Appendix A—Service Standards for Aeronautical Product Approval

Issuance of Supplemental Certificates 
(Canadian Aviation Regulation [CAR] 104, Schedule V)

1.0 General

The service standards for the issuance of the supplemental certificates identified in Section A, Schedule V of this document can be found in CAR  104, Schedule V.

2.0 Levels of Service Variables and Priorities

2.1 Variables

In general, certification projects are managed in accordance with a certification plan agreed to beforehand between Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the applicant.

The time required for the certification of an aeronautical product is a function of the technical and administrative complexity of the design project. As examples, the following are some of the variables that influence project duration:

1. The quality and volume of required project documentation submitted to TCCA;
    
2. The number of parties involved (other Regions, regulatory authorities, contractors and sub-contractors, etc.);
    
3. The time of year;
    
4. Novel and unusual design elements in the product; and
    
5. Unplanned design changes.

Aircraft Certification has, on occasion, received data presented as “final” for a design that is still in the developmental stage. This preliminary presentation of data results in delays due to changing design, added conformity verifications and deviations, failed certification tests, and incomplete test reports. While TCCA aircraft certification engineers will advise on interpretation of standards, they cannot be expected to advise on design concept, or to find compliance prior to design completion. Therefore, the following criteria are to be applied in planning certification programs:

1. Every effort should be made to provide TCCA with advance notice of impending certification programs, and to complete development testing prior to beginning the TCCA certification phase of a design project.
    
2. Acquiring the early support of a qualified TCCA delegate is encouraged. Projects submitted without delegate support will receive the lowest priority, as noted below.
    
3. Certificate applicants must consider that in advance of certification tests requiring TCCA witnessing, test plans must be provided and be approved. In addition, conformity must be completed prior to the TCCA conformity and certification tests being conducted.

2.2 Assignment of Project Priority

Projects will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis within the following categories:

1. TCCA delegates’ authority to external delegates to more effectively use available resources. Priority is therefore given to projects prepared by a delegate, followed by those prepared by professional engineers who have relevant experience.
    
2. Given the potential significant impact of project delays both on the travelling public and on employees and employers, projects submitted on behalf of commercial operators (e.g. a repair design approval) will take priority over those submitted on behalf of private operators; however, it is recommended that a TCCA delegate be retained in such situations. Private operators can take steps to ensure they receive the quickest possible service by retaining the services of a qualified TCCA delegate.

Since a single company may have multiple concurrent projects that could conflict, it is strongly recommended that the company submit a priority list for their certification projects to assist TCCA provide the best possible service to all its clients.

2.3 Service Standards for Timelines

The service standards for timeliness refer to working Days, and not calendar Days. It should be noted that the day count is conditional on various factors, explained below, and does not include time spent waiting for the documents, fees, forms and applications the Department requires to provide the service.

1. The count begins once TCCA employees have received all pertinent documents and all applicable fees. A response or approval will be delayed if the documents required, including documents required for cross-checking, are not received. It is important for clients to understand that all documentation that is submitted in support of a requested service must be technically accurate and in compliance with the regulatory requirements of the submission being made. If these conditions are not met, the submission will be returned to the client for correction. It is beyond the scope of TCCA to provide quality assurance services to the industry.
    
2. The count restarts at zero each time a new submission is made.
    
3. Minimum time required assumes a normal workload, the absence of delays related to special industry and other events, and the availability of sufficient human resources. When TCCA is unable to meet a maximum service level, clients and applicants will be advised as soon as possible following the initial request. The minimum service levels indicated assume the absence of any delays in coordinating with the other sections and divisions.