase, the modified aircraft is flown under various conditions and scenarios to assess its performance, stability, control, and other relevant factors. The flight tests may be conducted by the STC applicant or a designated representative, typically in coordination with Transport Canada's Aircraft Certification office.
The specific flight test requirements and procedures can vary depending on the nature and extent of the proposed modification, as well as the applicable regulations and guidelines. The purpose is to demonstrate that the modified aircraft meets the necessary performance and safety standards before the STC is granted by Transport Canada.
2) Can one get a Transport Canada STC without a flight test?
ChatGPT: In general, flight tests are a fundamental part of the process for obtaining a Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). However, there may be rare cases where flight tests are not required. These exceptions typically apply to modifications that are considered minor in nature and have already been extensively tested and validated through other means.
Transport Canada's policy allows for the acceptance of data from other sources, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or other recognized aviation authorities, when it can be demonstrated that the modification has already undergone thorough testing and evaluation. This data could include flight test results conducted by those authorities or data from comprehensive ground testing, engineering analysis, or simulation.
In such cases, if it can be satisfactorily demonstrated to Transport Canada that the modification's compliance with applicable regulations and safety standards has been adequately verified through alternative means, a flight test may be waived or reduced in scope.
It's important to note that the decision to waive flight tests is at the discretion of Transport Canada's Aircraft Certification office. Each STC application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature and complexity of the modification, the level of risk involved, and the supporting data provided by the applicant.
Ultimately, it is recommended to consult directly with Transport Canada or engage a qualified aviation consultant to determine the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an STC without flight tests in your particular case.
3) Can you find an example of a Transport Canada STC having been issued without a flight test being performed?
ChatGPT: I apologize for the confusion in my previous response. After further research, I could not find any specific examples or instances where a Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) has been issued without a flight test being performed.
Flight tests are a crucial component of the STC process to ensure that modified aircraft comply with airworthiness standards and safety requirements. These tests provide an opportunity to evaluate the performance, handling characteristics, and system functionality of the modified aircraft.
While there may be exceptional cases where flight tests are reduced in scope or alternative means of compliance are accepted, it is important to consult directly with Transport Canada's Aircraft Certification office or a qualified aviation consultant for accurate and up-to-date information on specific STC requirements and procedures. They will be able to provide the most accurate guidance based on your particular circumstances and the nature of the modification you are considering.
Regarding test flights for Transport Canada STCs...
Transport Canada issues Type Certificates for aeronautical products as a way of certifying that the product meets the relevant airworthiness standards. Type certification of an aeronautical product is a complex process, so the scope of the work involved will depend on the complexity of the design.
Transport Canada also supports ongoing revisions to type design data for continuous improvements and design changes.
The requirements and process for obtaining or changing a Type Certification can be broken down into 6 steps:
- classifying the proposed changes based on the applicable regulations
- applying and establishing a basis to certify
- establishing means of compliance and our level of involvement
- demonstrating and recording compliance
- approving the Type design or change to it
- following post certification responsibilities
Find out more about this process: (from the Transport Canada website)...