Type Design

Section 02: Regulatory Vocabulary

Definition

The complete technical definition of a product, including all drawings, specifications, and data that define the configuration and design features of the product, its components, and the information necessary to define the airworthiness, noise, fuel venting, and exhaust emission characteristics of the product. The type design is the 'master definition' against which all produced articles must conform. It includes the drawings and specifications necessary to define the structural strength, performance, operating limitations, and all other design attributes of the product.

Where This Shows Up

The type design is established during the type certification process and is maintained under the authority of the TC holder. All changes to the type design must be classified (minor or major) and approved or accepted through the appropriate process. The type design data is what the production system must reproduce in every manufactured article.

Primary Sources

14 CFR ยง 21.31 โ€” Type designFAA

FAA definition of what constitutes the type design for a product.

EASA Part 21, 21.A.31 โ€” Type designEASA

EASA definition of type design, largely aligned with the FAA definition.

Related Terms

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