Possession of the STC document does not constitute rights to the design data or installation of the modification. The STC and its supporting data (drawings, instructions, specifications, and so forth) are the property of the STC holder. You must contact the STC holder to obtain rights for the use of the STC.

The TCDS is a formal description of the aircraft, engine, or propeller. It lists limitations and information required for type certification including airspeed limits, weight limits, thrust limitations, and so forth.

TCDSs and specifications set forth essential factors and other conditions that are necessary for U.S. airworthiness certification. Aircraft, engines, and propellers that conform to a U.S. TC are eligible for U.S. airworthiness certification when found to be in a condition for safe operation and ownership requisites are fulfilled. [Figure 2-16]

TCDSs were originated and first published in January 1958. Title 14 of the CFR part 21, section 21.41 indicates they are part of the TC. As such, a TCDS is evidence the product has been type certificated. Generally, TCDSs are compiled from details supplied by the TC holder; however, the FAA may request and incorporate additional details when conditions warrant. [Figure 2-17]

Under federal law, no civil aircraft registered in the United States can operate without a valid airworthiness certificate. This certificate must be approved and issued by the FAA; and it is only issued if the aircraft and its engines, propellers, and appliances are found to be airworthy and meet the requirements of an FAA-approved TC. The FAA issues a TC when a new aircraft, engine, propeller, and so forth, is found to meet safety standards set forth by the FAA. The TCDS lists the specifications, conditions, and limitations that the airworthiness requirements were met under for the specified product, such as engine make and model, fuel type, engine limits, airspeed limits, maximum weight, minimum crew, and so forth. TCDSs are issued and revised as necessary to accommodate new models or other major changes in the certified product. TCDSs are categorized by TC holder and product type.

The FAA publishes handbooks and manuals for beginners and aviation professionals. Publications are updated periodically to reflect new FAA regulations and technical developments. Figure 2-18 shows a list of aircraft and aviation handbooks and manuals available on the FAA website ([www.faa.gov](http://www.faa.gov)).

To standardize the technical data and maintenance activities on large and therefore complex aircraft, the ATA e-Business Program has established a classification of maintenance related actions. These are arranged with sequential numbers assigned to ATA chapters. These chapters are consistent regardless of the large aircraft that is being worked on. [Figure 2-19]

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is usually the best source of information for the operation of and maintenance on a particular product. If the product is a TC’d or STC’d item, 14 CFR part 21, section 21.50 requires the holder of the design approval to provide one set of complete ICAs. Additional requirements for ICAs are specified in sections 23.1529, 25.1529, 27.1529 and 29.1529. These sections further refer the reader to 14 CFR part 23, Appendix A; part 25, Appendix H; part 27, Appendix A; and part 29, Appendix A. Regardless of the appendix referred to, the requirements in the appendix for the ICA are as follows:

The maintenance instructions must include the following data:

1