Compliance
Section 02: Regulatory Vocabulary
Definition
In the context of type certification, compliance refers to the demonstration that a type design meets the applicable airworthiness requirements (regulations). Compliance is shown through analysis, tests, inspections, and other approved methods, and is documented in compliance reports and substantiation data. A finding of compliance means the authority (or its delegate) has determined that the design satisfies the specific regulatory requirement. The entire purpose of the type certification process is to achieve compliance findings for every applicable regulation in the certification basis.
Where This Shows Up
Compliance is a design-level concept: does the design meet the regulatory requirement? This is distinct from conformance, which is a production-level concept: does the produced article match the approved design? Both must be satisfied for an airworthiness certificate to be issued.
Primary Sources
FAA requirement that the type design must comply with applicable airworthiness requirements.
Related Terms
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