Study on Key Certification Issues of Composite Airframe Structures for Commercial Transport Airplane

In order to facilitate the type certification of COMAC C919 airplane and type validation of Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Bombardier CSeries airplane, this paper presents a study on key certification issues introduced by extensive use of composite on airframe structures for commercial transport airplane. Firstly, the background and application of six Special Conditions concerned are studied in detail. Secondly, such Special Conditions are classified into two applicability sorts, then the establishment and substantiation issues are discussed, some suggestions/ emphases are given. Finally, conclusions are provided with possible regulations evolvement, challenges faced and a solution proposed for the key certification issues.