TC
TC stands for Type Certificate, which is an important approval document in aircraft manufacturing. It's like a birth certificate for an aircraft design that proves it meets all safety standards. When someone in aircraft manufacturing mentions TC, they're usually talking about either the certification process of getting this approval or working with existing approved designs. This term is essential because no aircraft can be legally manufactured or sold without a Type Certificate. You might also see it referred to as "Type Certification" or "Type Certified."
Examples in Resumes
Supported TC documentation process for new aircraft components
Managed Type Certificate compliance reviews for engine modifications
Led team responsible for TC holder obligations and continuous airworthiness
Typical job title: "Type Certification Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Type Certification Engineers
Professional Organizations
Industry Networks
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a major change to an existing Type Certificate?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain the process of managing significant design changes, including risk assessment, coordination with regulatory authorities, and ensuring compliance with certification requirements while maintaining project timelines.
Q: What experience do you have with TC holder obligations?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of continuing airworthiness responsibilities, how to handle service bulletins, airworthiness directives, and maintaining compliance over the aircraft's lifetime.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the different categories of design changes in relation to TC?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain major and minor changes, how they affect the certification process, and the different approval requirements for each type of change.
Q: What's your experience with certification documentation?
Expected Answer: Should describe experience preparing and reviewing certification documents, understanding compliance checklists, and working with regulatory authorities.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a Type Certificate and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's the basic approval document that certifies an aircraft design meets all safety standards and regulations, necessary before any aircraft can be manufactured.
Q: What are the basic components of a TC application?
Expected Answer: Should mention design drawings, test reports, safety analyses, and maintenance requirements as key elements of the certification package.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of certification processes
- Familiarity with aviation regulations
- Document control and organization
- Support role in certification projects
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing certification documentation
- Coordination with regulatory authorities
- Understanding of design changes
- Compliance verification
Senior (5+ years)
- Leading certification programs
- Strategic planning for new certifications
- Management of TC holder obligations
- Complex problem-solving in certification issues
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic aviation regulations
- Unfamiliarity with FAA or EASA processes
- Lack of experience with technical documentation
- Poor understanding of aircraft safety requirements
- No experience with compliance verification
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