SR&ED for aerospace
Aerospace work can be exacting, safety-critical and still routine.
Precision is not the SR&ED test.
Look for the point where available methods could not resolve a structural, thermal, aerodynamic, propulsion or controls problem, then follow the experiments and analysis used to investigate it.
Locate the test designed to answer the unknown
- Weight, strength, thermal or aerodynamic work where established methods could not reach the combined target.
- Composite, additive or other material investigations where behaviour under the actual load and environment could not be predicted.
- Manufacturing or assembly-process experiments undertaken because the outcome was not available from known practice.
- Avionics, controls or systems work where a new constraint required competing approaches to be tested or analysed.
Certification is not the same as experimentation
Design to an established standard or reference, certification testing that confirms compliance, routine maintenance and overhaul, and build-to-print manufacturing generally fall outside SR&ED. Separate earlier experimental work from the later evidence used to certify the resulting design.
Correlate the model, test article and change
Test-article results, ground or flight data, wind-tunnel runs, material coupon results and simulation correlation can show the investigation. Keep the configuration and engineering change with each result so the reviewer can tell which version was actually tested.
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Frequently asked questions
Testing that confirms compliance with a known standard is generally routine. Review any earlier experimental work separately against both CRA requirements.
No. Build-to-print work and engineering by established methods are routine. Review any separate investigation where known methods could not resolve a technological problem within the specification.
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These industry examples are prompts for a fact-specific review, not categories guaranteed to qualify. Work must be conducted in Canada and meet both current CRA requirements; support work must directly support and be commensurate with eligible work. This is general information, not tax advice, and has not been reviewed by an independent qualified tax professional. See our editorial policy.