Update to new TC specifications

[Ed Haywood]

I have a 1978 Bellanca Decathlon 8KCAB. The Type Certificate holder for that aircraft is now American Champion Aircraft (ACA). The aircraft is still in production. ACA has made various design improvements and specification changes over the years. Some updates are very trivial, like swapping the rubber battery box for an aluminum one. Others are very non-trivial, like replacing wood spar wings with metal spar wings.

Appendix A to Part 43 states (emphasis added):

(a) Major alterations -
(1) Airframe major alterations. Alterations of the following parts and alterations of the following types, when not listed in the aircraft specifications issued by the FAA, are airframe major alterations.​

So does that mean that any updates to an aircraft to conform to the new TC specifications would be minor alterations and require only a logbook entry?

Or, would the nature of the alteration sometimes cause it be considered a major repair, if listed in Appendix 43(b) Major Repairs, and thus require a 337?

 

[Bell206]

So does that mean that any updates to an aircraft to conform to the new TC specifications would be minor alterations and require only a logbook entry?

Yes. Its always been that way provided the OEM provides the alteration. But technically it is not the "TC specs" but specifically the "aircraft specification" which are part of the type design which in turn is part of the type certification.
However, before you jump down that hole be sure to verify with the OEM the alteration is part of your specific aircraft specifications. Some times there are S/N splits with aircraft specifications which are no longer listed or revised on the TCDS in some cases.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

If the part number in the IPC exists for your SN.....replacing the part is a minor ....just a log book entry.

 

[Ed Haywood]

Yes. Its always been that way provided the OEM provides the alteration.

By "provides the alteration" do you mean provide data and parts, or does that mean actually perform the alteration?

 

[Bell206]

By "provides the alteration" do you mean provide data and parts, or does that mean actually perform the alteration?

Primarily data and parts if applicable.