The best performing, most fantastic airplane is not a viable product until obtaining FAA aircraft certification. Similarly, when modifying an airplane, the original certification is invalidated until obtaining an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). TLG offers a range of services including FAA certification plans, FAA coordination, FAA certification and reports and FAA DER approvals.
TLG FAA Aircraft Certification Services
- Certification Plans – For a new airplane, or an STC, it is important to start with a certification plan to avoid very costly mistakes later!
- FAA Coordination
- EASA and Other Agency Coordination
- Certification Analysis and Reports
- Test Witnessing
- FAA DER Approvals
What Are DERS?
To help the FAA deal with the massive flow of engineering information, they appoint Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs). DERs are engineers who have a demonstrated history with the FAA for producing high quality work and who the FAA then trusts to review engineering and issue the 8110 acceptance forms.
What DERS Does TLG Have On Staff?
TLG has the following in-house DERs:
- Steve Muenzberg
Loads and Dynamics for 14 CFR Part 23 and 25 airplanes - Robert Lind
Flutter for 14 CFR Part 23 and 25 airplanes and Flight Analyst for 14 CFR Part 23 and CAR 3 airplanes - Ian Draycott
Structures for 14 CFR Part 23 and 25 airplanes - Dr. Josh Sementi
Loads and Dynamics for 14 CFR Part 23 and 25 airplanes - Reid McCaul
Flight Analyst for 14 CFR Part 23 and 25 airplanes
In addition, TLG has working arrangements several DERs in the disciplines of:
- Fatigue and Damage Tolerance
- Icing
- Control Systems
- Power plant
- Noise
- Other DER coordination available as needed
When Do I Need A Certification Plan?
While certification may be the final requirement before a company can start selling the product, planning and design for certification needs to start right at the beginning of the process. Late program changes to meet certification requirements can be very expensive!
