Appendix J J-1 APPENDIX J. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY J.1 Aeronautical Product.
The terms “aeronautical product” or “product” used in this guidance material includes type certificated aircraft, engines, and propellers J.2 Assumptions Used for Certification.
The assumptions used for certification are the evaluations and decisions that led to the approval of the baseline product’s characteristics. Examples of the product’s baseline characteristics include, but are not limited to—
• Design methodologies, methods of compliance, and standards used to achieve compliance to the regulations making up the certification basis;
• Structural, mechanical, electrical, propulsion, aerodynamic, performance, operational, and maintenance characteristics;
• Operational and flight envelopes defining the product performance and capabilities at specified weights, speeds, altitudes, load factors, and centers of gravity;
• Crashworthiness;
• Role or mission;
• Airworthiness and operational limitations; or
• Pilot training, if necessary.
J.3 Baseline Product.
It is an aeronautical product with a specific, defined approved configuration and certification basis that the applicant proposes to change.
J.4 Certification Basis.
The applicable airworthiness requirements as established in §§ 21.17 and 21.101, as appropriate, special conditions, equivalent level of safety findings, requirements under § 21.21(b)(2), and exemptions applicable to the product to be certificated.
J.5 Design Change.
A change in the type design of an aeronautical product. In the context of this document, the terms “change,” “modification,” “design change,” and “type design change” are synonymous.
Appendix J J-2 J.6 Earlier Requirements.
The requirements in effect prior to the date of application for the change, but not prior to the existing certification basis.
J.7 Existing Certification Basis.
The requirements incorporated by reference in the type certificate of the baseline product to be changed.
J.8 Latest Requirements.
The requirements in effect on the date of application for the change.
J.9 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 regulations were applied.
J.10 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, design philosophy). Product level change is defined at the aircraft, aircraft engine, or propeller level of change.
J.11 Secondary Change.
A change that is part of a significant physical change that does not contribute materially to the level of safety. Guidance is contained in paragraph 3.10.1.4 of this AC.
J.12 Significant Change.
A change to the type certificate to the extent that it changes one or more of the following, but not to the extent to be considered a substantial change: general configuration, principles of construction, or the assumptions used for certification. The significance of the change is considered in the context of all previous relevant design changes and all related revisions to the applicable regulations. Not all product level changes are significant.
J.13 Significant Change in Area.
For aircraft excepted under § 21.101(c) only: A change in an area is significant if the general configuration or the principles of construction in that area are not retained, or the assumptions used for certification of that area do not remain valid.
Appendix J J-3 J.14 Substantial Change.
A change that is so extensive that a substantially complete investigation of compliance with the applicable regulations is required, and consequently a new type certificate is required pursuant to § 21.19.
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