Law Summary
Eligibility to Apply
- The applicant must be either the manufacturer or the Type Certificate Holder.
- In special cases, a third party such as an aircraft owner/operator may apply if authorized by the manufacturer or certificate holder.
- The applicant must demonstrate capability to assume responsibility for continuing airworthiness according to ATO and ICAO Annex 8 standards.
Application Procedure
- Applications should be submitted to the Chief, Aviation Safety Division at the Air Transportation Office, forwarded via the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Section.
- Upon receipt, the ATO will:
- Acknowledge the application.
- Define the certification basis.
- Specify required documents beyond those listed.
- Schedule visits to Civil Aviation Authorities and manufacturers' facilities.
- Arrange certification test flights with ATO Aeronautical Engineer participation.
Certification Basis
- Based on applicable Philippine civil air regulations.
- The Assistant Secretary (ASSEC) can grant exemptions if safety is not compromised.
Required Documents for Revalidation (Class I Products)
- Authenticated Type Certificate and Type Certificate Data Sheet.
- Authenticated Supplemental Type Certificate if applicable.
- General aircraft description, design philosophy, and three-view drawings.
- Manufacturer’s compliance checklist for aircraft, engine, or propeller.
- Master Minimum Equipment List and Weight and Balance Program.
- Production test flight report.
- Compliance report on airworthiness directives and service bulletins.
- Service publications and various operation and maintenance manuals.
- Assembly and rigging instructions if assembly occurs in the Philippines.
Privileges Granted
- Eligibility to import the aircraft or Class I product into the Philippines.
- Ability to obtain Philippine airworthiness certificates and registration for the aircraft.
Duration and Validity
- The revalidated certificates remain effective unless surrendered, suspended, revoked, or terminated by the ASSEC.
Approval for Class II and III Products
- Applicants must be the manufacturer or authorized representative.
- Applications submitted to the same office as for Class I, addressed to the Chief, Aviation Safety Division.
- The ATO will:
- Acknowledge applications.
- Request any additional safety-related requirements.
- Schedule technical visits to manufacturing facilities by ATO Aeronautical Engineers.
- Inspections by ATO Aeronautical Engineers mandatory prior to installation on certified Philippine aircraft.
Required Documents for Class II and III Approvals
- Parts Manufacturer Approval or Technical Standard Order.
- Test reports proving compliance with airworthiness standards.
- Agreement proof if product made by entities other than the designer.
- Technical drawings and applicable instructions.
Duration and Eligibility for Installation
- ATO approval effective unless surrendered, suspended, revoked, or terminated by the ASSEC.
- Only ATO-approved Class II and III products may be installed on certified Philippine civil registered aircraft.
Legal Effect
- All previous orders or memoranda conflicting with this circular are rescinded.
- The circular mandates strict compliance and serves as a guide for aviation safety and regulation enforcement in aircraft importation and component approval in the Philippines.