Change Management of Design, Development and Certification Processes of an Experimental Aircraft

This Master Thesis has been developed within the Leonardo S.p.a. - Helicopters Division - Airworthiness Office - located in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Varese, Italy. The work presented through this Thesis has been part of an Internship carried out at the Company Facilities. In the dynamic aviation industry, the ability to modify and update aircraft designs while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance is of paramount importance. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the company background of the work of managing the design, development and certification processes associated with changes to an aircraft type certificate. This research delves into the intricate procedures and issues that arise when seeking to modify or enhance an aircraft’s type certificate. The study investigates the regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and certification procedures that govern the changes to Type Certificates, focusing on the pivotal role of aviation agency and emphasize the need for rigorous project management an effective risk assessment in order to obtain certification. The research focuses on the methodologies implemented and currently used within the Leonardo Helicopter Division and stresses the importance of the both within the Company and between the latter, its external suppliers and the Authority. Chapter 1 is dedicated to a historical overview of the Company. This section delved into the Company ’s evolution, highlighting keys milestones, innovations and transformations that have shaped its identity and capabilities within the aerospace industry. Chapter 2 delves into the indispensable role of the airworthiness, emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety & reliability of an experimental aircraft and the criteria for establishing certification requirements. The chapter explores the airworthiness definition, regulatory frameworks and the core principles that guide the development of aircraft that adhere to stringent safety criteria. Chapter 3 introduces Part 21 of the aviation regulations and concept of the Type Certificate. It elucidates the foundation upon which experimental aircraft certification is built, emphasizing the role of regulatory authorities in defining the standards and requirements that must be met for an aircraft to be deemed airworthy. Chapter 4 delves into the intricacies of Subparts of Part 21. This section explores the specific subparts’ regulation, focusing on the compliance criteria that must be satisfied. Chapter 5, the final chapter, scrutinizes change management within the context of the certification process established by the Company. It elucidates the procedures & implemented processes necessary to navigate modifications to the Type Certificate successfully.