Rosen Visors' Certification at a Glance
For most Rosen installations on U.S.-registered type-certificated aircraft, the installation will fall into one of the following general categories:
Certifying an installation of Rosen STC'd or NORSEE'd systems as part of the aircraft is quite simple. It just needs a logbook entry by your A&P following installation. Rosen has many STCs covering a huge amount of the most popular aircraft. Almost every Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Mooney and many more. Rosen also has the newer NORSEE approval on some select systems, but for the owner/installer, the basic installation and certification process between these two paths is almost the same:
Under the supervision of appropriately certificated A&P:
If Rosen does not have an STC or NORSEE approved system for your certified aircraft, then there are two more options.
- Installation under an applicable Rosen FAA STC
- Installation of a Rosen NORSEE-accepted system under the conditions of its FAA authorization
- Installation as a minor alteration when determined appropriate by the installer
- Installation as a major alteration using applicable FAA-approved data, which may include an FAA field approval
Certifying an installation of Rosen STC'd or NORSEE'd systems as part of the aircraft is quite simple. It just needs a logbook entry by your A&P following installation. Rosen has many STCs covering a huge amount of the most popular aircraft. Almost every Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Mooney and many more. Rosen also has the newer NORSEE approval on some select systems, but for the owner/installer, the basic installation and certification process between these two paths is almost the same:
Under the supervision of appropriately certificated A&P:
- Confirm appropriate system,
- Install the visors
- Inspect the Installation
- Make an airframe logbook entry
If Rosen does not have an STC or NORSEE approved system for your certified aircraft, then there are two more options.
Minor Alterations
14 CFR Part 21.93 defines a minor change. For some Rosen Sunvisor Systems this may be applicable, especially for those that do not require any alteration to the aircraft's structure to facilitate installation (such as clamping on to existing structure.) The following is the text regarding a minor change:
14 CFR Part 21.93 defines a minor change. For some Rosen Sunvisor Systems this may be applicable, especially for those that do not require any alteration to the aircraft's structure to facilitate installation (such as clamping on to existing structure.) The following is the text regarding a minor change:
14CFR § 21.93 Classification of changes in type design.
(a) In addition to changes in type design specified in paragraph (b) of this section, changes in type design are classified as minor and major. A “minor change” is one that has no appreciable effect on the weight, balance, structural strength, reliability, operational characteristics, or other characteristics affecting the airworthiness of the product. All other changes are “major changes” (except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section).
Major Alterations
If there is no STC or NORSEE approval, and the alteration doesn't fall into the minor alterations category above, then the last option is a Major Alteration, Form 337 "Field Approval". Depending on the complexity of the installation, this can be a lengthy and expensive option, however it is the only remaining to get permanently mounted sunvisors into the aircraft.
If there is no STC or NORSEE approval, and the alteration doesn't fall into the minor alterations category above, then the last option is a Major Alteration, Form 337 "Field Approval". Depending on the complexity of the installation, this can be a lengthy and expensive option, however it is the only remaining to get permanently mounted sunvisors into the aircraft.
Can Rosen just get an STC for my Airplane?
Rosen always wants to support every aircraft, and will always take a request for an STC or NORSEE approval into consideration. Of course, Rosen does need to evaluate the ROI for such a development. Certification requires approximately 6 to 12 months of work by our engineering and quality administration teams. Most of that is preparing information for, and then communicating and coordinating with the FAA. The cost is generally between $8,000 to $15,000, depending on complexity of the installation and the number of revisions needed.
If we're looking at a fleet of 50 potential aircraft that are no longer in production, then the ROI will likely not be able to justify the expense. If a fleet is 100 aircraft and growing (currently in production) then Rosen will strongly consider taking on the project. If it's a matter of adding a model to an existing STC, likewise this is still a bit of a process, but obviously less than a new development.
If an OEM wants to add a sunvisor installation as part of their Type Certificate, Rosen is always willing to discuss development opportunities.
Rosen always wants to support every aircraft, and will always take a request for an STC or NORSEE approval into consideration. Of course, Rosen does need to evaluate the ROI for such a development. Certification requires approximately 6 to 12 months of work by our engineering and quality administration teams. Most of that is preparing information for, and then communicating and coordinating with the FAA. The cost is generally between $8,000 to $15,000, depending on complexity of the installation and the number of revisions needed.
If we're looking at a fleet of 50 potential aircraft that are no longer in production, then the ROI will likely not be able to justify the expense. If a fleet is 100 aircraft and growing (currently in production) then Rosen will strongly consider taking on the project. If it's a matter of adding a model to an existing STC, likewise this is still a bit of a process, but obviously less than a new development.
If an OEM wants to add a sunvisor installation as part of their Type Certificate, Rosen is always willing to discuss development opportunities.
STC Installation and Return to Service Process
Installing a Rosen Sunvisor System Under an FAA STC
Most Rosen Sunvisor Systems for certificated aircraft are supplied with an applicable FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and installation documentation.
An STC is an FAA approval of a modification to an aircraft's original type design. Because the engineering and certification basis for the Rosen installation has already been approved through the STC process, the aircraft owner does not need to obtain a new STC or seek a separate FAA design approval for each installation, provided the aircraft and installation are covered by the applicable Rosen STC and the installation is performed in accordance with its approved data as follows:
1. Confirm aircraft eligibility.
Verify that the aircraft make and model are included in the applicable Rosen STC/Approved Model List and that the correct Rosen system is being installed.
2. Review the Rosen installation documentation.
The installer should follow the applicable Rosen installation instructions, drawings and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness supplied for the system.
3. Install the sunvisor system.
An appropriately authorized person performs the installation in accordance with the Rosen STC and installation instructions. This can be an owner installation, provided proper oversight and inspection by an A&P as per 14 CFR § 43.3(d).
4. Inspect and verify the installation.
An A&P should confirm proper mounting and operation and ensure that the installation conforms to the applicable Rosen approved data. Any interaction with previously installed modifications must also be evaluated. The STC itself requires determination that previously approved modifications do not adversely affect the airworthiness of the aircraft when combined with the Rosen installation.
5. Update weight and balance as applicable.
Rosen provides the installed system weights and directs the installer to account for the removed original visors in the aircraft's weight-and-balance calculation.
6. Make the required aircraft maintenance-record entry.
For Rosen systems whose installation instructions specify an STC installation requiring a logbook entry, the completed installation is documented in the aircraft maintenance records. An FAA Form 337 is not required. The applicable Rosen instructions should always be consulted because documentation requirements can differ between systems and approvals.
7. Retain the STC documentation.
The applicable STC and Approved Model List should remain with the permanent records of the modified aircraft, as required by the Rosen STC.
8. Maintain the system according to Rosen's ICA.
After installation, follow the applicable Rosen Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. For this system, Rosen specifies periodic cleaning, tension adjustment and slide lubrication and states that there are no additional airworthiness limitations associated with the installation.
Does the FAA Have to Inspect the Aircraft?
Normally, no. This is one of the biggest misconceptions customers may have about an STC installation.
The FAA has already evaluated and approved the modification through the STC certification process. During that process, the FAA determines that the supporting technical data are satisfactory, required testing and compliance inspections have been completed, and the alteration conforms to the approved technical data.
Therefore, when a Rosen system is subsequently installed on an eligible aircraft exactly in accordance with that STC, there ordinarily isn't a need for the local FAA office to separately evaluate or approve the design.
The certificated maintenance personnel performing and inspecting the installation use the Rosen STC as the FAA-approved data supporting the alteration, and an appropriate entry is made in the aircraft's airframe logbook.
Can an aircraft owner install it themselves?
For an STC installation, the work must be performed by or under the supervision of a certified A&P to meet the regulations of 14 CFR § 43.3(d). It is up to the owner(s) and the A & P to determine the process to
Most Rosen Sunvisor Systems for certificated aircraft are supplied with an applicable FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and installation documentation.
An STC is an FAA approval of a modification to an aircraft's original type design. Because the engineering and certification basis for the Rosen installation has already been approved through the STC process, the aircraft owner does not need to obtain a new STC or seek a separate FAA design approval for each installation, provided the aircraft and installation are covered by the applicable Rosen STC and the installation is performed in accordance with its approved data as follows:
1. Confirm aircraft eligibility.
Verify that the aircraft make and model are included in the applicable Rosen STC/Approved Model List and that the correct Rosen system is being installed.
2. Review the Rosen installation documentation.
The installer should follow the applicable Rosen installation instructions, drawings and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness supplied for the system.
3. Install the sunvisor system.
An appropriately authorized person performs the installation in accordance with the Rosen STC and installation instructions. This can be an owner installation, provided proper oversight and inspection by an A&P as per 14 CFR § 43.3(d).
4. Inspect and verify the installation.
An A&P should confirm proper mounting and operation and ensure that the installation conforms to the applicable Rosen approved data. Any interaction with previously installed modifications must also be evaluated. The STC itself requires determination that previously approved modifications do not adversely affect the airworthiness of the aircraft when combined with the Rosen installation.
5. Update weight and balance as applicable.
Rosen provides the installed system weights and directs the installer to account for the removed original visors in the aircraft's weight-and-balance calculation.
6. Make the required aircraft maintenance-record entry.
For Rosen systems whose installation instructions specify an STC installation requiring a logbook entry, the completed installation is documented in the aircraft maintenance records. An FAA Form 337 is not required. The applicable Rosen instructions should always be consulted because documentation requirements can differ between systems and approvals.
7. Retain the STC documentation.
The applicable STC and Approved Model List should remain with the permanent records of the modified aircraft, as required by the Rosen STC.
8. Maintain the system according to Rosen's ICA.
After installation, follow the applicable Rosen Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. For this system, Rosen specifies periodic cleaning, tension adjustment and slide lubrication and states that there are no additional airworthiness limitations associated with the installation.
Does the FAA Have to Inspect the Aircraft?
Normally, no. This is one of the biggest misconceptions customers may have about an STC installation.
The FAA has already evaluated and approved the modification through the STC certification process. During that process, the FAA determines that the supporting technical data are satisfactory, required testing and compliance inspections have been completed, and the alteration conforms to the approved technical data.
Therefore, when a Rosen system is subsequently installed on an eligible aircraft exactly in accordance with that STC, there ordinarily isn't a need for the local FAA office to separately evaluate or approve the design.
The certificated maintenance personnel performing and inspecting the installation use the Rosen STC as the FAA-approved data supporting the alteration, and an appropriate entry is made in the aircraft's airframe logbook.
Can an aircraft owner install it themselves?
For an STC installation, the work must be performed by or under the supervision of a certified A&P to meet the regulations of 14 CFR § 43.3(d). It is up to the owner(s) and the A & P to determine the process to
NORSEE Installation and Return to Service Process
What is NORSEE?
NORSEE stands for Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment. The FAA created the NORSEE process to provide a streamlined pathway for certain equipment that can enhance safety or aircraft operation but is not required equipment for the aircraft. In practice, both the Rosen certification process and the installation and sign off process are very similar to our STC'd systems.
Rosen has received FAA NORSEE acceptance for specific sunvisor systems. Currently this includes the Piper Aztec, Piper Apache, and Piper Navajo/Chieftan sunvisor systems.
These systems are manufactured under the guidance and control of 14 CFR §21.8(d) for NORSEE articles.
The FAA's NORSEE acceptance evaluates the article and its intended function. The installation must still meet the applicable FAA requirements and be determined appropriate for the individual aircraft.
How Does a Rosen NORSEE Installation Work?
For the Rosen systems covered by this authorization, the FAA allows the equipment to be installed as a minor alteration on a nonpressurized aircraft certificated under 14 CFR Part 23 or its predecessor regulations, provided the applicable requirements of 14 CFR §§1.1 and 43 Appendix A are met and the installation does not detrimentally obstruct the pilot's view of required instrumentation, equipment, or other necessary items.
In practical terms, the process looks like this:
1. Select the applicable Rosen NORSEE system.
The aircraft and Rosen system must fall within the eligibility and authorized function covered by the applicable NORSEE documentation.
2. The installer evaluates the application.
The installer is responsible for determining that the installation meets the applicable FAA requirements and the conditions of the NORSEE authorization before beginning the installation. NORSEE does not eliminate the normal responsibility for determining that an alteration is appropriate for the aircraft.
3. Install the system in accordance with Rosen's instructions.
Rosen provides the applicable installation instructions, product maintenance information, parts information, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). The ICA specifically states that it must be followed when these sunvisor systems are installed under the NORSEE conditions. This installation can be done by an owner, provided they are capable and knowledgeable, and that the work is appropriately supervised as per 14 CFR § 43.3(d).
4. Complete and inspect the installation.
Once installation is complete by a capable individual, a certified A&P must inspect the final installation and verify that the installation is satisfactory and that the aircraft can be returned to service.
For these Rosen NORSEE installations, this includes ensuring that the sunvisor installation does not detrimentally obstruct the pilot's view of required instruments or equipment—one of the specific conditions contained in the FAA's NORSEE installation eligibility language.
The installer should also verify proper operation of the visor, including its movement, retention and adjustment. Rosen's maintenance instructions specify that the pivot tensions should allow free movement while still supporting the visor in its extended and stowed positions.
5. The Installation Is Documented in the Aircraft Maintenance Records
The installation is documented through the aircraft's maintenance records (in the aircraft's airframe logbook) in accordance with the applicable requirements of 14 CFR Part 43. This is similar to Rosen's STC installations.
What Does This Mean for Aircraft Owners?
For aircraft owners, there is not much difference between a Rosen NORSEE and STC installation. Each is a pretty simple process to upgrade an aircraft . Rosen has done all the legwork to investigate the applicability in each aircraft, worked with the FAA to verify the installations, and agreed upon and provided the appropriate paperwork.
Once installed, owners should follow the applicable Rosen Product Maintenance Manual and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. For the Aztec/Apache systems, for example, Rosen specifies periodic cleaning, inspection and adjustment of the visor system.
NORSEE stands for Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment. The FAA created the NORSEE process to provide a streamlined pathway for certain equipment that can enhance safety or aircraft operation but is not required equipment for the aircraft. In practice, both the Rosen certification process and the installation and sign off process are very similar to our STC'd systems.
Rosen has received FAA NORSEE acceptance for specific sunvisor systems. Currently this includes the Piper Aztec, Piper Apache, and Piper Navajo/Chieftan sunvisor systems.
These systems are manufactured under the guidance and control of 14 CFR §21.8(d) for NORSEE articles.
The FAA's NORSEE acceptance evaluates the article and its intended function. The installation must still meet the applicable FAA requirements and be determined appropriate for the individual aircraft.
How Does a Rosen NORSEE Installation Work?
For the Rosen systems covered by this authorization, the FAA allows the equipment to be installed as a minor alteration on a nonpressurized aircraft certificated under 14 CFR Part 23 or its predecessor regulations, provided the applicable requirements of 14 CFR §§1.1 and 43 Appendix A are met and the installation does not detrimentally obstruct the pilot's view of required instrumentation, equipment, or other necessary items.
In practical terms, the process looks like this:
1. Select the applicable Rosen NORSEE system.
The aircraft and Rosen system must fall within the eligibility and authorized function covered by the applicable NORSEE documentation.
2. The installer evaluates the application.
The installer is responsible for determining that the installation meets the applicable FAA requirements and the conditions of the NORSEE authorization before beginning the installation. NORSEE does not eliminate the normal responsibility for determining that an alteration is appropriate for the aircraft.
3. Install the system in accordance with Rosen's instructions.
Rosen provides the applicable installation instructions, product maintenance information, parts information, and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). The ICA specifically states that it must be followed when these sunvisor systems are installed under the NORSEE conditions. This installation can be done by an owner, provided they are capable and knowledgeable, and that the work is appropriately supervised as per 14 CFR § 43.3(d).
4. Complete and inspect the installation.
Once installation is complete by a capable individual, a certified A&P must inspect the final installation and verify that the installation is satisfactory and that the aircraft can be returned to service.
For these Rosen NORSEE installations, this includes ensuring that the sunvisor installation does not detrimentally obstruct the pilot's view of required instruments or equipment—one of the specific conditions contained in the FAA's NORSEE installation eligibility language.
The installer should also verify proper operation of the visor, including its movement, retention and adjustment. Rosen's maintenance instructions specify that the pivot tensions should allow free movement while still supporting the visor in its extended and stowed positions.
5. The Installation Is Documented in the Aircraft Maintenance Records
The installation is documented through the aircraft's maintenance records (in the aircraft's airframe logbook) in accordance with the applicable requirements of 14 CFR Part 43. This is similar to Rosen's STC installations.
What Does This Mean for Aircraft Owners?
For aircraft owners, there is not much difference between a Rosen NORSEE and STC installation. Each is a pretty simple process to upgrade an aircraft . Rosen has done all the legwork to investigate the applicability in each aircraft, worked with the FAA to verify the installations, and agreed upon and provided the appropriate paperwork.
Once installed, owners should follow the applicable Rosen Product Maintenance Manual and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. For the Aztec/Apache systems, for example, Rosen specifies periodic cleaning, inspection and adjustment of the visor system.
Certified Aircraft with no STC or NORSEE approval
Photo Credit - Vilensija, CC BY-SA 3.0 Don't see your aircraft listed?
Rosen Universal Sunvisor Systems may be suitable for installation on some type-certificated aircraft that are not currently covered by a Rosen STC or NORSEE authorization. Because each aircraft and installation is different, additional FAA approval or documentation may be required.
Before purchasing or installing a universal system on a certificated aircraft, contact Rosen and your aircraft maintenance professional. Rosen can provide available product and engineering information to assist your installer in evaluating the proposed installation to determine if it is a minor or major alteration. Depending on the aircraft and installation, the alteration may be eligible for approval as a minor alteration or through an aircraft-specific FAA field approval.
Do not install a Rosen Universal Sunvisor System on a type-certificated aircraft without first establishing an appropriate FAA installation and return-to-service basis.
Rosen Universal Sunvisor Systems may be suitable for installation on some type-certificated aircraft that are not currently covered by a Rosen STC or NORSEE authorization. Because each aircraft and installation is different, additional FAA approval or documentation may be required.
Before purchasing or installing a universal system on a certificated aircraft, contact Rosen and your aircraft maintenance professional. Rosen can provide available product and engineering information to assist your installer in evaluating the proposed installation to determine if it is a minor or major alteration. Depending on the aircraft and installation, the alteration may be eligible for approval as a minor alteration or through an aircraft-specific FAA field approval.
Do not install a Rosen Universal Sunvisor System on a type-certificated aircraft without first establishing an appropriate FAA installation and return-to-service basis.