Am I eligible to apply for an STC?
Answer
Major changes to type design by applicants other than the TC holder must be approved in accordance with Part 21, Section A, Subpart E of Commission Regulation (EC) No 748/2012 i.e. through a Supplemental Type Certificate. Information on the application process can be found at the following link.
Only the STC holder is eligible to apply for a Major Change to STC. For further information, please consult our website. Typically, EASA will issue a revision of the STC.
Minor Changes to an STC may also be applied for by an applicant other than the STC holder. In this case EASA will not issue a revision to the STC but a Minor Change approval in accordance with Subpart D of Commission Regulation (EC) No 748/2012. Information on the application process can be found here.
The following table describes the available options for specific design projects including STCs.
Non-EASA Member State applicants for whom a bilateral agreement is in place, no further demonstration of eligibility is required.
Non-DOA/APDOA holders may contact a DOA/ APDOA of their choice to apply for an STC on their behalf.
Design Organisation Approval (DOA): The process to obtain a DOA. Further information on DOA.
Alternative Procedures to Design Organisation Approval (APDOA): Information on APDOA.
However, Part 21.A.14(c) provides the possibility for any natural person to apply for an STC on an ELA 1 aircraft by demonstrating capability through a certification programme. Alternative procedures are not necessary. ELA 1 is generally defined as aircraft with a max MTOW of 1200kg or less, including balloons up to 3400m^3 and sailplanes.
| ELA1 ELA1 aircraft’ means the following manned European Light Aircraft: |
ELA2 ELA2 aircraft’ means the following manned European Light Aircraft: |
|
an aeroplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of 1 200 kg or less that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft |
an aeroplane with a Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) of 2 000 kg or less that is not classified as complex motor-powered aircraft |
|
a sailplane or powered sailplane of 1 200 kg MTOM or less |
a sailplane or powered sailplane of 2 000 kg MTOM or less |
|
a balloon with a maximum design lifting gas or hot air volume of not more than 3 400 m 3 for hot air balloons, 1 050 m 3 for gas balloons, 300 m 3 for tethered gas balloons |
a balloon |
|
an airship designed for not more than 4 occupants and a maximum design lifting gas or hot air volume of not more than 3 400 m 3 for hot air airships and 1 000 m 3 for gas airships6 |
a hot air airship
|
|
a gas airship complying with all of the following characteristics: - 3% maximum static heaviness - Non-vectored thrust (except reverse thrust) - Conventional and simple design of: structure, control system and ballonet system - Non-power assisted controls
|
|
|
a Very Light Rotorcraft |
| Certification Programme Demonstration of capability via a certification programme for: |
AP DOA Demonstration of capability via AP DOA for: |
|
ELA1 aircraft |
ELA2 aircraft |
|
Engine [to be] installed in ELA1 aircraft |
Engine [to be] installed in ELA2 aircraft |
|
Propeller [to be] installed in ELA1 aircraft |
Propeller [to be] installed in ELA2 aircraft |
|
Piston Engine |
|
|
Fixed or adjustable pitch propeller |