Type Certificate Evaluation Process Considerations FAA – UK CAA

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the function of evaluation board and operational suitability data related to FAA & UK CAA Type Certification.

Introduction UK CAA Evaluation Process

The UK CAA system (derived from EASA) includes, under the type certification process, an approval of data that are considered necessary for the safe operation of an aircraft, called the Operational Suitability Data (OSD).

» These data, once approved, are attached to the TC through a reference in the TCDS and owned by the TC holder.

» To support the process, specific panels of experts are part of the certification team. Means of compliance to the OSD requirements are described in the relevant Certification Specifications, and listed below, and in the provisions in these Implementation Procedures. The OSD consist of:

o OSD Flight Crew (CAA CS-FCD Flight Crew Data), consisting of the minimum syllabus of pilot type rating training, including determination of type rating;

o OSD Cabin Crew (CAA CS-CCD Cabin Crew Data), consisting of determination of type or variant for cabin crew and type specific data for cabin crew;

o Maintenance Certifying Staff, consisting of the minimum syllabus of maintenance certifying staff type rating training, including determination of type rating;

o OSD Simulator Data (CAA CS-SIMD Simulator Data), consisting of the definition of scope of the aircraft validation source data to support the objective qualification of simulator(s) associated to the pilot type rating training, or provisional data to support their interim qualification; and

o OSD Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) (CAA CS-MMEL Master Minimum Equipment List), consisting of the MMEL.

Introduction FAA Evaluation Process

The FAA has established Aircraft Evaluation Groups (AEG) that are responsible for the operational and maintenance evaluations necessary to support introduction of products into the FAA system.

» The AEG will conduct Boards, as appropriate, to review the following items: Operational Configuration, Pilot Training and Licensing Requirements, and the formulation and approval of an MMEL.

FAA – CAA Validation of Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)

This procedure allows validation of an initial or revised MMEL by the FAA or the CAA as the Validation Authority (VA).

» Validation should occur concurrently with the CA MMEL development as far as practical, to optimize efforts and resources of both Authorities. However, a request for sequential validation is possible, but the level of involvement will be determined to the satisfaction of the VA. This validation procedure is also applicable for MMEL content related to STCs.

Note: This validation procedure is optional, and contingent on the specific and voluntary request by the applicant. It is, however, highly recommended that both the FAA and the CAA use the validation procedure for initial MMEL approvals in order to reduce duplication of effort and optimize the time and resources expended by the applicant, the CA, and the VA.

» Validation is applicable when the FAA or the CAA is the CA and does not cover cases when the product is from a third country SOD;

» The MMEL will be developed during the validation process. The VA validation of the MMEL will not be issued/approved until the TC or STC for the product has also been issued by the VA;

» The validation of an initial MMEL results in a single MMEL document that will be acceptable in both CA and VA regulatory systems; for revisions of existing MMELs approved separately by the CAA and the FAA, only the proposed change will be validated under this procedure, and incorporated within the two separate MMELs.

CAA Evaluation of Other OSD Elements

Current Position (March 2022) While the FAA and the CAA have agreed to a validation process for MMELs, they are still working together to develop validation processes for the remaining operational suitability aspects. Until these processes are completed, the CAA will verify compliance with the CAA OSD requirements based on the following:

» The U.S. original equipment manufacturer will send its application and compliance package to the FAA (either as a standalone application or as part of a design change or TC approval);

» The FAA will forward the application and compliance package to the CAA;

» The CAA experts will perform the necessary reviews and evaluations, and verify compliance to the appropriate CS OSD requirements; and

» The CAA will coordinate all activities with the FAA.

Evaluation of Maintenance Review/Type Board Aspects

The FAA and the CAA agree that when acting as the CA for an initial issue or a revision of a Maintenance Review Board (MRB) or Maintenance Type Board (MTB) process based report, its approval/acceptance shall be automatically accepted by the VA as being equivalent to having granted and issued its own approval/acceptance.

» The process referred to as “Acceptance” requires that the VA shall accept the CA’s report approval/acceptance and shall not issue its own approval/acceptance, as there is full confidence in each other's approval/acceptance system. In this case, an application for approval/acceptance of a report to the VA shall not be required.

Note: For amendments to living MRB/MTB reports, CA and VA concurrent participation shall be maintained until the approval/acceptance of the next planned complete MRB/MTB report revision.

Next Steps

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