Aviation legislation - Certificate of Design:

During the construction, the manufacturer has to provide the C.A.A. with a Certificate of Design and also a Type Record for the aircraft. These should contain a summary of the design and include at least the following information:

a. A three-view, general arrangement drawing of the aircraft.

b. A list of the general arrangement drawings, including references to other drawings which, in association, completely define the design of the aircraft.

c. A summary of the basic aerodynamic data and other data used in the aircraft design.

d. A summary of the design assumptions and calculations.

e. A summary of the aircraft weight and centre of gravity details.

f. A list of reserve factors for ultimate load conditions at all parts of the aircraft structure.

g. Copies of reports giving the particulars and results of airworthiness acceptance air tests.

h. Particulars of any variations from the C.A.A. or JAR requirements, as have been authorised with respect to the aircraft design, giving the reference number of the written authority from the C.A.A.

i. Copies of subsidiary type records and Declarations of Design and Performance relating to the aircraft components and equipment.

The size of the aircraft and the purpose for which it is being designed has a significant effect on the form that the certification may take and, in some cases, the frequency of renewal of the Certificate of Airworthiness. For example, aircraft are sub-divided into five categories, shown overleaf, which are dependent on the use to which the aircraft is to be put