Aircraft buyer guide
Aircraft STC lookup: research a modification before a prebuy
Search the FAA’s supplemental type certificate resources for the modification, then compare the approval with the aircraft’s installation records and actual configuration. Finding an STC does not establish that it was installed on this aircraft or remains installed today.
By Aerovidence · Reviewed
What an STC identifies
A supplemental type certificate approves a change from a product’s original design, including its effect on that design. The FAA links its approved-STC search through the Dynamic Regulatory System. Use the exact STC identifier where you have it and retain the official reference.
- Copy the STC identifier and modification description from the documents.
- Open the FAA STC resource and follow its official database link.
- Compare the holder, applicable product and described modification.
- Record the version or revision shown and any unresolved mismatch.
Official references: FAA Supplemental Type Certificates. Sources checked .
Match the approval to evidence of installation
A listing may name an upgrade without supplying the installation record. Keep three distinct questions in your notes: what design was approved, what work was recorded on this aircraft, and what is installed now.
| Evidence | Question it helps answer |
|---|---|
| STC and applicable-model information | Which design change and product scope does the approval describe? |
| Installation and maintenance records | What work was recorded for this specific aircraft or component? |
| Referenced Form 337 or supporting approval | Which document connects the change to the recorded work? |
| Inspection of the actual aircraft | Does the observed configuration agree with the documents? |
Request the applicable supporting material
Ask the seller and mechanic which instructions, flight-manual supplements and continued-airworthiness material belong with the modification. The FAA describes these responsibilities for STC holders. A catalogue listing is not the complete installation or operating package.
Official references: FAA STC holder responsibilities. Sources checked .
Respect permissions and document rights
FAA guidance says that installing another party’s STC requires contacting the holder for written permission. Its drawings and related information belong to the holder; public discovery does not grant access or redistribution rights. Use the holder or official records route to resolve missing material instead of relying on an unofficial download.
Official references: FAA STC installation and aircraft records. Sources checked .
Carry configuration changes into the AD review
Ask the mechanic whether the documented modification or component change affects the applicable directives and inspection questions. Do not infer engine, propeller, appliance or part configuration from the base aircraft model. Missing installation evidence remains an open item. Aerovidence links research sources; it does not establish an installed-STC list or approve an installation.
Official references: FAA AD applicability and compliance. Sources checked .
Check the public records first
How Aerovidence handles evidence · Sources and coverage limits
Continue your research
FAA Form 337: reading major repair and alteration records
Learn what an FAA Form 337 records, where to request copies, and which identity, work-description and supporting-document questions to bring to a prebuy.
Aircraft AD search: applicability is not compliance
Search FAA airworthiness directives using airframe, engine, propeller and equipment details, and separate possible applicability from compliance evidence.
Aircraft logbook review: questions for a prebuy
Prepare an aircraft logbook review with an independent mechanic: check identities, dates, continuity, repairs, component changes and missing evidence.
Aircraft prebuy records checklist
Organize aircraft identity, public events, maintenance logs, AD evidence and title questions before a pre-purchase inspection.