A Technical Standard Order (TSO) is a minimum performance standard issued by the Administrator for specified materials, parts, processes, and appliances used on civil aircraft. TSOs can be viewed by Current, Active Historical, or Canceled. Current TSOs are the approved FAA performance standard that the applicant must use to receive a TSO authorization. Active Historical TSOs are for previously approved TSO authorizations. Canceled TSOs are for reference only...
A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is a document issued by the Federal Aviation Administration approving a product (aircraft, engine, or propeller) modification. The STC 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 specific regulatory compliance for the design change. Information contained in the certification basis is helpful for those applicants proposing subsequent product modifications and evaluating certification basis compatibility with other STC modifications...
The Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) database is a repository of Make and Model information. The TCDS is a formal description of the aircraft, engine or propeller. It lists limitations and information required for type certification including airspeed limits, weight limits, thrust limitations, etc...