Advisory Circular (AC)

The purpose of this Advisory Circular (AC) is to provide information on procedures for persons who request a delegation of authority under Chapter 505, Subchapter C of the Airworthiness Manual (AWM). It is intended to assist applicants who request a delegation of authority, and detail the responsibilities of Design Approval Representatives. This advisory references the applicable sections of the AWM 505C in parenthesis.

1.2 Guidance Applicability

This document is applicable to all Transport Canada personnel, delegates and industry.

1.3 Description of Changes

This document, formerly AMA No. 505C/1, is reissued as an AC. With the exception of minor editorial changes the content is unaltered.

1.4 Termination

This document does not have a terminating action. It will however, be reviewed periodically for suitability of content.

2.0 References

2.1 Reference Document

It is intended that the following reference material be used in conjunction with this document:

Chapter 505, Subchapter C, of the Airworthiness Manual (AWM) - Delegation Of Authority.

2.2 Cancelled Document

As of the effective date of this document, AMA No. 505C/1 dated 30 October 2002 is cancelled.

3.0 Background

Subsection 4.3(1) of the Aeronautics Act sets out the Minister's authority to delegate certain powers, duties and functions and further permits the Minister to specify any restrictions or limitations on such delegation. The general restrictions or limitations applicable to each external delegation of authority are contained in the appropriate subchapter of the AWM, Chapter 505.

The minister has delegated to the Chief, Flight Test, the Chief, Engineering and their superiors the authority to delegate to a Design Approval Representative (DAR) and a corporation having a Design Approval Organization (DAO) or an Airworthiness Engineering Organization (AEO).

The specific functions, which may be delegated, are included in subsection 214(1) of the Air Regulations and particular Air Navigation Orders.

DARs, Design Approval Organizations (DAOs) and Airworthiness Engineering Organizations (AEOs) may work in conjunction provided the method of operation appears in the appropriate approved Engineering Procedures Manuals (EPM).

4.0 Applicability

This advisory material is intended to be used by applicants who wish to obtain a delegation as a Design Approval Representative (DAR).

5.0 General (505.201)

This advisory material is intended to provide guidance for applicants and to provide information on the individual paragraphs of AWM 505, Subchapter C as follows:

(a) This advisory contains information on the conditions and procedures whereby an individual may obtain a delegation of authority to perform the functions of a Design Approval Representative (DAR);

(b) Refer to AWM 505.201(b) for definition of applicable terms;

(c) Under the delegation provisions of the Aeronautics Act, the Minister may delegate the authority to find that an aeronautical product design, or parts thereof, conform to airworthiness standards. Therefore the delegated approval authority for a DAR may include, within defined limits:

(i) the design approval of aeronautical products; and

(ii) the design approval of repairs and modifications to previously approved aeronautical products,

(d) A DAR may be authorized to make findings of conformance with airworthiness standards as required to determine that an aeronautical product design is eligible for a type approval.

The nature and the scope of the delegation of authority exercised on behalf of the Minister are defined in the letter of appointment issued to each delegate (DAR) and in the approved DAR's Engineering Procedures Manual (EPM). The delegated authority is specifically tailored to match the individual's area of expertise and field of operation, including category and type of aircraft (e.g. transport, fixed wing, rotary wing etc.). The person who has a delegated authority may establish and record the compliance of the design with pertinent regulatory requirements.

The manner in which the delegated authority is implemented will be specified by TCA when approving compliance programs, Engineering Procedures Manuals, test programs, and issuing approval numbers or otherwise indicating that a DAR proposed action will result in regulatory compliance.

The appointment of a DAR has been authorized in the following specialties: Structures, Powerplants, Systems and Equipment, Flight Test and General. Additional specialties may be assigned by the Director of the Airworthiness Branch. One means of defining the DAR's delegation is shown in the matrix charts (examples in Appendix 1) Other means such as specifying applicable Canadian Standards, FARs or ATA codes by paragraph and sub-paragraph may also be acceptable.

6.0 Eligibility (505.203)

To be eligible for a delegation of authority as a Design Approval Representative (DAR), all applicants should meet the standards for eligibility, qualifications and experience set out in the AWM Chapter 505, Subchapter C, paragraph 505.203. There is a provision that the Minister may determine and accept equivalent education or experience or both.

7.0 Application (505.205)

Each applicant, including self-employed individuals, may apply in writing directly to the Director of Airworthiness Branch or the Regional Director Airworthiness for a delegation of authority. Individuals may make an application to become a DAR for private purposes while in the employ of a company. Such individuals may provide a service in their specialty to an organization engaged in the design or manufacture of aeronautical products or the operation of aircraft including repair and overhaul of aircraft, engines, propellers, aircraft components or appliances.

A DAR whose application is limited to Repair and Overhaul is not normally delegated the authority to approve substantiating material related to Type Approval (TA) or Supplementary Type Approval (STA) programs. Such matters will be referred to TCA for approval of specific delegation limits in a compliance program prior to any TA or STA program. TCA will specify the limitations as a condition for approval.

The application should contain the following information as a minimum:

(a) Up-to-date resumes and work experience and all information necessary for confirming the qualifications and eligibility required by AWM 505C;

(b) Specific definition of the type of aeronautical products, scope of the delegation requested and TCA policies and procedures related to the authority to be delegated, ie, the applicant's specialty;

(d) A compliance checklist showing that each paragraph in AWM 505C has been addressed.

Part of the application review process may include an interview and briefing with the Director of Airworthiness Branch or an authorized representative.

8.0 Engineering Procedures Manual (505.207)

Each applicant should submit to the Minister an Engineering Procedures Manual (EPM) for approval prior to being appointed as a DAR. The EPM should be prepared in accordance with the AWM Subchapter 505 "C", paragraph 505.207. All sub-paragraphs prescribed therein should be addressed as follows:

(a) The EPM should contain the name and address of the ordinary place of business of the applicant;

(b) A statement, defining the purpose of the Engineering Procedures Manual, and containing the applicant's understanding of the relationship between the Manual content and the performance of his/her delegated functions;

(i) has the resources required for effective performance of the DAR delegated duties requested; and

(ii) will remain knowledgeable in his/her specialty and the applicable airworthiness standards, policies and procedures,

(d) The procedures, which are used to fulfil DAR functions and responsibilities, should include, where applicable, the DAR's procedure for:

(i) using and completing the TCA form AE-100. (ref. appendix 2);

(ii) specifying the occasions when TCA will be contacted or consulted;

(iii) using a procedure, acceptable to the Region in which the DAR is located, for obtaining approval numbers or completing compliance programs;

(iv) processing non-delegated data and specifying a time period for submitting data;

(v) showing his/her approval (i.e. by signature, DAR number or stamp, etc.) and what documents are involved;

(vi) co-ordinating with TCA and approving test programs;

(vii) approving the airworthiness content of service bulletins;

(viii) issuing final approvals including LSTAs and RDAs;

(ix) co-ordinating multiple DAR projects;

(x) using other professional engineers or specialists;

(xi) specifying the flight test requirements;

(xii) working with other DARs, Airworthiness Engineering Organizations (AEO) or Design Approval Organizations (DAO);

(xiii) specifying the delegated functions i.e. by matrix chart, ATAs numbers, AWM Chapters, paragraphs and subparagraphs;

(xiv) stating alternate means where applicable to the allowable paragraphs of AWM 513; and

(xv) describing the drawing or configuration control system or both, as well as the system revision control procedures and other airworthiness procedures that determine the adequacy of the data approved.

(e) The Engineering Procedures Manual should include a description of the record keeping system used to ensure all exercises of delegation are traceable and accountable;

(f) The name, title (delegate number) and specimen signature of the DAR should be provided in the Engineering Procedures Manual. The reason for specimen signatures and assigning delegate numbers is to establish the validity of the approved data for inspection conformity purposes and in some cases for foreign authority confirmation;

(g) A system describing the procedures used to control revisions to the Engineering Procedures Manual should be included;

(h) A sample revision page of the Engineering Procedures Manual should be included. This revision page will record each revised item, page, date and a signature signifying approval of the changes by TCA; and

(i) Any other information, which, in the opinion of the Minister, is necessary. For instance, a listing of library technical documents or a library, or both, to which access is applicable and used.

9.0 Authorization (505.211)

When an application for DAR delegation is found to be satisfactory, TCCA may issue a letter of appointment and an approval document which may be displayed in a prominent location at the DAR's normal place of business. A card, identifying the holder as being a DAR and indicating his/her name, identification number and specialty may also be issued.

The letter of appointment will be issued, to authorize the delegation and the effective date, to contain the conditions and to approve the Engineering Procedures Manual (EPM) which, defines the scope and limitations of the delegation.

10.0 Privileges (505.213)

The following privileges are applicable to DARs in the specialties shown below. Other privileges may be specified as necessary by TCA when issuing approval numbers, approving compliance programs or Engineering Procedures Manuals.

(a) DAR (Structures) - may be delegated the authority to approve structural (including dynamics and aeroelastics) engineering reports, drawings, drawing lists, data relating to strength, materials and processes used and other related structural applications. The following items are normally retained for TCA approval, unless specifically delegated:

(i) basic loads analysis;

(ii) test programs;

(iii) airframe fatigue and damage tolerance;

(iv) discrete source damage; and

(v) loads predicted by aerodynamic analysis.

However, loads whose magnitude is defined in the airworthiness requirements, such as emergency landing inertia loads, control system pilot effort applied loads and any other loads so defined in the requirements may be considered delegated.

(b) DAR (Powerplants) - Due to the wide range and complexity of the components, systems and accessories involved in "powerplant", the following is applicable in the sub-categories of powerplant:

(i) DAR Powerplant - (Powerplant Installation) - may be delegated the authority to approve engineering reports, drawings and data relating to durability, materials and processes employed in the powerplant installations, including all systems and equipment necessary for the proper operation of the powerplant.

(ii) DAR Powerplant - (Engine) - may be delegated the authority to approve engineering reports, drawings and data relating to durability, materials and processes employed in engine design, operation and maintenance.

(iii)DAR Powerplant - (Propeller) - may be delegated the authority to approve engineering reports, drawings and data relating to durability, materials and processes employed in propeller design, operation and maintenance.

The following items are normally retained for TCA approval, unless specifically delegated:

1) engine or propeller type test programs;

2) engine or powerplant icing test programs;

3) engine mounts; and

4) items such as installed engine power calculations which require joint flight analyst and powerplant approval.

(c) DAR (System and Equipment) - may be delegated the authority to approve engineering reports, drawings and data relating to aircraft mechanical and hydraulic and other systems and avionics electrical systems and equipment (including any aspect not identified by other specialties). System and Equipment can be sub-divided in three (3) specialized areas as below:

(i) DAR System and Equipment - (Mechanical)

(ii) DAR System and Equipment - (Electrical)

(iii) DAR System and Equipment - (Avionics)

Review and approval of analysis of fault conditions in critical systems are not normally delegated.

(d) DAR (Flight Test) - has two primary subdivisions namely a Flight Analyst and Test Pilot:

(i) A DAR Flight Analyst may be delegated the authority to make findings of compliance with applicable flight requirements and any other applicable requirement dealing with the disciplines of Performance, Flight Characteristics or System Performance (excluding design analysis).

A DAR Flight Analyst is responsible for ensuring that adequate flight tests are carried out and for the proper review and analysis of flight test data necessary to make findings of compliance. In addition, the DAR Flight Analyst (Performance) is normally responsible for recommending approval of Airplane Flight Manual performance data but overall responsibility for AFM approvals is retained by Transport Canada Aviation.

(ii) A DAR Test Pilot may be delegated the authority to make findings of compliance with any requirement, or applicable part of any requirement, requiring a subjective assessment of:

1) level of skill;

2) consistent operation;

3) ease of operation;

4) crew procedure;

5) crew workload;

6) inadvertent operation;

7) continued safe flight and landing;

8) any other aspect requiring pilot judgement.

A DAR Test Pilot may also be delegated the authority to make findings of compliance with quantitative as well as qualitative aspects of flight characteristic requirements.

The DAR Test Pilot is responsible for the proper conduct of all flight tests necessary to make these findings of compliance. In addition, the DAR Test Pilot is responsible for evaluating and recommending approval of procedures included in the Airplane Flight Manual but overall responsibility for AFM approval is retained by Transport Canada Aviation.

(e) DAR (General) - for rotary wing aircraft, 6000 pounds or less and for piston powered fixed wing aircraft, 12,500 pounds or less, unpressurized, may be delegated the authority to approve engineering reports, drawings and data relating to the structures, powerplants, systems and equipment. The general descriptions outlined above for DAR Structures, Powerplants (except engines and propellers) and Systems and Equipment apply.

Rotary wing dynamic component delegations will normally require specialist qualifications or will be noted as exclusion to a General delegation. Specific additional delegation is required for approvals on Transport Category and pressurized aircraft or where other specialist knowledge is deemed essential to the approval.

(f) Overlapping Privileges - Primary responsibility for the handling of specific components in an aircraft is considered to rest with the DAR concerned with the basic function which the particular component is intended to accomplish. A clear demarcation of responsibility is not always possible and the following is intended to assist in clarifying the responsibilities of the respective DARs in those areas where their functions may overlap.

(i) Structures and Powerplant - Structures DARs are responsible for approving the structural strength of the complete aircraft with the exception of the structural aspects of the powerplant. Powerplant DARs are responsible for approving the complete powerplant, including engine installation and propeller installation, if applicable, and the associated systems, including combustion heaters and auxiliary powerplants.

(ii) Mechanical, Hydraulic, Avionic and Electrical Systems - Primary responsibility for approval of mechanical, hydraulic, avionic and electrical systems lies with the Systems and Equipment DAR. The powerplant DAR is responsible for performance specifications and installation for those components provided primarily for powerplant purposes. In such cases, all airworthiness standards for systems have to be considered and the concurrence of more than one system specialist may be required to indicate compliance. The structures DAR are responsible for the structural strength aspects of these systems.

(iii) Flight Test - Test Pilot DARs are responsible for the conduct of all flight tests and for determining compliance with all applicable airworthiness requirements pertaining to flight and system characteristics. Where flight tests are related to engineering aspects such as avionics, systems or powerplant matters, the final decision as to acceptability of an item will usually rest with the applicable engineering delegate, particularly when the decision is quantitative in nature (e.g., flight loads in structural flight tests, electrical loads, maximum engine temperatures, etc.). In such cases the test pilot DAR will report the results of the test adding any pertinent qualitative comments. However, when the final decision is one, which requires a qualitative evaluation, it will rest with the test pilot delegate. Examples include the proper control and functioning of powerplant, avionic or mechanical systems or requirements dealing with findings of pilot skill, strength or the ability of a pilot to distinguish warnings or assess other flight deck design features. In some cases where proper functioning can include quantitative as well as qualitative judgements, responsibility may be shared with other DARs. Test pilot DARs are also normally responsible for judgements involving the determination of continued safe flight and landing following failure conditions when such a determination requires flight test, simulator test or similar analysis.

(iv) Heating, Ventilation and Pressurization - Systems and Equipment DARs have the primary responsibility for approving these systems. However powerplant DARs are involved when the heat source is a combustion heater, exhaust or a cabin compressor, which might be driven by an engine power source including engine bleed air. The structures DAR are responsible for the structural strength aspects of these systems.

(v) Powerplant Instrumentss - Systems and Equipment DARs are responsible for approving powerplant instruments, their installations and associated parts. Powerplant DARs have the responsibility for determining that the powerplant instrumentation meets design requirements and also that the installation is acceptable and meets requirements applicable to Powerplants.

(vi) Fire Protectionon - In the handling of aircraft fire prevention, problems associated with powerplants, combustion heaters, and auxiliary powerplants are considered to be powerplant DAR responsibilities. Consideration of possible damage powerplant fires may cause to the other aircraft structures and components are of direct interest to the structures DAR. Where fuselage fire protection requires utilization of fire extinguishing equipment, which is part of the engine protection system, the primary responsibility for the extinguisher lies with the powerplant DAR, and those phases of the system approval relating to protection of the fuselage and cargo compartments are the responsibility of the Structures and Systems and Equipment DARs. Structures will evaluate such systems from the standpoint of structural damage by exposure to the heat of other fires. Fire extinguisher agent toxicity and contamination of ventilation are systems and equipment responsibilities.

(vii) Emergency Provisionsons - Compliance findings other than those associated with operational suitability and crew workload will normally be the responsibility of the Systems and Equipment (Mechanical) DAR.

(viii) Miscellaneous Components - Certain other aircraft systems and components, outside the engine zone, are primarily the powerplant DAR responsibility. Examples are fuel and oil systems, powerplant controls, powerplant fire protection equipment, combustion heaters, auxiliary powerplants, and all other components provided primarily for the benefit of the powerplant.

The structural strength of engine mounts and cowlings are primarily the responsibility of the structures DAR.

(ix) Helicopters - The Structures DAR is responsible for the fatigue and flutter of rotors, rotor hubs, and controls. In certain instances, the flight strain program, which is an integral part of the fatigue evaluation, would be co-ordinated with the Test Pilot and Flight Analyst DARs.
Typical problems in this area involve the determination of the abruptness of control inputs and response characteristics.

The Powerplant DAR is responsible for the endurance testing and design evaluation of the transmission and drive systems.

For vibration analysis purposes, it is necessary to consider the engine, with its accessories attached, as a part of the complete drive system in order to evaluate the effect of the engine vibrational characteristics on other parts of the drive system, and, conversely, the effect of other parts of the drive system on the engine vibrational characteristics. Similarly, it may be that a condition of considerable vibration in rotors can be traced to the drive system. Close coordination between powerplant and structures delegates with respect to vibration characteristics of the rotors and drive systems is necessary to ensure proper evaluation.

11.0 Limitations Of Privileges (505.215)

The limitations of privileges for a DAR are as follows:

(a) A DAR may approve only the data of his/her specialty as limited by the approved Engineering Procedures Manual. The means of identifying and recording a DAR approved design will be as described in AWM 511, 513 or an equivalent accounting system detailed in a TCA approved Engineering Procedures Manual.

(b) A DAR is not normally authorized to issue Type Approvals or Supplemental Type Approvals. However, a DAR may approve data leading to the issue of a Type Approval or a Supplemental Type Approval under procedures approved by TCA (Ref: AWM 511 and 513). The method of issuing Limited Supplemental Type Approvals and Repair Design Approvals may be described in the EPM. The functions that will not normally be delegated include, but are not limited to, the technical data for the establishment of or changes to:

(i) an aircraft flight manual or flight manual supplement;

(ii) a master minimum equipment list (MMEL) or MMEL supplement;

(iii) limitations recorded in the type approval or supplemental type approval;

(iv) airworthiness limitations section in the aircraft Maintenance Manual including damage tolerance, where applicable, and life limited parts of an aeronautical product; and

(v) mandatory maintenance certification intervals.

(d) Special limitations may apply to each DAR as detailed in the DAR's applicable Engineering Procedures Manual.

(e) The privileges of a DAR are not transferable and cannot be further delegated.

A person delegated in accordance with 505B, 505C or 505E may not use that delegation to approve or issue, sign or otherwise authorize a maintenance or inspection document for the purpose of releasing or returning an aeronautical product to operational service.

12.0 Responsibilities (505.217)

The responsibilities of a DAR are as follows:

(a) A DAR may perform functions only within the specialty as described in the approved Engineering Procedures Manual.

(b) A DAR is responsible, within defined limits, for:

(i) ensuring that the design data which has been examined is complete and accurate and complies with the pertinent airworthiness standards, policies and procedures. A DAR should be satisfied that approved specifications, allowables and established analytical and test methods have been used. He/she should ensure the validity of the assumptions and accuracy of the calculations;

(ii) assuring that all the non-delegated engineering reports and other pertinent data are forwarded to TCA in sufficient time for review by TCA prior to the anticipated date of issue of an approval. In addition the DAR is responsible for coordination of these functions with TCA;

(iii) obtaining concurrence with flight test programs in advance from TCA. A DAR should detail a procedure in the EPM for obtaining TCA concurrence with flight test programs by other specialists, such as a DAR flight analyst or Test Pilot;

(iv) indicating the method of compliance with each item of the pertinent airworthiness standards in a proposed compliance program or in a procedure described in an approved Engineering Procedures Manual. TCA will determine whether the compliance program or proposed procedure will result in compliance with all pertinent requirements when completed;

(v) ensuring that the division of responsibilities between DARs and the extent of sharing of responsibilities in the compliance program had been agreed to by all DARs involved as would be signified by their signatures on a AE-100 Statement of Compliance (SOC);

(vi) reviewing data relating to items retained for TCA approval and providing a recommendation with respect to approval prior to submission to TCA. The extent of DAR review should be essentially the same for a recommendation as for an approval;

(vii) reviewing the Flight and Maintenance Manuals which are affected by their approval of a design, to ensure that the aeronautical products' operating limitations, procedures and performance as well as adequate inspection and maintenance procedures have been provided for the manuals in accordance with the relevant design requirements;

(viii) coordinating with TCA with respect to the conduct and witnessing of the overall test programs such as static, ground vibration, fatigue, damage tolerance, powerplant, system operation, equipment or flight test programs. The DAR may be requested and authorized by TCA to witness such tests. The DAR will then investigate and determine the acceptability of the testing procedures utilized in such tests. The DAR will be responsible for forwarding copies of the test results to TCA if required or requested. The DAR should also advise TCA of those materials, components, parts and systems upon which special inspections and further tests should be made;

(ix) approving production and service changes to an approved aeronautical product provided the DAR determines that the product, when modified, continues to comply with the applicable airworthiness standards. The extent and effect of modifications will be discussed with TCA to determine whether the original design requirements (basic load criteria, test results, etc.) still apply, whether the original Type Approval Basis will be affected and whether additional testing or ground inspections are necessary;

(x) approving when required, the technical content of manufactures' service bulletins issued to accomplish modifications in the field, covering those aspects which fall within the approved Engineering Procedures Manual applicable to the DAR's specialty. The extent of the DAR approval should be shown on the service bulletin for the benefit of owners and operators, for example ("Structural Aspects only approved" by TCA Structures Design Approval Representative). When the changes covered by the service bulletins have been requested by TCA or are to be the subject of Airworthiness Directives, the DAR should submit his/her comments and recommendations to TCA;

(xi) consulting with TCA whenever any question arises regarding regulatory interpretation, unconventional materials and processes. The DAR will inform TCA regarding procedures or special tests or both or investigations considered necessary by the DAR when allowables, not previously approved, non- standard analytical and test methods, have been utilized in the technical data.

(i) "approval of design" means that the DAR is completely satisfied that the design is in compliance with airworthiness standards including all applicable standards or regulations detailed in a compliance program. A DAR may decline the approval of any or all of the design data and may forward it to the Director of Airworthiness Branch or Regional Director (RDA) Airworthiness for approval. However, in such instances, the DAR should give the reasons for not approving the design data;

(ii) a DAR may use other persons to accomplish the evaluation of the design data or the witnessing of tests, however, the DAR accepts the responsibility for the approval of the data as complying with relevant airworthiness standards, policies and procedures;

(iii) where a DAR determines that the design data (engineering reports, drawings, tests, etc.) examined by him/her comply with all pertinent requirements, the DAR will report to TCA on TCA Form AE-100. TCA Form AE-100 (example in Appendix 2) should indicate the exact extent of the DAR's approval. It should contain references to all data covered by the approval including but not limited to report numbers, drawing numbers, test procedures and test results. Only data or tests that have a regulatory basis may be considered. Data the DAR can not or chooses not to approve should be indicated by a separate listing with a notation, "TCA approval required". If the listing of the data submitted for TCA approval is voluminous, a statement clearly indicating the extent of approval or non-approval is required, for example "Structural aspects only approved" - "No approval of electrical data". TCA standards and regulations to be used as reference should be listed by AWM Chapter, subchapter and paragraph, either on TCA Form AE-100 or be referenced to a compliance check list;

(iv) where an item of technical data involves more than one DAR, all DARs involved should sign TCA Form AE-100 in order to indicate the total extent of delegate approval. TCA Form AE-100 format may be extended to accommodate multiple DAR compliance statements. A responsibility centre will be established, with T.C. concurrence, to coordinate multiple DAR inputs to ensure complete compliance;

(v) TCA office (Headquarters or Regional) supervising a particular project is always the recipient of the original of the completed TCA Form AE-100. The DAR may make and distribute copies of the form but the original is given to TCA. TCA will maintain a permanent record file of AE-100's originated by a DAR by DAR number;

(vi) upon receipt of an approval number issued by TCA for use on the AE-100 form, the DAR may issue a letter notifying the applicant that the design data was approved and that compliance was recorded on TCA Form AE-100. The means of indicating final design approval will be described in the DAR's Engineering Procedures Manual;

(vii) the DAR is authorized to record compliance approval of technical data by his/her signature and identification number on TCA Form AE-100, Statement of Compliance with Canadian Airworthiness Standards. A DAR may not use the identification number when signing non-regulatory company or personal reports, drawings, service documents or letters, so that it is clearly understood that such a signature is not a TCA approval. The means of recording the approval of a final design configuration by a DAR may be by proper use of TCA Form AE-100 in conjunction with approval procedures described in AWM 511, 513 or an approved Engineering Procedures Manual;

Note:

The procedures in 511 lead to issue of a type approval and the procedures in 513 lead to the issue of a supplemental type approval, a limited supplemental type approval or a repair design approval.

(viii) a DAR providing a service to repair or overhaul organizations may approve engineering reports, drawings and data related to materials, procedures and processes employed in the repair and overhaul of aeronautical products as limited in the DAR's delegated authority. The materials, procedures or processes must be shown to be equivalent to those specified in the approved and accepted documentation of the original manufacturer for the product. The DAR should ensure that the use of such materials, procedures and processes meets the original equipment manufacturer's requirements and is in compliance with pertinent airworthiness standards. Where an equivalence of materials, procedures and processes is claimed, the DAR should be accountable for ensuring that all the work is complete and accurate using accepted engineering practices and principles, standard analytical or test methods;

(ix) the Director of Airworthiness Branch has the delegated authority for Type Approval (TA) of aircraft, engines, propellers and appliances (refer to Chapter 511 of AWM, Procedures For Obtaining Type Approvals). The Regional Director Airworthiness has the delegated authority for the issuance of Supplemental Type Approval (STA), Limited Supplemental Type Approval (LSTA) and Repair Design Approval (RDA) (refer to Chapter 513 of AWM, Procedures For Obtaining Approvals For Modifications or Repairs). Upon receipt of an application for Type Approval, a Headquarters Representative (or Regional Office in the case of an STA) will discuss Type Approval Board procedures (refer to Chapter 511 of AWM) with the applicant and the DAR. The DAR or TCA will arrange for meetings to discuss problems, progress status of the project, etc. The DAR will be advised of the particular standards, policies and procedures which will apply to the project. The DAR should not assume an interpretation of the requirements when more than one significant conflicting interpretation is possible, but TCA interpretation should be sought;

(x) an approval can be accomplished with one document (TA) or many individual documents whose compatibility has been assured (TA + STA + LSTA/RDA), all of which require a Statement of Compliance prior to approval.

Where TCA Form AE-100, Statement of Compliance, is to be used as an instrument notifying design approval as well as indicating compliance, it must include the following:

1) reference to the approved data which is to be used for a conformity inspection;

2) where appropriate, a reference to the TCA approved flight manual supplement;

3) the record of a finding of compliance, identify the basis for the finding and the authority of the person making the finding;

4) the configuration of and, where appropriate, the configuration control for the approved product;

5) a clear indication of the specific aeronautical product for which the design change is eligible;

6) identification of the limitations or change to limitations applicable to the product; and

7) instructions, where appropriate, for continued airworthiness of the product;

(xi) approval of the document in which the configuration is described will be by signature, stamp or both, where these have been authorized in the DAR's engineering procedures manual;

(xii) a DAR may be required to carry out an engineering review for the purpose of:

1) establishing that test article configurations represent those required by engineering prior to test;

2) establishing that a prototype aircraft or product conforms to the engineering data and has no apparent unsafe features from the engineering review prior to the final type board meeting for the design approval.

(xiii) Where more than one DAR or Regional office is involved in an approval project TCA may establish a airworthiness control centre for co-ordinating the activities on the project. The number of delegates involved in the project will vary depending upon the design or operational activity. One person, nominated by the delegates and acceptable to TCA, will assume responsibility for formal communication with TCA but this does not preclude other delegates from liaising with their TCA counterparts;

(xiv) Where a DAR participates in the activities of an Approved Engineering Organization (AEO) or Design Approval Organization (DAO) the provisions of 505.109(c) or 505.409(c) apply. The limitations as approved in the DAR's EPM should not conflict with the criteria for selecting participating personnel as contained in the EPM of the AEO or DAO. Please note that while the DAR may make findings of compliance with standards of airworthiness within his speciality the AEO or DAO retains responsibility for the approval of the overall design of or design change to the aeronautical product;

(xv) Periodically, based on the DAR's performance record, TCA Regional Office may sample and review the support data used for the approved design changes on the DAR's airworthiness compliance sheets (TCA Form AE-100) or Regional approval numbers. The relevant compliance programs, technical data, reports, and files will be made available by the DAR for audit purposes. Upon selection of the design changes for the audit, the audit process should be completed within a specified time (usually one week). The TCA audit will provide an independent check and will be conducted by the Regional Office or an appointed representative. The audit will check for;

1) acceptable completeness and accuracy of technical reports, showing compliance with airworthiness standards;

2) complete coverage of airworthiness standards appropriate to the design change;

3) encroachment beyond the authorized functions that have been delegated to the Design Approval Representative;

4) airworthiness-related dispositions such as material substitution, and process change to ensure that airworthiness compliance has been maintained.

The above concepts should be incorporated into the applicant's EPM to show the audit procedures that he/she will have in place.

(d) All compliance records used in making approvals should be made available to the Minister upon request.

(e) A DAR may be required to attend meetings with TCCAas the Minister may arrange.

(f) A DAR should have a listing of library documents including properly amended and up to date legislation, standards, advisories and related technical literature appropriate to the delegated functions or has access to the above mentioned documents. (TCCAlibrary may be included)

(g) Administrative or procedural changes to the DAR's method of operation which do not have a direct effect on the ability to perform the authorized functions may be implemented providing TCA is notified within seven (7) days. The EPM submission will be required for approval. Limitations, or changes to the scope of delegation, require prior approval by TCA before they can be implemented.

(h) The Minister may inspect the DAR's facilities and the compliance records which are prescribed in AWM 505.221.

13.0 Records (505.221)

A DAR is responsible for maintaining complete files of all supporting data for approvals, which were completed unless specified otherwise by the Minister. These data should be available to TCA and should be transferred to TCA in the event that an individual ceases to be a DAR.

A DAR will forward to TCA, the technical data in conjunction with the Statements of Compliance and TCA Form AE-100, unless otherwise directed by TCA or a procedure in the approved Engineering Procedures Manual provides an alternate process.

A DAR may use a stamp as approved in his EPM to indicate that drawings, reports, test data, etc. are part of the approved data. It should contain the inscription "TCA/DAR approved", the DAR number and space for the date and DAR signature. Otherwise, the information may be typed or written on the approved data. The final design data approval may be recorded on TCA Form AE-100.

Variations of this form are permitted provided that, as a minimum, the same basic data is presented and the method of use and a sample form are shown in the approved Engineering Procedures Manual.

14.0 Change To Authorization (505.223)

A DAR's status will be reviewed by TCA at an interval not greater than five (5) years to ensure that the substantiation for the delegation remains valid.

Upon request, a DAR could be authorized to perform additional functions where qualified. Where this change to authorization is requested through a Regional Director Airworthiness, the request for change will be forwarded to TCA headquarters Airworthiness Branch Engineering with a proposed revision to the DAR's EPM describing the new functions.

Delegations are justified as a means of accomplishing Ministerial objectives, the functions, which a DAR is authorized to perform, may be decreased or cancelled if these objectives are no longer met or required.

Any change in the conditions of the delegation of a DAR should be communicated to TCA in accordance with AWM 505C followed immediately by a request for approval of a revision to the DAR's EPM.

15.0 Duration Of Authorization (505.225)

The delegation of authority will be for an indefinite period. It remains in effect unless the DAR requests a release or TCA withdraws the delegation. Where the DAR is inactive for a period of five years, he/she may be requested to explain why in his or her opinion the delegation should continue.

16.0 Headquarters Contact

For more information please contact:

Policy Standards Coordinator (AARDH/P)
Phone: (613) 990-3923
Facsimile: (613) 996-9178
E-mail: AARDH-P@tc.gc.ca

Original signed by Maher Khouzam

M. Khouzam
Chief, Regulatory Standards
Aircraft Certification Branch

Appendix 1 - Chart 1 - DAR Structures

Chart 2 - DAR - Powerplant
Chart 3A - DAR - Systems And Equipment (Mechanical)
Chart 3B - DAR - Systems And Equipment (Electrical)
Chart 3C- DAR - Systems And Equipment (Avionics)

Appendix 2

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