Our Guidance on the transfer and surrender of supplemental type certificates

Ask any operator, lessor or owner who has lived through trying to get assistance for a no longer supported Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), and you’ll hear about the incredible challenges they faced. Orphan STCs, as they are known, present significant obstacles for these stakeholders and the aviation industry in general. Particularly daunting is the resulting increased risk.

Design Authority Holders (DAH) may be unable to continue supporting an STC for any number of reasons. Unfortunately, such situations can leave operators and owners unaware, unprepared and at risk. Managing the risk around Orphan STCs is complicated, but we want to protect STCs, so we have refined our position on this critical topic. Our principal goal is working towards solutions that will help operators avoid such situations.

 

IAMA-Endorsed STCs and Our Members’ Commitment

IAMA members commit to not abandoning IAMA-endorsed STCs. Instead, with IAMA’s help, they will make a reasonable effort to transfer the STC to another DAH in a timely and orderly manner. The essential point here is to ensure the STC’s continued support, which helps reduce the risk for the aircraft owner, operator and lessor.

In the manner of dedicated leadership, we are also pledging to help reduce the risk for the aviation industry. For our part, IAMA commits to supporting affected operators and owners should an IAMA endorsed STC require surrendering. We have developed a seven-step process and a detailed task list to accomplish the transfer.

Ensuring a Lucrative Transfer

Unsurprisingly, we recommend strong lines of communication across all stakeholders along with a well-developed and executed plan. These are the essential ingredients for a successful transfer. DAHs are responsible for supporting their Supplemental Type Certificates, but in an unavoidable situation of surrender or transfer, we feel the guidance is an invaluable tool. From developing a communications strategy to understanding all the elements needed for this type of exercise, we want to offer IAMA members structured advice.