What does it mean to demonstrate compliance when seeking airworthiness certification for a modification?

• A. Show that the modification is inexpensive.
• B. Show that design, installation, and testing meet standards and proper approval and recording.
• C. Show that the alteration has not been approved.
• D. Show only that the design exists.

Answer: (B)

Demonstrating compliance means providing verifiable evidence that the modification, from its design through installation and testing, was developed and performed to meet the applicable airworthiness standards, and that the proper approvals and recording are in place. This includes using approved design data or a previously approved design (such as an STC or PMA), ensuring the installation follows that approved data, and conducting or validating testing to confirm that performance and safety requirements are satisfied. It also involves obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and updating the aircraft’s records to reflect the modification, so the modification is officially recognized and traceable in the airworthiness documentation.

Choosing that the modification is inexpensive does not address safety or regulatory compliance. Claiming the alteration has not been approved fails to meet the fundamental requirement of authorization. Merely showing that the design exists provides insufficient evidence without demonstrating that the design, installation, testing, and documentation meet the standards and approvals required for airworthiness.