A modification that, if listed in FAA Aircraft Specifications, would cause a major alteration to be treated as minor.

A modification that, if listed in FAA Aircraft Specifications, would cause a major alteration to be treated as minor.

• A. It is listed in Aircraft Specifications issued by the FAA
• B. It is listed in Supplemental Type Certificates
• C. It is listed in Manufacturer's Maintenance Manual
• D. It is listed in an Airworthiness Directive

Answer: (A)

When considering how alterations are classified, there’s a special case tied to the aircraft’s approved design. If a modification is already listed in the FAA Aircraft Specifications (the approved type design) for that airplane, installing that modification does not create a new or changed type design. It’s viewed as part of the already-approved configuration, so it is treated as a minor alteration rather than a major one. In other words, the modification is considered permissible within the existing design without needing separate certification for airworthiness. The other options don’t create this effect. A Supplemental Type Certificate represents a separate approval for a modification and does not automatically convert a major alteration into a minor one. A Manufacturer’s Maintenance Manual is just guidance for maintenance procedures and does not redefine the authorization status of a design change. An Airworthiness Directive is a directive to remediate an unsafe condition and does not alter how a modification is classified in the type design.

When considering how alterations are classified, there’s a special case tied to the aircraft’s approved design. If a modification is already listed in the FAA Aircraft Specifications (the approved type design) for that airplane, installing that modification does not create a new or changed type design. It’s viewed as part of the already-approved configuration, so it is treated as a minor alteration rather than a major one. In other words, the modification is considered permissible within the existing design without needing separate certification for airworthiness.

The other options don’t create this effect. A Supplemental Type Certificate represents a separate approval for a modification and does not automatically convert a major alteration into a minor one. A Manufacturer’s Maintenance Manual is just guidance for maintenance procedures and does not redefine the authorization status of a design change. An Airworthiness Directive is a directive to remediate an unsafe condition and does not alter how a modification is classified in the type design.