Successful Annual Meeting of the Type Certification Board (TCB) for the Starair SA160L Five-Seater Aircraft

On March 10, 2023, the annual meeting of the Type Certification Board (TCB) for the SA160L five-seater aircraft was successfully held at Hunan Starair Technology Co., Ltd. The meeting was chaired by Wang Xiaoming, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Airworthiness Certification Center of China. TCB members and TCT representatives from various units, including the Civil Aviation Airworthiness Certification Center of China, Shenyang Certification Center, Guangzhou Certification Sub-center, Shanghai Certification Center, Southwest Regional Administration, and the Aircraft Evaluation Center of AVIC, attended the meeting along with Starair Technology's Chairman He Qinghua and relevant personnel.

At the meeting, TCB Director Wang Xiaoming announced the updated list of TCB members for the SA160L aircraft project. Starair Technology's General Manager Deng Yu introduced the development history and products of Starair Technology. Project leader Zhou Zhidong presented the design features, development progress, and work plan for the SA160L aircraft, while TCT Team Leader Fu Lihua discussed the type certification status. The TCB focused on key discussions regarding the design assurance system, adjustment of review team members, certification basis, and formed resolutions during the meeting.

Chairman He Qinghua expressed gratitude to the TCB members and TCT representatives for their support of the SA160L project. He emphasized, "The SA160L aircraft is a strategic product for the future development of Starair Technology. We will carefully implement the committee's opinions and requirements, fully utilize internal and external resources, thoroughly study safety standards, continuously improve the design assurance system, and strictly adhere to regulations. We will fully promote the type development and certification work in accordance with the agreed conformity verification plan with the authorities."

Finally, TCB Director Wang Xiaoming stressed the importance of the applicant adhering to the principles of "safety first, quality first, consistent, and persistent efforts" and learning from industry experiences. He urged the continuous improvement of product design and adherence to the principles of "clause measurement, data-driven decisions" during the airworthiness certification process, wishing for the early completion of the airworthiness certification for the SA160L aircraft.

The successful conclusion of this annual TCB meeting marks an important milestone in the airworthiness certification work for the SA160L aircraft, serving as a crucial link between past and future efforts. It has provided clear guidance for subsequent work, and Starair Technology will fully promote the type development and certification work, aiming to bring the SA160L aircraft to market by 2025.