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, effective Oct. 2, 2006, requires written permission from a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) holder to use its data for subsequent aircraft, engine, or propeller alterations, reinforcing intellectual property protection.
- New FAR Section 91.403(d) mandates that any person altering an aircraft based on an STC must either hold the STC or possess written permission from its holder.
- Industry groups, such as the Aircraft Electronics Association, have identified ambiguities regarding whether using manufacturer's data for avionics installations under an STC falls within the "use of the STC data" as specified by the new rules.
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