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Document that lists serial number effectivity

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 3 of 37 on Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications. ACS element AM.I.I.K23 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAccording to FAA-H-8083-30B, which document defines a product design change and lists the serial number effectivity of that change?

  1. AThe supplemental type certificate (STC)
  2. BThe Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin
  3. CThe aircraft's Certificate of Registration
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The supplemental type certificate (STC)

  • A — correct The handbook states that the STC defines the product design change, states how the modification affects the existing type design, and lists serial number effectivity.
  • B — incorrect A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is a non-regulatory information tool that alerts and makes recommendations; it does not approve a design change.
  • C — incorrect The Certificate of Registration documents ownership of an aircraft and has nothing to do with design changes.

BACKGROUND

When an aircraft design is formally approved for manufacturing, the FAA issues a type certificate (TC), which may not be changed except by formal FAA authorization. That authorization supplements the original TC and is called a supplemental type certificate (STC). FAA-H-8083-30B chapter 2 explains that the STC approves a product modification, defines the product design change, states how the modification affects the existing type design, and lists serial number effectivity. It also identifies the certification basis, listing the specific regulatory compliance for the design change, which helps applicants evaluating compatibility with other STC modifications. A technician uses the effectivity listing to confirm that a given airframe, engine, or propeller serial number is covered before installing the modification.

STUDY TIP

When a question asks which document tells you the serial numbers a modification may be installed on, think STC; the TCDS describes the original type design.

KEY POINTS

  • An STC is the FAA's formal authorization for a change to a type design.
  • The STC lists the serial number effectivity of the modification.
  • It also states the certification basis for the design change.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch02 "Supplemental Type Certificates (STC)"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.