Terminology

The Changed Product Rule has introduced a number of new phrases and terms:

Certification Basis - The applicable airworthiness standards as established in CAR 511.07, 511.13, and 513.07, as appropriate, Special Conditions-Airworthiness, Equivalent Level of Safety Findings, and Exemptions applicable to the product to be certificated.

Changes Where the General Configuration Is Not Retained (Significant Change to General Configuration) - A change to the general configuration at the product level that is likely to require a new model designation because of the need to distinguish the different product with other product models, e.g. performance, interchangeability of major components, etc.

Changes Where the Principles of Construction Are Not Retained (Significant Change to Principles of Construction) - A change at the product level to the materials and/or construction methods that affects the overall product's operating characteristics or inherent strength and would require extensive re-investigation to show compliance.

Changes That Invalidate the Assumptions Used for Certification (Significant Change to the Assumptions Used for Certification) - A change to the product level assumptions associated with the compliance demonstration, performance, or operating envelope that by itself is so different that the original assumptions are invalidated.

Earlier Standards - those amendments to the airworthiness standards that were in effect prior to the date of application for the change, but not prior to the existing certification basis.

Excepted Aircraft - subsection 511.13(6) and 513.07(6) of the CARs provides that an applicant for a change to the type design of an aircraft (other than rotorcraft) of a maximum weight of 2720 kg (6,000 pounds) or less, or to a non-turbine rotorcraft of a maximum weight of 1360 kg (3,000 pounds) or less, may show that the changed product complies with the standards recorded by reference in the type certificate, unless the authorities find that a change is significant in an area.

Exceptions - subsection 511.13(3) to (6) and 513.07(3) to (6) of the CARs provides for exceptions from the requirement of subsection 511.13(1) and 513.07(1) of the CARs to meet the latest regulations for design changes. Conditions are identified under which an applicant may show that the changed product complies with an earlier amendment level or with the existing certification basis and, therefore, would not be required to comply with latest requirements.

Existing Certification Basis - the airworthiness standards recorded in the Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) of the product to be changed.

Latest Standards - the amendment level of the airworthiness standards that is in effect on the date of application for the change.

Major Modification - as provided by section 101.01 of the CARs means an alteration to the type design of an aeronautical product in respect of which a type certificate has been issued that has other than a negligible effect on the weight and centre-of-gravity limits, structural strength, performance, power plant operation, flight characteristics or other qualities affecting its airworthiness or environmental characteristics.

Previous Relevant Design Changes - previous design changes, the cumulative effect of which could result in a product significantly or substantially different from the original product or model, when considered from the last time the latest standards were applied.

Product Level Change- a change or combination of changes that makes the product distinct from other models of the product (e.g. range, payload, speed). Product level change is defined at the aircraft, aircraft engine or propeller level of change.

Secondary Change - when evaluating the physical aspects of a change, it is necessary to make a distinction between the principal changes such as a fuselage plug and the secondary changes such as lengthening of the various airplane circuits because of the fuselage plug (this would also apply to additional seats, overhead bins, etc.). Secondary changes may normally be evaluated similarly to the unaffected areas; however, care should be taken to ensure that affected areas are not overlooked.

Significant Change - a product level change to the type certificate to the extent that it changes one or more of the following: general configuration; principles of construction; or the assumptions used for the certification criteria, but not to the extent to be considered a substantial change. Not all product level changes are significant.

Substantial Change - a product level design change that is so extensive that a substantially complete investigation of compliance with the applicable standards is required, and consequently a new type certificate, in accordance with CAR 511.14 or 513.14.

Unaffected Areas - subsection 511.13(4) and 513.07(4) states that it is important that the effects of the change are properly assessed. In areas not affected by the change, the applicant may use earlier regulations. The characteristics affected by the change are not only physical changes. The intent is to encompass all aspects where there is a need for re-evaluation, which is where the substantiation presented for the product being changed should be reviewed, updated or rewritten.