[Avionics Today 03-09-2016] The FAA has proposed a new rule to overhaul its existing airworthiness standards for small General Aviation (GA) aircraft. Under the newly proposed rule, the current certification standards for aircraft components and technologies designed for Part 23 aircraft would be replaced with industry recommended performance based standards.
Cirrus SR22T. Photo: Cirrus Aircraft.
“This proposal would improve safety, reduce costs, and leverage innovation to ensure the highest level of safety is designed and built into small airplanes,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “General aviation is vital to the U.S. economy, and this proposal would benefit manufacturers, pilots, and the general aviation community as a whole.”
According to the FAA, the rule is in response to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the Small Airplane Revitalization Act of 2013, which directed the FAA to streamline the approval of safety advancements for small general aviation aircraft. It also addresses recommendations from the FAA’s 2013 Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee.