In response to recent mandates by Congress, the FAA is changing its rules to require written permission from a supplemental type certificate (STC) holder to use its data for follow-on installations that alter the affected aircraft, engine or propeller. The changes became effective Oct. 2, 2006. Although written in a manner requiring the STC holder to report to the FAA when it grants permission for installation of the STC, the new FAR, Section 21.120, has the effect of continuing the FAA’s recently adopted responsibility of protecting the intellectual property of STC holders.
The FAA also added a new Section 91.403(d), which requires a person altering an aircraft based on an STC to only do so if he or she holds the STC or has written permission from its holder. According to the Aircraft Electronics Association, the two new rules leave some questions unanswered, including whether an avionics installation, typically performed pursuant to an STC but by using the manufacturer’s data, is considered “use of the STC data” as specified in the law.
FAA Tightens STC Rules
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA, mandated by Congress, now requires written permission from Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) holders to use their data for follow-on aircraft alterations, effective October 2, 2006.
- New FAR Sections 21.120 and 91.403(d) protect STC holders' intellectual property by ensuring only those with the STC or permission can alter an aircraft based on it.
- The new regulations raise questions, particularly whether avionics installations using manufacturer's data but performed under an STC count as "use of STC data."
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