Final answer:
A type certificate is an official document that confirms an aircraft's airworthiness, while a type certificate data sheet provides detailed technical information about the aircraft's characteristics and limitations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A type certificate is an official document issued by regulatory authorities to confirm that an aircraft design meets the required safety standards. It indicates that the manufacturer has demonstrated compliance with the necessary regulations and the aircraft is airworthy.
A type certificate data sheet (TCDS) is a document that provides detailed technical information about the design, construction, and operational limitations of an aircraft type. It includes information on dimensions, performance characteristics, engine specifications, and weight limits.
The main difference between a type certificate and a type certificate data sheet is that the former is the official document certifying the aircraft design, while the latter is a technical document that provides specific details about the aircraft's characteristics and limitations.