new certification

[glidepath]

hey i recently built a prototype for an aircraft part (indicating and recording device) and was wondering where to go to for help on getting approval for it? its mainly electronic so do i need everything to be traceable (the internal microchips etc) or is the whole assembled unit after manufacture the only part needing traceability? if so where can i get approved microchips LED's etc as well as a box to fit them in?

[avyonx]

If you're going to get involved with certifying parts you're going to have to do a lot of reading and research especially when it comes to new designs and electronics. You're going to have to get your hands on the Advisory Circulars pertaining to what you've created. Also have a flip through what is required for DO-160. DO-160 can be found online to download but its pretty involved and a lot of it won't apply. When it comes to electronics Lightning is a big issue so pay some attention to that section. Get ready to write a lot of reports!!!! System analysis, Probable failure, general description and operation.........all of these TC will want a copy. Is there a TSO already in place for such a product??? Have a look through them to see because then you can just follow the requirements stated in the TSO. Is there software involved? If so you are going to have to also follow the DO-178B and consider many things like the safety assesment process as well as a hazard analysis.

Your question on which parts need traceability is as follows; you the designer have to create a drawing containing the Bill of marterial for every part. These can be commercial parts and following the testing stated above you are approving these parts in your assembly.

Just keep in mind once you get approval you can't actually build them until you are approved also by TC to build aeronautical products or you find someone to build it for you who operates under CAR 561.


THis is just a small portion of certification and if its your first one plan on it taking a year at least to deal with TC on this.

[glidepath]

im guessing youve been involved in this before?

[J.P.WISER]

http://www.acs-nai.com/

Call thees guys they can help it will cost you, but if your idea is a good one and will be in demand it will pay you to get the stc completed and sell the item.