FAQ n.48612

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 

Last updated
17/03/2020

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