Design, Construction and Type Certificate

The following chapter covers the initial design, construction, registration and test flying of the first prototype of a new aircraft.

Aircraft in the United Kingdom can only be designed and constructed by organisations, which are approved by the C.A.A under Chapter A8-1 of Section A of BCARs or JAR-21. If the aircraft is destined for the CAT category then any aircraft maintenance carried out by these organisations must be in accordance with JAR 145.30(d). Accessories and sub-assemblies may be manufactured to the design's drawings, by sub-contractors who are approved by the C.A.A. under Chapter A8-2 of BCARs or JAR-21.

Design of a modern, large aircraft, heavier than 5,700kg MTOM* will be in accordance with JAR-25. Aircraft of MTOM less than 5,700kg MTOM however, are designed in accordance with JAR-23.

Between the initial design and the issue of a Type Certificate and Certificate of Airworthiness, in parallel with the construction of the prototype aircraft, various administrative stages must be satisfactorily passed. These will include applications for, and receipt of, various certificates, licences and approvals.

The Designer/Manufacturer must also show to the C.A.A. that his processes during the building of the aircraft and the comprehensive flight testing after completion, comply with all airworthiness requirements.

Once the aircraft has been built, weighed and registered, it has to be flown during its development flying, without a C of A, under what are known as ‘B' conditions.

Once the aircraft has satisfactorily finished its flight testing and, providing all the paperwork is completed to the satisfaction of the C.A.A., application forms for the issue of a Type Certificate and a Certificate of Airworthiness can be submitted to the C.A.A. Once these two certificates are issued, the aircraft has completed the process from design to certification.

Note: The EASA will assume responsibility for the issue of Type Certificates from 28.09.03 and, during a transition period of 42 months after this date, will take over the additional responsibilities of Rule Making and issuing of Certifications as detailed in the European Parliamentary Regulations on the subject