TYPE CERTIFICATION – 14 CFR 21.17(B)
The TELEGRID Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) model DE-2020 is currently undergoing Type Certification. Type Certification is the approval of the design of the aircraft and all component parts including propellers, motors and RF architecture. It signifies the design is in compliance with applicable airworthiness, noise and other FAA standards. The Means of Compliance (MOC) are through Durability and Reliability (D&R) Flight Testing which observe the UAS performance over several flight hours. The Type Certification is managed by the FAA Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) which is the main ACO for UAS type certification.
In addition to the D&R flight testing is a thorough mechanical design review including the generation of a Master Drawing List, detailed assembly instructions and critical part designation. Part suppliers as well as country of origin are also analyzed to ensure the Type Design is complete and capable of production.
PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE – 14 CFR 21-43
The TELEGRID UAS is also completing a Production Certificate which is the approval to manufacture duplicate products under an FAA-approved type design. The Production Certificate signifies that an organization and its personnel, facilities, and quality system can produce a product or article that conforms to its approved design. TELEGRID is working with the FAA Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) office in Vandalia, OH as well as the the LAACO.
UAS INTEGRATED PILOT PROGRAM (IPP) – > BEYOND
TELEGRID joined the UAS IPP through lead participant, The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Beginning in 2017, the UAS IPP has brought state, local, and tribal governments together with private sector entities, such as UAS operators or manufacturers, to test and evaluate the integration of civil and public drone operations into our national airspace system. The program which has now completed helped the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the FAA craft new rules that support more complex low-altitude operations. TELEGRID is now part of the IPP replacement known as BEYOND.
FAA ASSURE A27 PROJECT
TELEGRID is also the designated multi-rotor participant in the FAA ASSURE A27 Project. The FAA provides research, education, and training grants to universities that comprise the agency’s Air Transportation Center of Excellence (COE) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) also known as Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE). The goal of the A27 Project is to establish risk-based thresholds for approvals needed to certify UAS for safe operation. Participants in the project allow the ASSURE members to analyze and document an ongoing certification process in the hopes of making improvements for applicants. TELEGRID is working with Kansas State University on the A27 Project specifically for multi-rotor aircraft.