Which certificate is issued by the authorities to force some changes on a type-certificated product?

The Standardized Technical Change (STC) is a certificate issued by aviation authorities that allows for modifications or changes to be made to an already type-certificated product, such as an aircraft or its components. This certificate is essential in the aviation industry because it provides a regulated framework for altering the original design or performance capabilities of an aircraft or its systems while ensuring that safety and compliance standards remain intact.

Obtaining an STC indicates that the modified product continues to meet the safety standards required for operation, and it allows operators to implement enhancements or necessary adjustments without needing to go through the full type certification process again. This flexibility is crucial for manufacturers and operators who may want to upgrade systems, integrate new technologies, or address specific operational needs.

While other types of certificates like the Type Certificate, Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A), and Certificate of Conformity play vital roles in aviation regulation, they do not specifically focus on authorizing changes to existing type-certificated products in the way that an STC does. The Type Certificate confirms that a design meets regulatory standards, the C of A certifies that an individual aircraft is airworthy, and the Certificate of Conformity demonstrates that products meet specified design and production standards but do not directly