Appendix C - Levels of Service Variables and Priorities
C.1 Variables
In general, certification projects are managed in accordance with a certification plan agreed between Transport Canada and the applicant (reference AC 500-15).
The time required for the certification of an aeronautical product is a function of the technical and administrative complexity of the design project. For example, the following are some of the variables that influence project duration:
- The quality and volume of required project documentation submitted to Transport Canada;
- The number of parties involved (other regions, regulatory authorities, contractors and sub-contractors, etc.);
- The time of year;
- Novel and unusual designs elements in the product; and
- 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 Transport Canada 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:
- Every effort should be made to provide Transport Canada with advance notice of impending certification programs, and to complete development testing prior to beginning Transport Canada certification phase of a design project.
- Acquiring the early support of a qualified Transport Canada delegate is encouraged. Projects submitted without delegate support will receive the lowest priority as noted below.
- Certificate applicants must consider that in advance of certification tests requiring Transport Canada witnessing, test plans must be provided and be approved, and conformity must completed in accordance with AN No. B043 prior to the conduct of the Transport Canada conformity and certification tests.
C.2 Assignment of Project Priority
Within the following categories, projects will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Transport Canada 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.
- Given the potential significant impact of project delays both on the traveling 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 Transport Canada 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 Transport Canada 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 Transport Canada in providing all clients the best possible service.