Design changes to Gibraltar-registered aircraft are governed by CAR 21, Chapter 3. Detailed guidance on the application of these requirements is provided in CAP AIR 02, Section 18. The GCAA accepts design changes based on approvals issued by recognised National Aviation Authorities — it does not independently certify designs. Applications are submitted using Form AIR 06.
Classification
Design changes are classified as either minor or major, using the classification assigned by the Type Certificate issuing NAA. The GCAA accepts this classification without reassessment.
Existing Supplemental Type Certificates
All STCs embodied on an aircraft at the time of initial registration in Gibraltar are automatically accepted. Any STC embodied after registration must conform to the certification standard applicable at the time of the aircraft’s initial issue of a Certificate of Airworthiness in Gibraltar.
Minor Design Changes
The GCAA accepts minor design changes approved by an NAA-approved organisation, accepted under the procedures of the Type Certification NAA, or approved under a recognised bilateral arrangement. Where the change affects aircraft operations, continued airworthiness information must be integrated into the Operations Manual, checklists and MEL prior to embodiment.
Major Design Changes
The GCAA accepts a major design change if:
- Approved by the NAA that issued the Type Certificate
- Approved under a recognised bilateral agreement between the FAA, EASA, TCCA, ANAC or UK CAA
- Approved by another eligible NAA, supported by a formal declaration of compliance by an approved design organisation
Upon completion of its review, the GCAA issues a formal acceptance document. Full submission requirements are set out in CAP AIR 02, Section 18.
Service Bulletins
Design changes issued by the Type Certificate Holder via a Service Bulletin are automatically accepted by the GCAA without the need to issue a formal acceptance document, provided the change is approved by the TC issuing NAA or under a recognised bilateral agreement and all continued airworthiness instructions are available and integrated.