Data Submittals and Data Management
Section 04: Certification Process Mechanics
Definition
The formal submission of compliance documentation, engineering data, test reports, analyses, and other technical information from the applicant to the certifying authority for review, evaluation, and acceptance. Data submittals follow the plan agreed in the certification plan and compliance checklist. Data management encompasses the systems and processes used by both the applicant and the authority to track, control, version, and archive all certification data throughout the project lifecycle. Proper data management ensures traceability and configuration control of the approved type design data.
Where This Shows Up
The volume of certification data on a major TC program can be enormous — thousands of documents, drawings, test reports, and analyses. The data submittal schedule is a key element of the certification plan and directly affects project timeline. Late or incomplete submittals are a common source of certification project delays.
Primary Sources
FAA procedures for managing data submittals during certification projects.
Related Terms
Need help navigating certification?
Understanding the terminology is the first step. If you need expert guidance on DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754B, or any aspect of FAA, EASA, or TCCA certification, our team is here to help.