A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is an FAA approval that authorizes a major change to an aircraft's type design — new avionics, structural modifications, interior reconfigurations, powerplant changes, or operational capability upgrades. Without a valid STC, the modification cannot be installed and the aircraft cannot return to service.
LB Aircraft Engineering manages the entire STC lifecycle: engineering analysis, certification planning, FAA coordination, ground and flight test conformity, and post-approval Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). With FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) on staff and AS9100D-certified processes, we deliver STC programs that get approved on schedule.
STC Project Management — Concept to FAA Approval
Our STC project management covers the full Part 21 Subpart E pathway:
- Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) development and FAA coordination
- Certification Basis identification — applicable 14 CFR Part 23, 25, 27, or 29 paragraphs
- Means of Compliance (MoC) selection per AC 21-40 / Order 8110.4C
- Issue Papers and Special Conditions negotiation with the responsible ACO
- Engineering data package preparation — drawings, analyses, test plans, reports
- Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) coordination and conformity inspections
- Ground and flight test support, FAA witness coordination
- STC issuance, ICA preparation, and post-approval support
Aircraft Platforms We Have Certified
Our STC portfolio covers commercial transport, business aviation, rotorcraft, military derivatives, and VIP/head-of-state aircraft:
Boeing 737 Classic & NG
Airbus A320 family
Embraer regional jets
Cessna Citation series
Gulfstream business jets
Sikorsky & Bell rotorcraft
Military & presidential aircraft
NASA mission platforms
Common STC Project Types
- Glass cockpit conversions — integrated PFD/MFD retrofit, EFIS displays, autopilot integration
- ADS-B Out / In and Mode S transponder STCs — full 2020 mandate compliance
- FANS 1/A+, CPDLC, and SATCOM data link certifications for oceanic operations
- SBAS/WAAS LPV approach capability integration
- VIP/head-of-state interior reconfigurations with cabin systems integration
- Special mission modifications — surveillance, ISR, medevac, aerial firefighting
- Engine and APU change STCs
- Operational capability upgrades — RVSM, RNP, PBN authorization
Why Operators Choose LBAE for STC Work
- FAA DERs in-house — Systems & Equipment, Electrical Systems, and Structures disciplines
- FAA DAR & DMIR personnel for conformity inspection and airworthiness
- AS9100D & ISO 9001:2015 quality system — Cert No. 1119428, ANAB accredited
- FAA-PMA holder (PQ04306CE) — we can manufacture STC kits in-house
- 50+ years of cumulative aviation engineering experience on the leadership team
- Worldwide installation support — on-site engineering during retrofit campaigns
STC Deliverables
Every STC project at LBAE delivers a complete, FAA-acceptable certification package:
Master Drawing List & design data
Structural & electrical load analyses
EMI/EMC & lightning analysis
Software & complex hardware compliance (DO-178C / DO-254)
System Safety Assessment (ARP4761)
Ground & flight test plans/reports
Aircraft Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS)
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an STC take?
Timelines depend on complexity and FAA workload. A focused avionics STC on a well-understood platform can move in 6–12 months. Structural or major systems STCs — particularly with Issue Papers or new Means of Compliance — typically run 12–24 months. We provide a realistic schedule after the initial certification basis assessment.
Can LBAE manufacture the kit too?
Yes. As an FAA-PMA holder (PQ04306CE) with AS9100D-certified manufacturing, LB Aircraft Engineering produces complete avionics kits, harnesses, brackets, and installation hardware to our own STC drawings. One vendor, one certificate of conformance.
Do you handle EASA validation?
Yes. We support EASA validation of FAA STCs and align our compliance documentation with EASA Part 21J expectations to streamline foreign authority approval.
Where can the STC be installed?
Once issued, the STC is valid worldwide for any operator who acquires the rights. We support on-site installation engineering and field changes anywhere our customers operate.
Ready to Start Your STC Project?
Tell us about the platform, the modification, and the deadline. We'll come back with a certification basis, a realistic schedule, and a fixed-price proposal.
Request a Consultation
+1 (305) 704-8734