21.A.243 Design handbook and flight test operations manual

SI No. 1290/2024

(a) As part of the design management system, the design organisation must provide the CAA with a handbook that describes, directly or by cross reference:

(1) the organisation and its relevant policies, processes and procedures;

(2) the type of design work and the categories of products, parts and appliances for which the design organisation holds a design organisation approval, as identified in the terms of approval issued under point 21.A.251 (terms of approval);

(3) where relevant, the interfaces with and the control of its partners or subcontractors.

(aa) If flight tests are to be conducted, a flight test operations manual that defines the organisation’s policies and procedures in relation to flight tests must also be provided to the CAA. The flight test operations manual must include:

(1) a description of the organisation’s processes for flight tests, including any involvement by a flight test organisation in the permit to fly issuance process;

(2) crewing policy, including composition, competency, currency and flight time limitations, in accordance with Appendix XII (categories of flight tests and associated flight test crew qualifications), where applicable;

(3) procedures for the carriage of persons other than crew members and for flight test training, when applicable;

(4) a policy for risk and safety management and associated methodologies;

(5) procedures to identify the instruments and equipment that must be carried on board the aircraft;

(6) a list of documents that need to be produced for flight tests.

(b) Where any parts or appliances or any changes to the products are designed by partner organisations or subcontractors, the handbook shall include a statement of how the design organisation is able to demonstrate, for all parts and appliances, the assurance of compliance required by point 21.A.239(d)(2), and shall contain, directly or by cross-reference, descriptions and information on the design activities and organisation of those partners or subcontractors, as necessary to establish this statement.

(c) The handbook shall be amended as necessary to remain an up-to-date description of the organisation, and copies of amendments shall be supplied to the CAA.

(d) The design organisation must establish, maintain and supply to the CAA a statement of the qualifications and experience of the management staff and of other persons in the organisation who are responsible for decisions that affect airworthiness, operational suitability data and environmental protection.